DIY PC lighting steps?

[Twisted-1]

How would I go about modifying my Light fixture to house PC lights. I see alot of modded fixtures but no instructions on how.
So what all do I have to do and how?
What type of ballasts and wiring steps do I need to take and how do I set up a reflector?
What materials should I use?
It is only to house 1 or 2 , 21 inch 65 watts buld. So I am not to concerned about heat. Also what alternatives could I do instead?

Step by step instructions would be great. Thanx

[TheReefGeek]

1. What size is your tank.
2. What is your existing hood like

Why have you chosen PCs, what are you planning to keep in your tank?

[targa81]

I came across this site and was curious. I need more light on my nano but not sure if it's worth the risk of burning down the house to save a few $$:
http://chrys.addr.com/aquarium/diy.htm

[TheReefGeek]

In that link:

That is for a planted tank, the bulbs are all wrong. You can get 20w 50/50 PC bulbs that would work though, from coralife. Not very powerfull, but it depends on what you are trying to keep alive.

The hinged hood is nice though.

I would go with a proper retrofit kit that has a reflector, proper ballast, and sockets. If that fits into your existing hood, you are done. Otherwise you are looking at buying or making a hood to hold the lighting.

[Twisted-1]

That is a bit of a scary way to set up lights.

My fixture is just a standard light that came with the tank, but I want to gut out the existing flourecent tube so I can keep the tank looking clean. No oversized fixture hanging off the top. Its a 33 gallon. I am open to different lights but I have some spare bulbs that I can use for the set up, thats why I was looking to use my PCs.

[TheReefGeek]

Is this to keep corals alive, or just for a brighter looking tank?

Gutting the typical strip light does not usually give enough room to upgrade, but it depends.

Post some pictures of your existing hood so we can give some better advise.

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by Twisted-1

How would I go about modifying my Light fixture to house PC lights. I see alot of modded fixtures but no instructions on how.
So what all do I have to do and how?
What type of ballasts and wiring steps do I need to take and how do I set up a reflector?
What materials should I use?
It is only to house 1 or 2 , 21 inch 65 watts buld. So I am not to concerned about heat. Also what alternatives could I do instead?

Step by step instructions would be great. Thanx

what are we starting with here? are you building a whole hood or just modifying an fixture you already have there? if so we need dimentions and stuff befor I can look at the best way to do it.

Steve

[Twisted-1]

I am modifying a Light Fixture. It is about 28" long by 4.5" wide.

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by Twisted-1

I am modifying a Light Fixture. It is about 28" long by 4.5" wide.

How high?

Steve

[Twisted-1]

It is 3.5" high