Where to buy DIY

I would like to diy a new 2 ft light. Can anyone advise where to get the materials for me to get started? ( Looking for everything include casing )

Originally Posted by orionwarrior

I would like to diy a new 2 ft light. Can anyone advise where to get the materials for me to get started? ( Looking for everything include casing )

try homefix ? or any hardware shops, they have a casing for the tube included, but its not cheap.
at least i feel getting a complete nicer set of lights at slightly higher price in LFS is worth the work.

ok thanks for the input

[chipsetboy]

if you are not a handyman, i suggest you just buy off the shelf.

but if you are, you might have a masterpiece not find anywhere

[whq]

Originally Posted by orionwarrior

I would like to diy a new 2 ft light. Can anyone advise where to get the materials for me to get started? ( Looking for everything include casing )

But anyway if you still wanna DIY. You can go to hardware shop to get some plywood to make the hood(casing) for the light, but will be better to layer with contact paper (something like oyama paper but for wood, can add as a protective layer from water). A sheet of aluminium (try to polish it with brasso, to get a better shine for deflector in the hood), roll the sheet to the required angle and screw onto the hood. Then you can add e-ballast at the back outside back part of the hood (for ventilation and also reduce the heat generated in the tank) and attach PL holder in the hood as for the wattage you have to work it out abit.

A simple illustration:

Originally Posted by whq

But anyway if you still wanna DIY. You can go to hardware shop to get some plywood to make the hood(casing) for the light, but will be better to layer with contact paper (something like oyama paper but for wood, can add as a protective layer from water). A sheet of aluminium (try to polish it with brasso, to get a better shine for deflector in the hood), roll the sheet to the required angle and screw onto the hood. Then you can add e-ballast at the back outside back part of the hood (for ventilation and also reduce the heat generated in the tank) and attach PL holder in the hood as for the wattage you have to work it out abit.

A simple illustration:

good info bro. =]

thanks for the input. Did u make one like this before?

[whq]

Originally Posted by orionwarrior

thanks for the input. Did u make one like this before?

yup used to have 1 that i diyed. but that was yrs ago. Basically the whole idea for the lighting is as the picture. But if you are diying for cheaper budget, then i will suggest that you buy a brand new set or even buy from other bros in the forum.

sim lim towers and sim lim square(lvl 5, 6) have what u may need.