metal halides

Can any one tell me why the lighting systems that have metal halides are so expensive. Do they have any special technology or special glass, why are they so expensive? Also, can I build my own metal halide systems without espending too much? Can I buy the parts, lets say in Home Depot?
Any answers on these questions will be appreciate.

 

I used to work at home depot and looked into the same thing. No you cannot make your own MH system from them. Atleast not at my store. They are so expensive because they are the closest thing to the sun that you can buy. Also, yes they are a pretty advanced technology. They even give off the same shimmer in the aquarium as the sun does in the ocean, and the bulbs last longer and dont need to be replaced as often (every 12-14mos). Their output is superior to all possible lighting systems (PC, VHO, T-5), even tho the wattage might be the same. For example I have 288 watts of PCs over my 46gal. 250 watts of MH would yeild much better results (although I dont see my corals or anemone complaining) even tho it's technically less wattage then my PCs. If I could afford MH I'd definitely be having that right now.

 

You can buy retro fit kits and install them in your canopy if you are good at DIY projects and don't mind working with electricity. You can save a hundred dollars or more...
As far as the cost. Well, supply and demand, plus the cost of manufacturing.
Regular mh bulbs can be found for $18.00 but they make a million of them every day. There's not as much demand for a 20k, 250w metal halide. The ballast will still work on either bulb. That's where you can save on retro kit

Jim

 

http://www.bulbs.com/products/product_detail.asp?page=ballasts&inventory=11524
The ballast, as long as you are good with wiring and making your own box for it, can be purchased at an electrical supply place. The mogul socket is about 7.00. You just need to be creative with the connections. I spent 250.00 dollars on the ballasts made boxes for them using sheet metal. If you look for the at an aquaruim supply place its much much more. The bulbs range from 60 to 120 bucks. depending on wattage and spectrum. I had my uncle wire mine for me they work fine havent had enough funds to purchase that thrid bulb however.