DIY 150w - 300w HPS

Ok this is an DIY 150w HPS light made from a 150w hps security flood light. as of now it is 150 watts, but will be adding another 150w hps to the other end for a total of 300 watts.
Materials:

The Security Light: Free



Plastic Hospital Basin: Free - (or any plastic tub)
Used to make the Hood


Ceramic Light Socket: $1.99


White Engine Enamel Paint w/ Cermaic (500F): $2
Used to paint the plastic basin (hood) to protect the plastic from melting inside & ouside




Titanium White Paint (2oz): $1.99
Used to paint over the engine enamel paint for a Super High reflectivity (see my post here http://www.gardenscure.com/420/cons...m-white-titanium-post1083609.html#post1083609 about Titanium White Paint)


Enclosure For Ballast: Free
I used an old military amo holder my dad had laying around, & painted it black, drilled proper holes for wires, & transfered the guts of the security light into this & rewired the power & lamp w/ extention cords.




Getting Started:
Use a hole saw or your choise of tool to cut a hole for the lamp socket



Now check the fit of the lamp socket




Now Paint the hood w/ the Engine Enamel Paint



Now repeat this step, but w/ the Titanium White Paint
Next wire up the socket, drill holes so the hood can be hung w/ something (i used string just to test it, will be useing wire coat hangers to make V hooks to hang it.)

Finished Product:

see how there is room for another 150w on the other end for a total of 300w


yes i know i need to apply another coat of paint

For me, plastic tubs for reflectors are a no-go. But it may work out OK for you.

hoosierdaddy said:

For me, plastic tubs for reflectors are a no-go. But it may work out OK for you.

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w/ the engine enamel paint w/ cermaic (withstands temps up to 500F), its fine, it doesnt get soft, bendable or anything, it barely gets warm, vs a metal hood, they get HOT

No smells? I remember reading about a Rubbermaid CFL grow where a guy complained of fumes from the Rubbermaid...

I wouldn't be able to sleep at night with my 150w HPS inches away from plastic, heat-resistant paint or not. I can't touch the bulb without burning myself. Sure metal hoods get hot, but they won't burst into flame. Plastic? You bet it will.

BUT!

If the whole plastic thing isn't an issue (fire safety is #1 priority for me) then it looks like a great, affordable setup.

neat idea but i honestly would be terrified of fires even though you say the enamel will keep it cool its just very unsettling for me anyways.

Not knocking this cause I love anything DIY but why not just leave it in the reflector is came in? Seems the original reflector would reflect much better and would be MUCH safer. Was the original to large or bulky for your application?

OgreSeeker said:

Not knocking this cause I love anything DIY but why not just leave it in the reflector is came in? Seems the original reflector would reflect much better and would be MUCH safer. Was the original to large or bulky for your application?

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Even if wasn't feasible to use the housing as a whole, it looks like the reflector itself could be cannibalized from the housing and attaching a framework of some sort for hanging, would be just the ticket.

JCJ- Looks like your way on your way to burning down the house....good luck...

PS
spring for a real wired ballast and hood...

From some of the DIY's I have seen here and the people with their total disregaurd to safety. This isnt too bad and looks like with a few tweeks it could work and be safer



You may want to cut/drill some vent holes in your ballast case (Its gonna get real Hot)
you also want to secure it in there

I also agree with Ogreseeker and the others about using the OEM reflector,
I am sure that it could be rigged to fit inside the rubbermaid. just space and vent it so it has air flow

As for smells and outgassing, I dont think that'll be an issue

Best Wishes