MH lighting question for the pros.

I asked a similar question yesterday, since a friend has 2-3 150w MH HPS lights from a renovation. Coral Reefer pointed out that I'd need a new reflector, then add in some type of mounting, fans, etc and it may be easier to save up for the $400 reef kit.

 

I did modify a commercial MH unit before, the ones used on the sides of buildings. I just removed the glass lens, bought a reflector unit that had a mogul base. Connected the wires, marked my holes to line up with the ballast part of the fixture and screwed the reflector in place. Bought a 150w mogul base bulb 10K for it and it was fine. It did get pretty hot as far as the metal caseing, I never mounted it in a hood, just hung it with a fancy brass chain from the ceiling. I was fine for my 29 long at the time.