Would it be possible to use commercial metal halide ballasts and lights in a reef? That is if a few modifications were made. I have connections to factory MH's, but i thought it would be an interesting topic
Yes. So long as the type of ballast is specified to run the type of bulb you use, you can use commercial ballasts over aquariums. Best way is to ask the manufacturer for the ANSI code for their ballast, and ask the manufacturer of the bulb whether that ballast can operate their bulb. For 175W, 250W, and 400W, ANSI codes of M57, M58, and M59 respectively are standard issue that will run most bulbs. There are other types of ballasts for different types of bulbs (lighting can get really confusing), but these standard ballasts will run most.
. I have connections to factory MH's, but i thought it would be an interesting topic
