Diy Metal Halide Aquarium Lighting . I have what i always called a painters light. Metal halide parts / diy; mmike1992 2009 Featured Nano Reefs Featured Aquariums Monthly from www.nano-reef.com Here are some of the metal halide lighting fixtures. So my question is what is the difference between metal halide lighting and halide lighting. This represents about 1/3 to ½ of the total cost of setting up a reef tank.