Odyssea 72" MH fixture, opinions?

[m0nk]

Originally Posted by codylowe
Read this thread -
https://www.saltwaterfish.com/vb/showthread.php?t=288207
I have the 2x250w version and replaced both ballasts and bulbs.
Wow, that is definitely a difference. Did that yellowing come through with the original bulbs and when you had the actinics on too? Their site also doesn't note what rating the bulbs have with the 72" version, though I'm assuming it's the same. There is a definite difference in the 14k vs 15k. Thanks for posting your thread!

 

[yerboy]

it doesn't matter what they rate there bulbs as. They are bottom of the line Asian bulbs that are closer to 4k imo.
look around on the bay and you will see what im talking about. Quailty bulbs for 50$+ or the chepo bulbs for like 10-15$. You get what you pay for.

 

[m0nk]

Originally Posted by yerboy
it doesn't matter what they rate there bulbs as. They are bottom of the line Asian bulbs that are closer to 4k imo.
look around on the bay and you will see what im talking about. Quailty bulbs for 50$+ or the chepo bulbs for like 10-15$. You get what you pay for.
I wondered why 15k would be so yellow, thanks.
And the quality thing, that's a good point. I suppose that if I can raise the money I'll go for the aqualight pro setup, but if not this one will do in the short term, though I agree I'll get what I pay for....so eventually could slowly swap out the ballasts and bulbs for better quality and might still end up saving in the long run.

 

[codylowe]

Originally Posted by m0nk
I wondered why 15k would be so yellow, thanks.
And the quality thing, that's a good point. I suppose that if I can raise the money I'll go for the aqualight pro setup, but if not this one will do in the short term, though I agree I'll get what I pay for....so eventually could slowly swap out the ballasts and bulbs for better quality and might still end up saving in the long run.
Well, the major difference was the ballast change. That is a must IMO. The 15k bulbs turn out to be around 10k when a good ballast is used. I love the fixture and even with the upgrades it was cheaper then the next lowest priced fixture.

 

[zsqure]

Yes, it is much cheaper I almost went the same route as Cody but decided on outer orbit 2x250MH and 4x54 T-5 48" fixture. No monkeying around just come with the cash. They are scheduled for delivery 11-27 I can't wait. I am replacing an odyssea CF fixture.

 

[nietzsche]

i like my fixture a lot too. saved me a lot of money

 

[codylowe]

Originally Posted by nietzsche
i like my fixture a lot too. saved me a lot of money
I think i picked up my ballast for 90 each along with the bulbs for 50 each. So an extra $420 for replacing everything is still cheaper than the competition.

 

[m0nk]

Yeah, I likely won't have a lot of money at this point so I think this fixture and new ballasts/bulbs might just be the way to go. I'm sure some research into the best prices for these additional items might help too. Thanks everyone!