Odyssea T5's

So we are needing a new light, the one we got with the new 75 gallon tank drives me nuts because it only has one plug and our schedules are so busy that its hard to plan a constant light schedule, not to mention the bulbs need replaced anyways so i might as well just get a new one instead of putting money into a fixture i dont like. I found an Odyssea light on craigslist for 50 bucks, and was thinking about getting it and putting new bulbs in it, or should I just buy a new odyssea light from aquatraders for a 100 bucks? Ive read pretty bad reviews about the odyssea, im wondering if its just the bulbs or the whole fixture.I know im going to get what i pay for and lighting isnt a place i should be pinching pennies but my husband is in between jobs right now and im trying to get the most for my money.

 

I read that the Odyssea ballasts don't run the bulbs at their full potential and the reflector system is very poor since it is flat. I would advise against it since you are replacing bulbs regardless of which fixture you get. Don't waste your money on an interim fix. BTW Odyssea quality control has greatly improved and the issue most are referring to was in MH fixture and has been fixed.

 

I have an odyssea t5 and I like it for the price. I would buy a new one on ebay from todogsellers. They ship fast and sell them cheap. As for the light, it has 3 cords, 2 for the t5s and one for the led moonlights. The light is pretty good for the price, but its not the best. I've had no issues with it, but there are better lights out there that have a lot better reflectors. For a softie/lps setup I would recommend it to anyone.

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Thanks, I only need a light for softies and lps. Are bulbs that come in it decent or should i change them?

 

I personally have an Odyssea fixture too. I think it runs great, and would also recommend it to anyone.

 

Bulbs that come with are cheap. Id run them for 2 or 3 months and then change to some ati's.

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So I wonder if i should just buy the used 50 dollar odyssea and put ATI's in it today? Anything I should look for when buying a used light fixture?

 

You are buying from Craigslist then, it depends on how you are getting them are you picking them up or having them shipped? With a pick up you will be able to verify that the ballasts actually work. If they are unwilling to show you that the lights can turn on then I would avoid it. There are also some good sellers on Ebay. That's where I got my from, and it was a new fixture and a light came in broken so they just sent me a new ones. I didn't pay that much for a new one on Ebay either... I got 2 48" T5 / MH fixtures for a total of $247. They both came with 2 T5s and 2 250w MHs and 6 moonlight LEDs

 

Wow thats an awesome deal! I would spend 150 on a halide t5 combo set up. I havent been able to find one though lol

 

What are the dimensions of your tank?