Metal Halide Fixture from Ebay

Ok, Please let me know if this is a bad idea, especially of you have purchased one of these from Ebay. 36" Aquarium Metal Halide MH light 442W Reef Lunar SPS - eBay (item 300400819939 end time Mar-06-10 23:52:22 PST) This just seems kinda weird, especially because i know the price of new fixtures. Would I get burned if I bought this item? I mean it doesnt even show the manufacturer. I purchased a cheapie fixture from Ebay about 7 months ago with 2 96watt bulbs I think it is called Reef Odyssea for around 130.00 and my actinic bulb just got fried. I dont want to get screwed by purchasing this. If anyone has any feedback please let me know.

 

I purchased that fixture about a year ago and it's still running strong with no problems of any kind.

 

I have heard about fires and such, Have you heard anything like that? Also is it quiet? have you had to replace the bulbs yet?

 

I have no experience with it because I know it's not a good one just by looking at the description as you mentioned it yourself. No manufacturer, no specific detail like kelvin color, name of the bulbs. They are most likely poor quality generic. If you are willing to spend $250 on this, I suggest spend a little more time and get a brand name one. It will save you a lot of trouble.

 

It is an Odyssea fixture. There were stories of fires, but they are all hearsay. You will NOT find anyone who has had direct experience with their house burning down. These are also old stories from before they started using electronic ballasts. They do come with some pretty cheap bulbs. The MH is acceptable, but the PC bulbs are total junk. They call them actinics but I think they are just blue bulbs.

 

This is what is listed:

New 2010 Model.
36" Aquarium Metal Halide Light 442 watts
Approx Fixture Size: 36"L x 15 1/4"W x 2 3/4"H


Output:

MH 250W x1.
96W straight pins (....) power compact x2.
Dual lunar LED module x4.
Feature:

non-corrosive coated housing
German made HQ light reflector
built-in heavy duty cooling fan
external ballast module
tempered glass splash guard
Individual power cords and power switches for timer setup.
Mounting legs
Free Bulbs:

1x 250W 15000K double ended MH bulb
2x 96W straight pins Actinic 460nm bulbs
8x Lunar LED bulbs.

 

I've used Odyssea MH fixtures for the past 4, maybe 5 years. I first got them back when the reports of fires were abound. Lots of people told me I'd be homeless in a matter of months.

Well none of that happened and frankly for the price, they get the job done. Nuff said.

I will point out though that the MH bulb on the mixture is smack dab in the middle. Doesn't your tank have a center brace that is also...smack dab in the middle? That will cut off some valuable lighting I would think.

 

Like I said before, I have no direct experience with it. I'm glad it works well for you. My point is that the fixture will cost $250. New MH bulb another $70, Two new PCs another $60. Your overall cost is nearly $400 with bulb shipping.

 

I do have a brace directly in the middle of my tank right where the MH would be located. Does anyone have this setup going? And does it make a difference. Also can you remove that brace? I dont see it as serving any function whatsoever.

 

Do NOT remove center brace! Center brace supports the shape of your tank (bowfront or rectangular). Without this brace, you will not have proper frame holding your tank and the tank structure will be significantly weaken.