Odyssea Lights

iroc · 04-13-2008, 11:00 AM

What are the opinions on Odyssea lighting systems. The one in question is a 48" 760w metal halide/cfl combo with electronic ballast.
They sell for 380.00 on aquatraders.com

tellycoleman · 04-13-2008, 11:09 AM

I was considering them however they are not UL rated. whichmeans if the catch fire your home insurance may not cover it. (never heard of one catching fire)
Also I hear they are natorious for their fans going out.
BUt other than that I havent heard anything else.
You can buy spare fans on that site as well.

WilyGuy · 04-13-2008, 12:07 PM

I have had two Odyssea fixtures and never had any problems with them.

Jnicho · 04-13-2008, 12:19 PM

I've used the PC only version with no problems (looks identical to coralife other than color). There are rumors about the MH having a ballast problem, causing fires, etc. I've never seen any real proof of this happening, only anecdotal evidence. IMO most MH meltdowns are caused by user error. Have you considered T-5's?...they are much safer IMO and much more effecient to operate. What size tank is this for? I think you can get a 4 or 6 bulb fixture in the price range you are looking at (~$400).

luvmylo · 04-13-2008, 06:12 PM

i've never heard any first hand evidence of them catching fire. You do get what you pay for tho

Loverotties · 04-13-2008, 07:14 PM

I have a rule!No UL, No use!

chrischris · 04-13-2008, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jnicho

I've used the PC only version with no problems (looks identical to coralife other than color). There are rumors about the MH having a ballast problem, causing fires, etc. I've never seen any real proof of this happening, only anecdotal evidence. IMO most MH meltdowns are caused by user error. Have you considered T-5's?...they are much safer IMO and much more effecient to operate. What size tank is this for? I think you can get a 4 or 6 bulb fixture in the price range you are looking at (~$400).

i agree get a 8 bulb t5 fixture they run around 450-550 but you can get retro fits cheaper

rantsandraves · 04-13-2008, 07:39 PM

A previous post, maybe 2-3 weeks ago, asked if anyone really heard of fires caused by tank equipment. There were quite a few posts about this actually happening. I would hate to take a chance just to save a few bucks. I ordered a 72" 640 watt T5 fixture off of ebay, but before I did I asked about several things including the UL listing, which it is. The fixture will be here this week and I will find out if it was money well spent. I hate throwing money away on something that is subpar or dangerous.

Jnicho · 04-13-2008, 07:59 PM

I have read tons of posts claiming fires on these, but I've yet to find someone with first hand knowledge where one was known to start a fire. So far all I've heard is anecdotal "I read about it somewhere" evidence. Doesn't mean it hasn't happened, it just looks suspiciously like one of the tales that may have gotten blown out of proportion.

That said, I would still spend my money on a T5 setup.