Aquatraders Light Fixture

cfw1199 · 05/08/2008, 09:16 AM

Broke down and did it as I needed one pretty fast and didn't have a grand to spend and despite the horror stories I have heard. I must say I am pretty impressed with the newer models. Got the 48" 610 watt model. Did some mods to it though. I did not use the two ballasts it comes with as I was able to use the Aquamedic ballast that I had on my old fixture which works better and is a much better ballast. So I have two of these for the Odyssea fixture they are both electronic and seems to only be able to use the fixture but probably could be modified if someone wants them PM me. There used to be a big problem with the old magnetic ones and that is why I had the extra ballast because I didn't trust the old one. But the fixture is well worth it for the money I think. It was only 359.00 shipped and was here in 4 days. Has 1 huge fan in the middle which keeps the HQI's very cool compared to the older model. 4X65 PC's are true actinic and look very good. I did pull the HQI bubls out as they are two yellow for me. Say 15k but I think it's more 10 myself. I have those as well if anyone wants them. Never even fired them up as I am very partial to the 14k pheonix. Just letting you guys know that I am very pleased with the fixture even with the bad rap the Odyssea has. Keep in mind it's mainly the old ballast. Well worth it for those of you out there like me that are on a Fish Budget. I do have the old fixture as well which works fine with exception of one of the PC's but might be able to be fixed and you will need a seperate PC ballast for 2x96W. PM me if interested and we can work something. Not placing this in the selling forum as I am not sure I want to sell or trade them might keep them for the future but might be able to help someone out if they need it. Just PM and we can work something out. Just wanted to let folks know of the experience I had with this light fixture.

BigJay · 05/08/2008, 11:26 AM

The problem is after you replace all of the throw-away HQI bulbs and flaky ballasts, what you paid for is a $359.00 metal/plastic case with a fan and sub-standard reflectors. If that's what you wanted/expected for the money, then more power to you.

If I had all that extra MH hardware laying around (bulbs, sockets, and ballasts), I would probably just buy a pair of lumenbright reflectors and some T5 actinics for the same money.

cfw1199 · 05/08/2008, 11:35 AM

That's not what I was saying. I like having the whole fixture without a canopy and I cannot hang any reflectors. So I like having the whole fixture all in one sitting on top my tank. I am not saying the new elctronic ballasts are bad I wouldn't know I just like the auqamedic because it's a dual and has one power chord. Ballast could be fine not sure. Don't have any experience with them. Reflectors on this fixture are much better than the previous. I don't know..I guess opinions vary but I was just saying that I like my new metal/plastic case with a fan and shotty reflctors.

boozeman · 05/08/2008, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BigJay
The problem is after you replace all of the throw-away HQI bulbs and flaky ballasts, what you paid for is a $359.00 metal/plastic case with a fan and sub-standard reflectors. If that's what you wanted/expected for the money, then more power to you.

that was very well said !!!!

05/08/2008, 09:16 AM	#1
cfw1199 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Colonial Heights, Virginia Posts: 560	Aquatraders Light Fixture Broke down and did it as I needed one pretty fast and didn't have a grand to spend and despite the horror stories I have heard. I must say I am pretty impressed with the newer models. Got the 48" 610 watt model. Did some mods to it though. I did not use the two ballasts it comes with as I was able to use the Aquamedic ballast that I had on my old fixture which works better and is a much better ballast. So I have two of these for the Odyssea fixture they are both electronic and seems to only be able to use the fixture but probably could be modified if someone wants them PM me. There used to be a big problem with the old magnetic ones and that is why I had the extra ballast because I didn't trust the old one. But the fixture is well worth it for the money I think. It was only 359.00 shipped and was here in 4 days. Has 1 huge fan in the middle which keeps the HQI's very cool compared to the older model. 4X65 PC's are true actinic and look very good. I did pull the HQI bubls out as they are two yellow for me. Say 15k but I think it's more 10 myself. I have those as well if anyone wants them. Never even fired them up as I am very partial to the 14k pheonix. Just letting you guys know that I am very pleased with the fixture even with the bad rap the Odyssea has. Keep in mind it's mainly the old ballast. Well worth it for those of you out there like me that are on a Fish Budget. I do have the old fixture as well which works fine with exception of one of the PC's but might be able to be fixed and you will need a seperate PC ballast for 2x96W. PM me if interested and we can work something. Not placing this in the selling forum as I am not sure I want to sell or trade them might keep them for the future but might be able to help someone out if they need it. Just PM and we can work something out. Just wanted to let folks know of the experience I had with this light fixture.

05/08/2008, 11:26 AM	#2
BigJay Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Southlake, Texas Posts: 1,872	The problem is after you replace all of the throw-away HQI bulbs and flaky ballasts, what you paid for is a $359.00 metal/plastic case with a fan and sub-standard reflectors. If that's what you wanted/expected for the money, then more power to you. If I had all that extra MH hardware laying around (bulbs, sockets, and ballasts), I would probably just buy a pair of lumenbright reflectors and some T5 actinics for the same money. __________________ PBITAWA

05/08/2008, 11:35 AM	#3
cfw1199 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Colonial Heights, Virginia Posts: 560	That's not what I was saying. I like having the whole fixture without a canopy and I cannot hang any reflectors. So I like having the whole fixture all in one sitting on top my tank. I am not saying the new elctronic ballasts are bad I wouldn't know I just like the auqamedic because it's a dual and has one power chord. Ballast could be fine not sure. Don't have any experience with them. Reflectors on this fixture are much better than the previous. I don't know..I guess opinions vary but I was just saying that I like my new metal/plastic case with a fan and shotty reflctors.