Odyssea Metal Halide Review

Ken_wied · 08/14/2009, 12:00 PM

Well everyone, the time finally came. The Odyssea lights from Aquatraders came, and it was within the specified shipping time. The package was undamaged (Thanks UPS) and when I opened it up, it was surprisingly packed very well. Each individual bulb in the fixture was bubble wrapped as well as the fixture and ballasts themselves. They double boxed everything pretty much. I opened all of it up, and was very happy in the condition it arrived in. The unit itself appears VERY stable and put together well. The company has apparently come a long way since I got my CP fixture a few years ago. The legs are sturdy also, not what I was expecting. I fired everything up and it all went off without a hitch. Each row of CP's have their own switch, as well as the fan and LED's. The fan was a bit noisy I thought, but after looking at it, it is pulling a decent amount of air thru it. The MH's fired immediately. After about an hour burn on them, they look great. They don't have any yellow tint to them and it actually appears blue. This may change after several hours or days of burn time, but so far, I am pleased. I may switch out the CP's for Coralife Actinics, but it will be later. Also, like another poster said, the fixture body appears IDENTICAL to the Coralife Aqualight, but again cost 1/3 of the price. I will be getting a watt meter to see what the MH Ballasts are actually pulling and will post back on those results. The only thing I would have liked to see was the power cords coming out the back of the unit, but I can live with this. But, overall, I am extremely pleased with this unit and feel that it was a good investment. I hope that this will help some of the people considering buying this brand.
I've included some pics also for your viewing pleasure.

iFisch · 08/14/2009, 02:04 PM

Very nice. Seriously considering the $100 MH fixture for a temporary fix. I really want the new Elos MH system, but that's 5x as much.

firsthesitation · 08/14/2009, 02:22 PM

Are these UL listed at all? And it looks like its too thin for cooling fans in the fixture, are there any?

transd · 08/14/2009, 02:23 PM

great review... keep everyone updated on the upcoming days to see how the bulbs look

iFisch · 08/14/2009, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by firsthesitation
And it looks like its too thin for cooling fans in the fixture, are there any?

They may be ontop of the fixture. He did say there was a fan or fans.

Being UL listed is important. That I would like to know too.

Ken_wied · 08/14/2009, 02:36 PM

Not sure about the UL listing but I run them on GFCI plugs. There is a fan on the top inside that draws a large amount of air into the fixture.

cobbobby · 08/14/2009, 02:45 PM

The killawatt test will be the big test. Generally eballasts pull from 240-270w for a 250w bulb. I bet these ballasts pull 150-170w. Can't wait to see, maybe they changed them by now. If they have thats a pretty good deal.

Ken_wied · 08/14/2009, 02:59 PM

Any idea where I can get a cheap watt meter? If none locally I am going to Rhinelander this weekend so a trip to Foster and Smith is always a possibility!

iFisch · 08/14/2009, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken_wied
Any idea where I can get a cheap watt meter? If none locally I am going to Rhinelander this weekend so a trip to Foster and Smith is always a possibility!

Pick it up @ DFS.

Ken_wied · 08/14/2009, 04:01 PM

Ok. Thanks. I always come back with more than I really should when I go there though.

addicted2reefin · 08/14/2009, 07:54 PM

i got mine from lowes for 19.99

Ken_wied · 08/14/2009, 09:03 PM

Lowes for 20.00 sounds better than almost 50 from F&S. Thanks addicted!

cobbobby · 08/14/2009, 09:29 PM

Don't spend over 20 on one. You can get them from fleabay for 20bux shipped.

Snakebyt · 08/14/2009, 11:20 PM

tagging along, would like to see the outcome

Dead_Head_Reefr · 08/15/2009, 12:48 AM

I have the odyssea t5ho fixtures. I have a 36' 4-bulb and a 36' 2-bulb mounted up in my canopy. I love them the only thing that i would have liked would be slr's but the parabolic reflector is okay besides i run uvl lights they have a 180 deg. internal reflector. All in all odyssea has come a long way from what i can see and hear from people. Don't be afraid to buy them just cause they don't cost an arm and a leg, they are good lighting fixtures.

Tony

iFisch · 08/15/2009, 01:50 PM

This is the one I'm getting.

8 outlets for $70.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...8&pcatid=20408

Ken_wied · 08/15/2009, 02:11 PM

Alright, the question everyone has been asking. I got a watt meter at Menards for 20 bucks. Plugged it in and it is currently pulling 270W and the lights have been on for an hour. Looks like they upgraded the capacity of the ballasts. AWESOME!!!

iFisch · 08/15/2009, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken_wied
Alright, the question everyone has been asking. I got a watt meter at Menards for 20 bucks. Plugged it in and it is currently pulling 270W and the lights have been on for an hour. Looks like they upgraded the capacity of the ballasts. AWESOME!!!

Got a picture of the watt meter showing 270w?

I only ask, because this will be asked by those who don't believe... just preparing you.

Ken_wied · 08/15/2009, 02:18 PM

Absolutely. Im gonna take it showed plugged into the ballast just to make sure that no one can argue :-)

iFisch · 08/15/2009, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken_wied
Absolutely. Im gonna take it showed plugged into the ballast just to make sure that no one can argue :-)

The naysayers who dislike Oddysea, and don't believe they vastly improved their quality, aren't going to believe anything unless there's pictures of "proof" involved.

Ken_wied · 08/15/2009, 02:37 PM

and the proof:

iFisch · 08/15/2009, 02:41 PM

unbreakable · 08/15/2009, 04:58 PM

are the fans loud?

Ken_wied · 08/15/2009, 05:16 PM

The fan is louder than I was used to from my old lights but I feel its understandable due to the fan being a little bigger than 2x the other fan. Its been up and running for two days now and I don't even notice it anymore.

unbreakable · 08/15/2009, 09:09 PM

Is it possible to switch them out with quieter fans? I used to have the 24" 250w MH fixture a couple years back

08/14/2009, 12:00 PM	#1
Ken_wied Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Appleton, WI Posts: 311	Odyssea Metal Halide Review Well everyone, the time finally came. The Odyssea lights from Aquatraders came, and it was within the specified shipping time. The package was undamaged (Thanks UPS) and when I opened it up, it was surprisingly packed very well. Each individual bulb in the fixture was bubble wrapped as well as the fixture and ballasts themselves. They double boxed everything pretty much. I opened all of it up, and was very happy in the condition it arrived in. The unit itself appears VERY stable and put together well. The company has apparently come a long way since I got my CP fixture a few years ago. The legs are sturdy also, not what I was expecting. I fired everything up and it all went off without a hitch. Each row of CP's have their own switch, as well as the fan and LED's. The fan was a bit noisy I thought, but after looking at it, it is pulling a decent amount of air thru it. The MH's fired immediately. After about an hour burn on them, they look great. They don't have any yellow tint to them and it actually appears blue. This may change after several hours or days of burn time, but so far, I am pleased. I may switch out the CP's for Coralife Actinics, but it will be later. Also, like another poster said, the fixture body appears IDENTICAL to the Coralife Aqualight, but again cost 1/3 of the price. I will be getting a watt meter to see what the MH Ballasts are actually pulling and will post back on those results. The only thing I would have liked to see was the power cords coming out the back of the unit, but I can live with this. But, overall, I am extremely pleased with this unit and feel that it was a good investment. I hope that this will help some of the people considering buying this brand. I've included some pics also for your viewing pleasure. __________________ Ken 90gal RR 1-Yellow Tang, Blue Hippo and Kole 1-Watchman Goby 1-True Perc Clown w/Sebae Anem Host 3-Small Chromis Numerous SPS and Soft Corals Crocea Clam Sea Apple CoCo Worm 2 Cleaner Shrimp, 2 Peps Reef Octo DNW 150 Recirc Skimmer Odyssea Dual 250w MH with 96w CP Actinic 1.025 / 78.8 / pH 8.2 / Rates 0.0 / Rites 0.0 / Ammonia 0.0 dKH 8.0 / Calc 450 / Mg 1350

08/14/2009, 02:22 PM	#3
firsthesitation Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Winona MN Posts: 165	Are these UL listed at all? And it looks like its too thin for cooling fans in the fixture, are there any? __________________ Nick There's a reason why blood, sweat and tears are all salty. I have saltwater coursing through my veins. - Melev Current Tank Info: 75 Gallon RR, SPS dominated, Outer Orbit 2x250 (14k)MH 4x54 T5, Bubble King Mini160, Tunze Ozmolator 3155, Eheim 1262

08/14/2009, 02:36 PM	#6
Ken_wied Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Appleton, WI Posts: 311	Not sure about the UL listing but I run them on GFCI plugs. There is a fan on the top inside that draws a large amount of air into the fixture. __________________ Ken 90gal RR 1-Yellow Tang, Blue Hippo and Kole 1-Watchman Goby 1-True Perc Clown w/Sebae Anem Host 3-Small Chromis Numerous SPS and Soft Corals Crocea Clam Sea Apple CoCo Worm 2 Cleaner Shrimp, 2 Peps Reef Octo DNW 150 Recirc Skimmer Odyssea Dual 250w MH with 96w CP Actinic 1.025 / 78.8 / pH 8.2 / Rates 0.0 / Rites 0.0 / Ammonia 0.0 dKH 8.0 / Calc 450 / Mg 1350

08/14/2009, 02:59 PM	#8
Ken_wied Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Appleton, WI Posts: 311	Any idea where I can get a cheap watt meter? If none locally I am going to Rhinelander this weekend so a trip to Foster and Smith is always a possibility! __________________ Ken 90gal RR 1-Yellow Tang, Blue Hippo and Kole 1-Watchman Goby 1-True Perc Clown w/Sebae Anem Host 3-Small Chromis Numerous SPS and Soft Corals Crocea Clam Sea Apple CoCo Worm 2 Cleaner Shrimp, 2 Peps Reef Octo DNW 150 Recirc Skimmer Odyssea Dual 250w MH with 96w CP Actinic 1.025 / 78.8 / pH 8.2 / Rates 0.0 / Rites 0.0 / Ammonia 0.0 dKH 8.0 / Calc 450 / Mg 1350

08/14/2009, 04:01 PM	#10
Ken_wied Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Appleton, WI Posts: 311	Ok. Thanks. I always come back with more than I really should when I go there though. __________________ Ken 90gal RR 1-Yellow Tang, Blue Hippo and Kole 1-Watchman Goby 1-True Perc Clown w/Sebae Anem Host 3-Small Chromis Numerous SPS and Soft Corals Crocea Clam Sea Apple CoCo Worm 2 Cleaner Shrimp, 2 Peps Reef Octo DNW 150 Recirc Skimmer Odyssea Dual 250w MH with 96w CP Actinic 1.025 / 78.8 / pH 8.2 / Rates 0.0 / Rites 0.0 / Ammonia 0.0 dKH 8.0 / Calc 450 / Mg 1350

08/14/2009, 02:04 PM	#2
iFisch Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: FL Posts: 3,068	Very nice. Seriously considering the $100 MH fixture for a temporary fix. I really want the new Elos MH system, but that's 5x as much.

08/14/2009, 02:23 PM	#4
transd Registered Member. Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 76	great review... keep everyone updated on the upcoming days to see how the bulbs look

08/14/2009, 02:45 PM	#7
cobbobby Moved On Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: At a Tea Party Posts: 393	The killawatt test will be the big test. Generally eballasts pull from 240-270w for a 250w bulb. I bet these ballasts pull 150-170w. Can't wait to see, maybe they changed them by now. If they have thats a pretty good deal.

08/14/2009, 07:54 PM	#11
addicted2reefin Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: hell, delaware Posts: 628	i got mine from lowes for 19.99

08/14/2009, 09:03 PM	#12
Ken_wied Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Appleton, WI Posts: 311	Lowes for 20.00 sounds better than almost 50 from F&S. Thanks addicted! __________________ Ken 90gal RR 1-Yellow Tang, Blue Hippo and Kole 1-Watchman Goby 1-True Perc Clown w/Sebae Anem Host 3-Small Chromis Numerous SPS and Soft Corals Crocea Clam Sea Apple CoCo Worm 2 Cleaner Shrimp, 2 Peps Reef Octo DNW 150 Recirc Skimmer Odyssea Dual 250w MH with 96w CP Actinic 1.025 / 78.8 / pH 8.2 / Rates 0.0 / Rites 0.0 / Ammonia 0.0 dKH 8.0 / Calc 450 / Mg 1350

08/14/2009, 09:29 PM	#13
cobbobby Moved On Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: At a Tea Party Posts: 393	Don't spend over 20 on one. You can get them from fleabay for 20bux shipped.

08/14/2009, 11:20 PM	#14
Snakebyt Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Lubbock Tx Posts: 2,141	tagging along, would like to see the outcome

08/15/2009, 12:48 AM	#15
Dead_Head_Reefr Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Detroi, Michigan Posts: 9	T5ho's I have the odyssea t5ho fixtures. I have a 36' 4-bulb and a 36' 2-bulb mounted up in my canopy. I love them the only thing that i would have liked would be slr's but the parabolic reflector is okay besides i run uvl lights they have a 180 deg. internal reflector. All in all odyssea has come a long way from what i can see and hear from people. Don't be afraid to buy them just cause they don't cost an arm and a leg, they are good lighting fixtures. Tony

08/15/2009, 01:50 PM	#16
iFisch Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: FL Posts: 3,068	This is the one I'm getting. 8 outlets for $70. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...8&pcatid=20408

08/15/2009, 02:11 PM	#17
Ken_wied Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Appleton, WI Posts: 311	Alright, the question everyone has been asking. I got a watt meter at Menards for 20 bucks. Plugged it in and it is currently pulling 270W and the lights have been on for an hour. Looks like they upgraded the capacity of the ballasts. AWESOME!!! __________________ Ken 90gal RR 1-Yellow Tang, Blue Hippo and Kole 1-Watchman Goby 1-True Perc Clown w/Sebae Anem Host 3-Small Chromis Numerous SPS and Soft Corals Crocea Clam Sea Apple CoCo Worm 2 Cleaner Shrimp, 2 Peps Reef Octo DNW 150 Recirc Skimmer Odyssea Dual 250w MH with 96w CP Actinic 1.025 / 78.8 / pH 8.2 / Rates 0.0 / Rites 0.0 / Ammonia 0.0 dKH 8.0 / Calc 450 / Mg 1350

08/15/2009, 02:18 PM	#19
Ken_wied Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Appleton, WI Posts: 311	Absolutely. Im gonna take it showed plugged into the ballast just to make sure that no one can argue :-) __________________ Ken 90gal RR 1-Yellow Tang, Blue Hippo and Kole 1-Watchman Goby 1-True Perc Clown w/Sebae Anem Host 3-Small Chromis Numerous SPS and Soft Corals Crocea Clam Sea Apple CoCo Worm 2 Cleaner Shrimp, 2 Peps Reef Octo DNW 150 Recirc Skimmer Odyssea Dual 250w MH with 96w CP Actinic 1.025 / 78.8 / pH 8.2 / Rates 0.0 / Rites 0.0 / Ammonia 0.0 dKH 8.0 / Calc 450 / Mg 1350

08/15/2009, 02:37 PM	#21
Ken_wied Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Appleton, WI Posts: 311	and the proof: __________________ Ken 90gal RR 1-Yellow Tang, Blue Hippo and Kole 1-Watchman Goby 1-True Perc Clown w/Sebae Anem Host 3-Small Chromis Numerous SPS and Soft Corals Crocea Clam Sea Apple CoCo Worm 2 Cleaner Shrimp, 2 Peps Reef Octo DNW 150 Recirc Skimmer Odyssea Dual 250w MH with 96w CP Actinic 1.025 / 78.8 / pH 8.2 / Rates 0.0 / Rites 0.0 / Ammonia 0.0 dKH 8.0 / Calc 450 / Mg 1350

08/15/2009, 02:41 PM	#22
iFisch Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: FL Posts: 3,068

08/15/2009, 04:58 PM	#23
unbreakable D: Join Date: May 2007 Location: ? Posts: 2,868	are the fans loud? __________________ INTERNET= Serious Business!

08/15/2009, 05:16 PM	#24
Ken_wied Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Appleton, WI Posts: 311	The fan is louder than I was used to from my old lights but I feel its understandable due to the fan being a little bigger than 2x the other fan. Its been up and running for two days now and I don't even notice it anymore. __________________ Ken 90gal RR 1-Yellow Tang, Blue Hippo and Kole 1-Watchman Goby 1-True Perc Clown w/Sebae Anem Host 3-Small Chromis Numerous SPS and Soft Corals Crocea Clam Sea Apple CoCo Worm 2 Cleaner Shrimp, 2 Peps Reef Octo DNW 150 Recirc Skimmer Odyssea Dual 250w MH with 96w CP Actinic 1.025 / 78.8 / pH 8.2 / Rates 0.0 / Rites 0.0 / Ammonia 0.0 dKH 8.0 / Calc 450 / Mg 1350

08/15/2009, 09:09 PM	#25
unbreakable D: Join Date: May 2007 Location: ? Posts: 2,868	Is it possible to switch them out with quieter fans? I used to have the 24" 250w MH fixture a couple years back __________________ INTERNET= Serious Business!