Help!

[MaryG]

The Odyssea light fixture that came with my new(used) 90 gallon was full of salt creep. I am trying to take it apart and give it a good cleaning. I got the ends off and I can't figure out how to get to the bulbs and pull the bottom panel off. I know there has to be a way to change the bulbs but I can't figure it out for the life of me. I unscrewed all the screws that I could find but there are none on the top or bottom. I would appreciate any help a good seasoned reefer can give me. Anyone is welcome to come here anytime or I can bring it to you.

 

[RicksReefs]

I've never seen one, but chances are the acylic panel slides out of the fixture at one end. however, salt creep usually locks them in place. I use RO water and run it down the channel the acrylic sits in to dissolve/loosen up the salt. you might have to work at it a little bit to break it free.

if it's a different setup than normal, can you snap a pic of the ends and acrylic panel?

 

[MaryG]

Thanks Rick,
Here are the pics. It is really creepy!

http://i493.photobucket.com/albums/rr295/epwash/DSC02518.jpg
http://i493.photobucket.com/albums/rr295/epwash/DSC02519.jpg
http://i493.photobucket.com/albums/rr295/epwash/DSC02520.jpg

 

[RicksReefs]

yup, just as I thought. if you look at this pic, you'll see the channel track that the metal inserts and acrylic slide into. good news is, you may be able to gently tap the metal inserts out, clearing the end of the channel. bad news is, with all that salt creep, some of the aluminum may be oxidized and it could lock things into place. it's gonna be a fight to get the acrylic out, I'm sure. you may have to just replace the acylic panels. any plastics shop can cut you what you need, fairly cheaply.

 

[MaryG]

It is REALLY CREEPY! I knocked all the all the panels. I am not sure if they will fit back in or not. The glass covers for the halides got broken in the war and the plastic ones for the PC's did too. I am not sure if I am going to save this fixture or just use the pieces and make a hood. I hear these Odyssea fixtures like to catch fire! There were already some wires that looked burnt. I am glad I didn't sell my 48" PC fixture and I can always use the Nova Extreme Pro I just got for the 90Gal. IDK....

 

[metweezer]

If the Odessa fixture has an electronic ballast you should be OK as far as a fire is concerned. I believe the problem was fixed when they went to electronic ballasts.

 

[MaryG]

How would I know if it is electronic? It has a black box that controls the lights. But I know the fixture is not old. Maybe you guys can look at it and give me some input at the next meeting.

 

[RicksReefs]

i don't think it's an electronic ballast. i think i see part of the coil peeking out in the pic above.