odyssea lighting (should I get)

[michael.lemke]

I was thinking of getting an odyssea 24" 250 watt hqi fixture with the pc actinics. I want to use my ice cap ballast for the mh rather than the odyssea ballast. 1. Can I do this? 2. Is it worth it or is there a better way? Thanks for any input. I have a pendant now with no supplemental lighting (runs for 7 hours) and would like the extra viewing time and color enhancement.

 

[kretzkiller]

If you already have the IC ballast then I would probably do it. If you didn't have it I would say avoid it.

 

[michael.lemke]

I do already have the ice cap ballast. Are the potential probs with the odyssea fixture (fire hazard) only with the ballast and not the fixture?

 

[transd]

i believe the fire issues were when they were producing the fixtures with magnetic ballast. Now that they've switched to electronic, I haven't heard of anyone experiencing those issues. I do know that folks say that the ballast under-drive the bulbs a bit it seems and that when they switched to an icecap or other type of electronic ballast, that the bulbs are much brighter. So if you have an icecap already, I'd say go for it.

 

[iFisch]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15522867#post15522867 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by transd
i believe the fire issues were when they were producing the fixtures with magnetic ballast. Now that they've switched to electronic, I haven't heard of anyone experiencing those issues. I do know that folks say that the ballast under-drive the bulbs a bit it seems and that when they switched to an icecap or other type of electronic ballast, that the bulbs are much brighter. So if you have an icecap already, I'd say go for it.

Correct. From my understanding.


Oddysea magnetic = failure

Oddysea electronic = awesome.



I haven't heard of one mishap [fire(s)] (limited search) of NEW Oddysea fixtures/ballasts. I have heard a few people's electronic ballasts just fail, but not catching fire.

I'd do it. If the ballast fails, go with an IC. Since you have the IC, go IC + Oddysea.

 

[Penguintheory]

I have had my odyssea 24" 250 watt for just about two years now and I love it. I bought it cheap on ebay and replaced the ballast with an Ice Cap and the bulb with a Phoenix and it still came out cheaper than the name brand fixtures. For making it look better I ditched the mounting legs and got a hanging kit for it. Hope this helps!

 

[iFisch]

Penguintheory,

OT, but cute/cool avatar.

 

[michael.lemke]

thanks for everyones input... I think I can make a decision based on what I have heard... Unless anyone has bad stories

 

[iFisch]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15525571#post15525571 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by michael.lemke
Unless anyone has bad stories

There were. When Oddysea used magnetic ballasts. I have heard just a few of the new electronic ballast's going bad - and by that I mean just fail. No fire.


It's no different than any other companies ballast failing. It happens. Icecap or China made, they both can fail, however Icecap has a better reputation and quality.

 

[sedor]

If your the type of person who just wants the right equipment to get the job done and you can live with having a knock of brand then go for the odyssea. Most people who really get into this hobby turn a leaf about a quarter of the way in and decide to start spending on the higher end equipment because you can upgrade to larger tanks with it, it will last longer etc.

I would personally rather buy a couple used pendants for probably the same price and have something that is a good piece of equipment and backed by a reputable company.

If you do get the odyssea and it comes with bulbs your going to want to upgrade those before you even fire it up. I've heard nothing but bad things about the bulbs. Not that they don't work, just that they don't provide the PAR comparable to some of the better bulbs.

 

[iFisch]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15525667#post15525667 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ryandlf
If your the type of person who just wants the right equipment to get the job done and you can live with having a knock of brand then go for the odyssea. Most people who really get into this hobby turn a leaf about a quarter of the way in and decide to start spending on the higher end equipment because you can upgrade to larger tanks with it, it will last longer etc.

I would personally rather buy a couple used pendants for probably the same price and have something that is a good piece of equipment and backed by a reputable company.

If you do get the odyssea and it comes with bulbs your going to want to upgrade those before you even fire it up. I've heard nothing but bad things about the bulbs. Not that they don't work, just that they don't provide the PAR comparable to some of the better bulbs.

I would just swap out the bulb for something quality. Unless you're running a DEEP tank, or a real long tank, Odessy will be more than enough.

I will be getting the 250w MH fixture for my next tank.

 

[michael.lemke]

I already have a quality bulb and ballast. I am interested in the supplemental lighting only. I only want a safe light.

 

[Mark 75g]

I just bought the Odyessea 48in with 2-250watt mh and 4- 65 watt pc.
The light is exactly the same as the corallife fixture that is 3 times the price. I took it apart and everything looks up to date. I did notice the fan is a little noisey.
I bought new phoenix bulbs in place of the ones that came with it. However all my corals are doing fine with the current bulbs.

 

[Ken_wied]

My 48" one that I ordered (Exactly the same one as Mark's) came today. I sadly havent been home to see it yet, and wont be till 3am :-( I plan on upgrading the ballasts to ice cap's and getting better bulbs - but that is later down the road.

 

[Robamus]

Ive got a 4x65w PC Odyssea light... If I had to do it again I would probably go for the T5 version. I had to order new jacks/fittings/whatever the plugs that the lights go into. They are currently melting and will soon burn my house down. Not sure they are worth the savings but looks fine. Especially for $100. The new ends were $20 shipped and Ill be installing tomorrow.