PC's or t5's

[Irvine]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14723087#post14723087 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dilloncovington
the Odyssea 48” 216W High Output T5 Light Fixture is only half the price

Well, sometimes you get what you pay for, the Odyssea fixtures are really cheap for a reason. they use cheap parts.
and I too have heard they're unsafe, Id never use one on my tank.

 

[dilloncovington]

yeah thats true does anybody know wat makes them unsafe and if u can fix it

 

[mustang51js]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14723064#post14723064 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dilloncovington
this is wat im lookin at iether the t5 or pc

Odyssea 48” 216W High Output T5 Light Fixture
HO T5 fixture combines with Lunar LED to simulate 24-hour day and night lighting. Featuring individual power cords for timer operation.



Product Specification

• Light Fixture Size: L 47.50“x W 7.25“x H 2.75“
• Total Output: 216W
• Support: 4x 54W High Output Fluorescent Bulb, 4x Dual
Bluemoon LED
• Black, Non Corrosive Powder Coated Aluminum Housing
• Individual Power Cords and On/Off Switches
• Built-In Electronic Ballast
• Built-In Cooling Fan
• Highly Polished Reflector
• Acrylic Shield
• Flipable Mounting Legs
• CE Approved
• Made in China

i have 2 of these over my 90, havent had any problems with the lights but a bulb was broken on one and the other had a broken bracket, but bulb was replaced and the bracket was still usable. i geuss you could change the ballest and bulbs out but then your better of doing a diy light with seperate reflecters

 

[Imzadi]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14723873#post14723873 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dilloncovington
yeah thats true does anybody know wat makes them unsafe and if u can fix it

The very last line of your spec post, is the thing that makes them unsafe.

Safety is not the number one objective.


I have a couple Odyssea PCs, and they are not well made. It is pretty hot, and the fans are really noisy. The switches are cheap, and the legs are poorly designed. But, as its been said... and by million of times over... you get what you pay for. I am cheap, they were cheap (Really cheap, actually) and its all I need. For now. If they work for my needs, then I paid for what I needed, and got it. But I know I am going to be replacing them sometime... they just don't feel like they will last... ya know?

 

[dilloncovington]

Imzadi-ok i understand now i am in the same situation that u were probly in ,right now i just need enough to get by butthat is cheap ,later on i might try and take it apart use wat i can and diy my own


mustang51js- how long have u had ur lights

 

[mustang51js]

about 4 months now

 

[onetrickpony]

I had an Odyssea light when i first started out , i gave it away

You really are not saving any $$

If you have any DIY skills you can put together a 4 bulb T-5 setup
that would allow you to keep anything you wanted to

4 single reflectors
4 bulbs of your choice
and ballast

you are going to spend allot more $$ on what you put into your
55g,
in the short and long term why waste the $$

 

[Imzadi]

Well stated, OTP.

And very true.

 

[jhsu703]

T5~!!

 

[dilloncovington]

ok my buddy just got rid of his 55 gallon and he is offering me his lights he has 4 of these
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~idproduct~CL1313~idCartRow~15185845~isKit~0.html

would that be enough for lps or would i need to go with somethin stronger

 

[onetrickpony]

I have not used those, so i can not say if they will or will not work
I personally use MH, if i was going start a over with a 55g i would go with T-5

I would use those on a Refugium,
I see where you are coming from, but why risk it

Sometimes free is not free in the long term
there are many ways to save some $$ and still succeed
but lighting is not one of them, i would go with tried and true.

Here is a good thread to read with lots of information
The T5 Q&a Thread
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1604777

A good way to start out is to find the local reef club and ask for help and get a mentor, that way you can see what works and learn from others mistakes

Good luck

 

[dilloncovington]

i understand but would those work until i got the t5s

 

[dilloncovington]

bump

 

[dilloncovington]

anyone

 

[dilloncovington]

ok i think im gonna go with the pc retrofit for now and upgrade around christmas to tek t5 and take the pc retro and put them over my 15 gal
my question is will th pc be enough for lps until i upgrade
thanks
dillon

 

[RBirns]

If I have a 72" tank, what length T5 setup would be best? Right now I have a 72" PC fixture (Custom SeaLife Smartlamp), using two 96W twin tube PC bulbs.

Also, if I wanted to convert to T5, can I use some of my existing parts (the 72" housing and reflector, pair of workhorse 5 ballasts)? What else would I need? Is it worth the cost and/or effort?

 

[mustang51js]

if the pcs are free then use them but i wouldnt waist money on something you plan on changing in less than a year

 

[dilloncovington]

yeah their free an plus ill have better lighting on my 15 g when i upgrade