[xrobbx03]

Ok well i got my new lighting which i know hasnt been the most liked brand Odyssea. I took the plunge despite what i heard about the older models thinking that maybe the new ones are alot better.

I have the 480w 36'' metal halide setup with 2x175 20k HQI and 2x65 Actinic PC and moonlight. Each having their own plug for a seperate timer. I have the brand new 2006 model with aluminum casing for both the fixture and ballast.

Some of these threads have got me worried about it with hearing about fires and not working after a few months or so and you get what you pay for. Lighting is extremeley expensive and this the only thing i could find that fits my needs money wise. I just dont think im willing to pay 500+ on lighting.

Well i guess my question is that does anyone have any experience with their new and improved models. I have heard bad about the older models but relaly havent heard much on their new ones.

[charlie]

I'll give this a little bump for ya. No experience with these myself.

[NautilusReef.com]

I have read up on this too, seems like their capictors are blowing up, but what about doing this.. Getting the LIGHT fixture and getting a LEGIT Name brand ballast like a BLUE WAVE or PFO to drive the HQI and get some T5 legit ballasts.. and DIY?

Seems like that would work. if the fixture is solid (from what I read the problems have ALL been with the ballast and lights) shouldnt be a problem anymore..

This is as LONG as there are not HUGE issues with the FIXTURE.. which I dont think there are..

I too have read up on some horrer stories about that ballast unit they sell......But put on a name brand UL listed.. I think it would be cool.. I would feel pretty safe doing this.

I ALREADY have a Blue WAV Dual VII 150 W that I got for modding my CSL 48... I was planning on adding HQI to that.. (it works seen it done)... So I could just use that to drive my HQI in this fixture.. T5's ballast are cheap and could easily be added to the unit inside or even outside.. JUst get NAME Brand T5 ballasts too..

Im thinking about this hard.. I hear the fixture quality is GOOD.. LOOKS pretty cool too.. as far as I can tell.. so why not? I mean all were talking with the fixtures is the lights, reflectors and wiring.. and if the wiring is defective just rewire the darn thing.. I think the reflectors are OK in this unit.

Im looking at the 48" 2-T5 x 2-175 unit they sell.. I contacted the vendor to see if ONE can buy just the fixture. Even if its REFURB.. i bet they have some returns? Or even slightly damaged one would be fine (scratch or two) whatever..

ONe thing I wonder about is WHY they dont offer Moonlights on this unit that I have seen?

Anyways anyone out there reading this, feel free to chime in on this idea.. I know ALL about the ballast blowing up with these lights.. but dont think I saw ONE problem with the fixture?

Anyone else have any problems with the fixture alone, of these UNITS?

What you guys think of this idea?

[NautilusReef.com]

Anyone with a 48" 150x 2 MH x 2xT5 Odyssea with a cooked capicitor, want to sell only the fixture? Im interested, if so please post in here!

thanks
Chris