How are these Metal Halides so Cheap are they Good?

[that Reef Guy]

How are these Metal Halides so Cheap?

Metal Halide System (http://www.aquatraders.com/Metal-Halide-System-s/10.htm)

Metal Halides systems starting at 99.99 !

Don't Metal Halide systems start at like 500 to 600 Dollars?

Are these any good?

This site also has Super Cheap T5HO Setups and LED Lights too?

Let me know if any of you have tried this brand (ODYSSEA) :fish2:

[binford4000]

Odysea lights have always been inexpensive.If your on a tight budget or not sure if reefing is for you they're a way to start.Cosmeticly they look great and the price is blindingly lower then any other system.So the catch is inferior reflectors,bulbs and ballast and minimum stamdards for wiireing.They are imported from China.
So with that said,I wouldn't really recomend these to a friend but lots of people use the products and depending on what your wanting your reef to be,or if your just starting out they might be a good starting place.

[pjr]

DIY guys who enjoy making upgrades and mods along with rewiring stuff love these. Not my cup of tea.

[rosebud161616]

If I remember right... these are not UL listed. So, if it catches on fire (which I believe there have been lots of reports of) and burns down your house, your insurance may not cover the damage.

[tankdude]

I think Binford said it all, they are a cheap way to get started, but a good way to possibly run into problems later on with cheap wiring and crappy bulbs. I would look into better brands that have been proven safe and reliable.

[softiegirl]

im running the 250 watt halide fixture of theirs. after a year 2 of the pc's wont work, and plan on immediately changing the bulbs as they are yellow as the sun. but other than that, its great! lol.... id advise investing in a better fixture, or plan on changing that one out really soon. I cant say that i hate it, other than the pc's not working, its a good fixture and the corals are enjoying it. if you have the extra $, upgrade, if not, get it and plan on revamping it a bit!

[that Reef Guy]

If their super cheap Metal Halide Systems are bad and will burn down your house What about their super cheap T5HO systems.

Are they any better? :fish2:

[tankdude]

I get the feeling your trying to go as cheep as possible, the best advise I can give you is at least go the middle of the road on price and quality. When you get as low end as possible, you don't get the results you want, then you will get frustrated and might throw in the towel on this hobby. If you can research more on the lights, and save your pennies to get something that will last many years, and not just one, you will be much happier in the long run.

[rosebud161616]

If you are looking to go really cheap, you can check out Catalina Aquarium. They are sold on ebay a lot and you can also buy directly from them. Their reflectors aren't the best so you're not going to get the PAR numbers you would get out of better fixtures, but at least they are safe.

[EMUreef]

If their super cheap Metal Halide Systems are bad and will burn down your house What about their super cheap T5HO systems.

Are they any better? :fish2:

you should look into getting a used fixture in stead.
spend the money and get a decent fixture. Cause the more your in this hobby the more your gonna realize that you should have went with a better fixture.

[that Reef Guy]

Thanks for all the help and info guys. :fish2:

[pjr]

Catalina is basically the same as these fixtures.

[rosebud161616]

Catalina is basically the same as these fixtures.

Agreed, except UL listed and will not catch your house on fire! ;)

[pjr]

Well, maybe not as fast! ;-) Their rep for quality isn't too great.... but yeah, better than Odyssea or traders as well...