oddysea lighting

[tropheusmaster]

I bought a used 72" setup with 3 MH and two 130watt each actinics and moon lights. I had to replace all bulbs at start. The MH's are 175 watt which no one sells but finally found some on ebay. (but i was told 150 watt will work as well) hardley no one sells 130 watt power compacts either except Dr Foster and Smith, then after I got all new bulbs installed I found that the ballast that controls the actinic power compacts was out. this ballast had no markings at all on it to try to replace it. and you can not contact the manufactuer. I had to buy a used icecap 660 ballast to run them then that ballast fried in 3 months. I still have not replaced the icecap. then the switch that controls the MH's broke and the unit is smelling like it is burning. oh yeah several moon lights went out too.
Does anyone have a decent light at a decent price for a 180 gallon tank i prefer to stay away from the MH'S
Thanks Kenny
Temple, Texas

[Kyle46N]

Bummer. Do you have any idea how old that light setup was? They have come along way in the past few years. I bought an odyssea double 250 watt 48 inch long setup in 06 and I have not had a single problem with it to this day.

[tropheusmaster]

unsure of the date of manufactuer but estamate less than 4 years old. I went in to the control box last night and found the switch burned up to the MH'S. I removed and threw it away. I found several wires leading to the switch that had exposed wiring showing and prolly touching and I repaired all of them. I tied the two wires going to the switch together to make it always in the on position, then I used a timer to comtrol it and it came on this morning with no buring smell. :applause::applause::applause::applause:

now i have to address the ballast issue for the actinics.:at_wits_end::at_wits_end:

[tropheusmaster]

I have read many horrible reveiws on these fixtures, but i have also read many happy reveiws. I have also heard they are being built much better in recent years to be competitive.

[tropheusmaster]

I have so much invested in it now that it would be crazy to junk and start over i just have to repair and upgrade. i have heard that the 175watt mh's are a lie and they are really 150watt but who cares they do the job. i have heard the cheap mh reflectors dont shine the light properly but i dont know. but for now i will keep it going.

anyone else with good stories or bad on these fixtures let me know your experience and any info on parts or upgrade parts will help.

Thanks Kenny

Lifes a reef

[Darth-Tater]

I have been told a workhorse ballast will fire the PC. check online and they are cheap too http://www.fulham.com/

David