Has anyone tried "generic" light fixtures?

[MagReef]

I was shopping on-line for a new lighting fixture and ran across these:

48" Metal Halide Power Compact Aquarium Lighting 760W - eBay (item 300186947930 end time Jan-08-08 09:19:06 PST)

MHS 48" Metal Halide Aquarium Reef Lighting 760W - eBay (item 160195429506 end time Jan-09-08 22:30:40 PST)

48" Aquarium Metal Halide MH lighting 760W + Reef Lunar - eBay (item 300187663781 end time Jan-14-08 00:42:28 PST)

I was wondering why these were so cheap. All 3 contain 2-250 watt MH, 4-65 watt CF, and 6-8 LED Moon lights. The prices on the three range from $329.00 to $339.00. So, I started looking at some FAQs on one of the listings and when asked the name brand, it said Generic and that they are made in China. My question is, does anyone know about the quality of these products or have experience with them? I don't see a big deal with them being made in China as over half of our common merchandise is imported anyway.

Any help, would be greatly appreciated. I just thought they looked like relatively nice fixtures for the reefer on a budget, but don't want to get ripped.

[aquaboy]

Those are probably Oddyssea fixtures, many of their sellers dont want people to know what they are buying.

this is the website
48" 760W Metal Halide System (Electronic Version) - 504023

Many dont trust their fixtures, as there have been rumors about them catching fire and what not. I believe they are fine, and there are many that have had great success with them. If you do get one, make sure you switch out ballasts (they tend to make bulbs appear yellow and some have been known to burn out), get the ones with three individual cords (not just one large one), and check how hot it gets frequently for the first week or so (if it does get hot you may need to upgrade fans)

Though i dont own one, i have done lots of reading about them and was actually considering buying one, but realized they are too wide for a 55gal.

[cuttingras]

I have the T6's and they are cheaper at AquaTraders.com you might even be able to get the MH's there too cheaper than ebay

[lunatik_69]

Hey Magreef, I bought one of those from Ebay about 2 yrs ago and still working good. Mine is an Odyssea 48" 2-250 watt MH's and 2-96 watt. actinics. They look great and came with the legs and hanging hardware. The only thing that I had to replace was the cooling fans inside the unit. I also added two more fans. Its was a choice between these lights($329.00 shipping included) or spend over a $1000.00 to get the same light fixture. I hope this has helped, Luna

[baugherb]

I was thinking about doing those myself. thanks for the info Luna....

[david7700]

Here is where I got my light for VERRRYY cheap, and it has been great. I had to build a special canopy to house the thing, but definitely worth the effort!

[lunatik_69]

Originally Posted by david7700

Here is where I got my light for VERRRYY cheap, and it has been great. I had to build a special canopy to house the thing, but definitely worth the effort!

Retro kits are always cheaper b/c you have to acquire or build your own canopy.

[david7700]

I wouldn't want to assemble a "retro" kit, the systems in my link are plug and play (includes assembled magnetic ballast), you just need to hang the reflector from your ceiling or a custom canopy. but yeah the aquatraders lights come with 'moonlights' and are already housed in an enclosure. + they look pretty

[lunatik_69]

The one that I bought also came with lunar lights. It boils down too what you want and can afford.

[Dador]

Bought some 3 years ago on ebay. Saved a ton and have had no problems!