what can't i keep

The only thing you could do for a better light at that price is Ebay. Current USA sells all of their refurbished units there as well as decent deals on used equipment. Make sure to research any light that you find.

Stay away from JEBO

 

If you're looking for some higher quality name brands, petmountain.com has some really cheap prices on higher quality products.

 

if you do use a brand with cheaper reflectors.. I know there is new UVL t5 V-HO bulbs with internal reflectors built-in the bulb. Ive used the PCs ones and they do help get more light into the tank if your reflectors arent the best... just FYI, since you would have to replace cheap/stock bulbs anyways.. for the price that 4x54w units is a good deal. Ive never had a problem with my 2x54 T5 unit, just upgraded the bulbs.. I would change out your 12k bulbs first, then do the actinics next.. you will notice a big difference on output and spectrum once you get the new bulbs.. stay with brands like UVL,ATI,giessman..


good luck.

 

petmountain.com was down for a while. i'll check again later.
thanks for the bulb reflector info. i guess that doesn't make poor fixture reflectors such a big deal then. right?


so i've looked around on ebay and found this
48"Nova Extreme 2x54w T5 HO 10K/Saltwater Model #1126A - eBay (item 280425876798 end time Nov-25-09 16:13:23 PST)

would you say this would give more light than the four bulb odyssea.
how limiting would a 2 bulb fixture be? what wont i be able to keep with one.

 

what are the brands of these lights?

48"Nova Extreme 2x54w T5 HO 10K/Saltwater Model #1126A - eBay (item 280425876798 end time Nov-25-09 16:13:23 PST)

4 Bulb 48" T5 T-5 HO Aquarium Lighting System 216 watt - eBay (item 290373825896 end time Dec-04-09 06:24:08 PST)

 

bump