Light Question

48" 4ft Odyssea T5 HO Aquarium Light 216W Pro Series - eBay (item 140326341638 end time Jun-20-09 23:17:40 PDT)

This is pretty much the light that I have except mine does not have the timer. I bought this without doing much research when I first bought my tank with the intentions that depending how bad it sucked I would purchase a new more expensive light after a little research. Lately I have been having problems with the bulbs randomly not working. One day its a blue bulb one day its a white bulb... From what I can tell from taking it apart, the posts on the end of the bulbs connect very loosely to the housing. Should I scrap the light and buy new or is this light sufficient if I can somehow pinch the connectors to hold the bulbs tigher and secure the connection? Basically I just want to know if this light is even worth messing with or should I just toss it.

 

I'd hate to scrap something that you paid good money for....but then again, I also hate hassles.

If its under warrantee I’d buy a replacement and send it back, you can then sell it on Ebay or craigslist. If its not under warrantee than scrap it and buy a new one. In my opinion even if you fix it for now you are not going to be left with a product you can rely on.

 

I don't see the point at all on buying something knowing you will have to buy a better unit in the near future. Just do it correctly the first time. Sometimes something that will work without any problems is not much more money so why do it twice? After that said you get what you pay for with anything in this world. Good Luck

 

I got a set of T-5's from buildyouraquarium.com I have the 6 bulb unit over a 55 and am very pleased with the overall performance....they were 229.99 free shipping....With Odyssea you can look to have to change the bulbs and change the ballast and rewire it....use it over your desk and get better lights...I would get ATI if my money was right others rave over Tek I am a po-Boy and I think I got a sweet deal for the money and a five year warranty so that gives me time to save for the ATI that I want...Good Luck....
Danny

 

I would personally try to save the fixture... I would start saving for an upgrade but if you try to sell the Odysea you won't get much if you list it as damaged... If you can fix it you will get a few more $$ for it.

I would start saving for something else, even if it is a NEP... Tek would be a great option.

What do you plan on keeping?

 

today the light tomorrow who knows. Trash it and get something better odyssea lighting is not all that good. trust me on that i learned the hard way. just my 2c

 

Not to shake my finger at ya, but you have learned a lesson that so many of us have around these parts. If you buy with the intention of buying the same thing, only better, later on--you'll spend more money than if you just bought quality in the first place.

If for no other reason, think of resale. You'll not get 5 bucks for that fixture on eBay--but if it was a Tek or Aquactinics, you could get at least half of what you spent for it originally.

OK, sermon over.

As far as what to do now, it you're confident it's just a flaky fit into the endcaps, see if you can secure the endcaps down somehow in the fixture. Maybe JB Cold Weld? Maybe some self-tapping screws? Maybe Crazy Glue?

Good luck!

 

Ok update.. Last night I took it apart and squeezed the end pieces and then put it back together and everything seems to be working fine so far. My next plan is to save up some money for a new light and repurpose the old one. Dont worry Sparky...I learned my lesson.. I bought it before I even knew how to cycle a tank.. Hah..