[map95003]

Does anyone have any experience with the AquaTraders MH lighting systems? They are considerably cheaper than most MH systems out there, I don't want to "skimp" on my lighting and filtration, however if this is a good system for keeping sps corals then it sounds like a good deal. Please give me some feedback, see link below. Thanks

36" 442W Metal Halide System (Electronic Version) - 504013

[tyoung]

Odyssea is the brand they are selling. I have read a lot of bad press on their older lighting fixtures. About a year ago, they changed the design and I don't know how it is going to work out. You can buy a better m/h fixture and spend more, or, you can buy the odyssea and take a chance. If it goes down and you have to replace everything with somebody else's stuff, you still might be money ahead. Question is, worth the aggravation and headace? Do a search on that company and read reviews. Hope this helps!

[map95003]

Tyong, thanks for the feedback. I know what you mean, I wouldn't want to deal with the aggravation...especially if I'm just saving a few $$. I see a lot of these units on ebay pretty cheap, ~$250. The only other unit that looks similar to this is the "Current USA Outer Orbit" and they are ~$650. I really don't care for the fancy casing, my tank is in- wall so the light fixture wouldn't be seen, I just want one that does the job that I don't have to replace down the road. Do you know of a good lighting system out there that would work for me that would allow me to save some $$ since it would be behind a wall?
Thanks,
Martin

[mtfabel]

You can usually get retro kits quite a bit cheaper. This would be ideal for you since its going to be behind a wall.

[map95003]

mtfabel, could you post a link to an example of a retro kit you are referring to?...just want to make sure we're on the same page...I was looking at a few of the retro kits on ebay, pretty much just a reflector (bat-wing) with a MH bulb and an external balast, ~$125...is this what you were referring to? thanx.

[mtfabel]

IceCap 250watt Halide Retro Kit - NO BULB: Premium Aquatics

Just like this but it doesnt have to be this brand it was just the fastest one I could get to. Lots of companies make these so just look around and yes e-bay might be a good place to get one of these. Make sure that when you are looking at what is included to find out whether or not a bulb is included or not. IMO it is better to get one with no bulb that way you can get the exact bulb you want color wise.