PC or T5 Ho lights

A

a1t2o

AC Members
Sep 14, 2010
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Mankato, MN
I was looking at aquatraders.com and comparing different lighting systems. I didn't like the metal halide lights because of the cost and I'm concerned about heat and upkeep cost. I live in Minnesota, so I do need to worry about the tank getting too hot during the summer. I also don't want to drive up the electricity bill with an inefficient system plus expensive replacement bulbs.

That brings me to the T5's and PC's. I saw two that I liked, one was the Odyssea 36" 192W Power Compact Light Fixture Advance, and the other was the Odyssea 36" 156W (4x 39W) T5 HO Light Fixture Advance. Both come with 3 dual bluemoon LED's.

I think that they would both work, but I don't know enough about the differences between the two to be able to make a informed decision.

These are both under $100 (I know I am very cheap, but I'm also a college student), and if there is something else I should be looking at in the same price range or even a little more for better quality, let me know. I don't see the difference between these and others that are selling for 200-400, did I just find a good site or are they junk?

If you know anything about this or have questions of your own, let me know.
 
While using less electricity the T5s will produce at least twice the usable light, the bulbs will last twice as long and cost less to repace. Not really a tough choice is it?
 
Yea T5's all the way

I have a Odyssea 24'' PC fixture and a Odyssea 36" MH fixture
I think the Odyssea is just great, not one problem with them
Also have a 48'' T5 Tek light fixture also great

The reflectors on my odyssea fixtures are top notch , My MH fixture dont overheat the ballast dont over heat
I would like for someone to tell me why Odyssea is a bad choice :)

Hope this helps
 
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Jody said:
I would like for someone to tell me why Odyssea is a bad choice :)
Click to expand...

I've never owned an Odyssea fixture, but I would have to think that anyone strongly disliking them still has the claims of Odyssea fixtures getting fried / possibly even catching fire from about 5 years ago in mind. Considering Odyssea is still around, it would at least seem that any of those issues were addressed and they've managed to gain some confidence back from hobbyists.
 
Odyssea lights end up costing you more in the long run than a decent fixture like a TEK light when you take into account the first thing you should do with an Odyssea fixture it take every bulb that comes with it and toss them in the trash and buy all new bulbs. Sure, they may have resolved the "fire" issues, but they still use inferior parts on their fixtures (end caps, ballasts, etc). Save a few $ up front ends up costing you 2-3x that amount down the road. If you have an Odyssea fixture last more than 18 months, your better than average. Where as you get a Tek fixture you get good bulbs and good parts and I have honestly never even heard of anyone having issues with Tek fixtures. I know several people with Tek fixtures that are 5+ years old and still working as good as new.
 
True about the lights on the odyssea change them right off there junk
Had my PC fixture 2 years and MH over year with no problem ( cross fingers )
The tek fixture almost 4 years old and yes it is better quality then any the odyssea but not everyone can dish out the coin at first from them other fixtures. If you can get A 36'' Mh fixture 250 watt Mh and 4 39 watt T5's for 220 bucks to your door and for a total of $325 you can change out all the light for Average lights i still think your doing ok
just my experiences anyway and im far from expert on this
But I do love this hobby
 
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