New Opinions on this Metal Halide T5

[Greaps]

Hi, looking for any new opinions and or reviews on this lighting system. Doing a search I didn't find anything recent.

Its the Odyssea Metal Halide T5 combo an apparent ebay special... I am looking at lighting a 30 inch wide tank in the future. It would be hung above tank with separately sold hanging kit not on mounts.

48" Metal Halide + T5 716W
This MH + T5 48” is THE reefer’s light. A space saving combo unit combines 2x 250W HQI metal halide, 4x 54W Actinic Blue T5 HO lamps, and 6x Bluemoon LED into one single unit. This unit also features external HQI controller, heavy duty cooling fan, mounting legs, and anodized aluminum housing. Separate power cords for MH and T5. Multiple power switches for different functions.

 

[aabjones888]

They have been around for awhile. They have many issues with them like catching fire, bad reflectors, etc. I had a friend who was home when his caught fire, so thank goodness everything went well with all that . I would honestly stay away from it. I'm sure there's people out there that have never had problems with them and love them still. If I was u I'd stick with a good used one.

 

[deedubz]

Bought one on eBay back in February. Less than a month later I walked into my room to the smell of smoke. Sure enough, smoke was coming from one of the halide bulb sockets. I ran just the t5s for a few days until my Hamilton mh/t5 fixture arrived.

Thank goodness I got home when I did. I have two dogs and the thought of a house fire was scary enough without the thought of them not being able to escape. I know other people have had success with these fixtures, as I'd read that the electrical issues had been resolved, but this is one thing I will NEVER skimp out on again. Just my two cents.

 

[Greaps]

That's incredible that they are for sale with these stories. Definitely no longer an option. Glad I asked, I figured these fire risk stories from 5+ years ago were resolved. Yesh!

 

[deedubz]

Yea, you live and learn. I don't know if it would have resulted in a full blown fire or not, but I consider myself lucky regardless

 

[deedubz]

Good luck finding a light. I do really like the Hamilton mh/t5 if you're still thinking of going that route. My nems are happy and the fish look great. I went with 14k Hamilton bulbs with the actinic t5s. I'm considering swapping them out for their brand of 20ks and doing a mix of 420 and 460 t5s and see what I like better

 

[Greaps]

Definitely still looking into metal halide, I just wish the price was lower, halides are expensive! I'm leaning to making a floating canopy type install now.

 

[jda]

Please, please... never use an Odyssea. Even if it does not catch on fire, the ballasts are terrible and give MH a bad name.

If cost is an issue, check out some older AquaMedic or Giesemann fixtures. They are pretty cheap when you can find them and they are quality.

 

[aabjones888]

Craigslist and the reef forums had lots of halides for sale when the led craze happened a few years back. It's few and far between now but there still out there. If u look hard enough you'll find one.

 

[A. grandis]

BRS has some hamilton fixtures on sale right now..

Grandis.

 

[wooglins]

I have been trying to sell my Hamilton fixture for 3years and nary a nibble. 48 inch. No one wants that fossil.

 

[Greaps]

I have been trying to sell my Hamilton fixture for 3years and nary a nibble. 48 inch. No one wants that fossil.

PM me your best offer with shipping if you care too. I am looking at options, Halides are pricey.

 

[DSC reef]

Good luck finding a light. I do really like the Hamilton mh/t5 if you're still thinking of going that route. My nems are happy and the fish look great. I went with 14k Hamilton bulbs with the actinic t5s. I'm considering swapping them out for their brand of 20ks and doing a mix of 420 and 460 t5s and see what I like better

The Hamilton 20k is really nice, customer service is top notch. OP, can't go wrong with hamilton

 

[deedubz]

The Hamilton 20k is really nice, customer service is top notch. OP, can't go wrong with hamilton

I read a review somewhere. The guy said he actually went from radium 20ks to the Hamiltons and preferred the Hamiltons. Figured I'd give it a go when it's time to replace the bulbs

 

[DSC reef]

I use the 20k Hamilton 150 watt, I'm really impressed by them. Coral colors, growth, look of the tank. I was running XM 20k, can't compare.

 

[Greaps]

Yeah, just spent some time working out the cost to build a similar lighting system as a Hamiliton MH +T5 and it costs nearly the same with added hassle and more potential problems. Stinks its got to be an $800+ for new gear.

 

[A. grandis]

I read a review somewhere. The guy said he actually went from radium 20ks to the Hamiltons and preferred the Hamiltons. Figured I'd give it a go when it's time to replace the bulbs

Do you have Radiums now? I heard both bulbs are great!
What type of ballasts you guys have?
You are blessed to have halides over your tanks!!
Enjoy!!

Grandis.

 

[deedubz]

I'm currently running their 14s. I tried Phoenix 14s first but prefer the Hamiltons. I just have the magnetic ballasts right now. When I switch over to the 20s, be it radium or Hamilton(leaning towards Hamilton), I'll also pick up electronic ballasts

 

[M007]

OP, can't go wrong with hamilton

+1, 3 250 SE Radiums with 4 80W T5's.

 

[DSC reef]

I'm currently running their 14s. I tried Phoenix 14s first but prefer the Hamiltons. I just have the magnetic ballasts right now. When I switch over to the 20s, be it radium or Hamilton(leaning towards Hamilton), I'll also pick up electronic ballasts

I believe the Hamilton's will run on any ballast but the radiums ran on M80 ballasts. Can't go wrong either way.