anyone have any opinions on this light

[vaporize]

not sure how it compares with the odyssea stuff but some of the T5HO lighting I saw at the knock-off central in toronto seems to produce very weak light comparing to the other brands, it's used for their fish system and still look pretty weak to me - almost like comparing to normal output flourscent.

I would not take the risk to buy it and get it shipped from China There are US based sellers that will sell knock-off lighting for maybe $30 more with some RC reviews. Most review I've seen indicate the buyers only use the 'fixture housing' and replaces the workhorse ballast with icecap 660 and better lighting tubes.

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by vaporize

I've seen indicate the buyers only use the 'fixture housing' and replaces the workhorse ballast with icecap 660 and better lighting tubes.

why would they replace the WH ballast when it is a superior ballast to the Icecap?

for 189.00 it is a slamming deal concidering to get individual reflectors you are looking at adding 400 bucks for the rip off prices around here.
even if you had to pull the reflector and add individual ones later if you didn't like it that would cost about 140 for 6 individual reflectors. while your modding it add a fan or two for under 50 bucks if it doesn't already have them.

Steve

[Slick Fork]

Originally Posted by StirCrazy

why would they replace the WH ballast when it is a superior ballast to the Icecap?

for 189.00 it is a slamming deal concidering to get individual reflectors you are looking at adding 400 bucks for the rip off prices around here.
even if you had to pull the reflector and add individual ones later if you didn't like it that would cost about 140 for 6 individual reflectors. while your modding it add a fan or two for under 50 bucks if it doesn't already have them.

Steve

Ok,but if you figure $109.99 for the fixture +$89 now you're $198 US, converted to Canadian is $311, now add $30 per bulb for reflectors so that's another $180 and you've spent $378 on a cheap retrofitted chinese fixture.

For $10 less he can buy a 6 bulb 48" teklight from J&L with individual reflectors and if something goes wrong with it, there's someone on the other end of the phone who's interested in making it right.

[Carmen]

Looks like a light from "fishneedit.com". Check out their website.
I had a light from them - a 4 bulb T5HO and it is okay but certainly not anything compared to a TEK. The stock bulbs are aweful and need to be replaced. The unit is a nice looking unit but it is not of the same calibur as TEK. Nice little starter light if you cannot afford more right now but you will likely want to upgrade.

You get what you pay for.

[the marine apprentice]

well yeah i saw that it is one solid reflector i was just curious if it was actually worth it. but if you are correct and i can get a tek 6 for the same price then i might as well go for that then

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by Slick Fork

Ok,but if you figure $109.99 for the fixture +$89 now you're $198 US, converted to Canadian is $311, now add $30 per bulb for reflectors so that's another $180 and you've spent $378 on a cheap retrofitted chinese fixture.

For $10 less he can buy a 6 bulb 48" teklight from J&L with individual reflectors and if something goes wrong with it, there's someone on the other end of the phone who's interested in making it right.

I thought it came with bulbs?

Steve

[the marine apprentice]

it does come with bulbs but appearantly they suck. so idunno

[gobytron]

Remember, peoples opinions vary based on their income and personal opinions and experiences.

It's always a wash when asking if something is worth the money, because some people value money more and some less...lol

I used a crappy 4X 65 watt chinese ebay pc fixture for almost 6 months and had no complaints...
why?
because I knew it was a cheap pos to begin with and all i cared was that it worked at even a basic level for what I needed it for (which was a mostly lps but a couple sps close to the top tank) and when the ballast did go on me, I knew I had gotten what I paid for and just put in a new one and kept using it until I could afford (or found a deal) on the halides that I really wanted but didn't necessarily need right away.

[lastlight]

Very good point. Some also aren't made of money but are also willing to save longer and buy once. Many ways to this hobby.

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by vaporize

almost like comparing to normal output flourscent.

not realy at all, more like comparing it to T5 systems that are on the market today. The hagen glow for 230.00 is a two bulb single reflector which still puts out 50% more PAR than a comparable PC system.

so depending what the needs are this system would be exelent or good, but not bad. I don't know about shipping but I have never had a problem with drop shipping.

Steve