My 55 gallon reef build.

[Redfox1]

What I have read is par is the way to go.

 

[needmorecowbell]

Wow I checked the link and if you were to buy something like that from another website I'm sure it would be around 800-1000$

 

[Ibrahim]

It's legit too. That's where I bought mines.

 

[iDream]

Absolutely DO NOT buy the Odyssea MH fixtures, no way. Their products are not UL listed, and not quality. I would be a little more lineant on their T5's, but absolutely not their MH

Look up a T5HO system, 2 36" fixtures will be better than 1 72" fixture for you, but that means you'll have to hang them. Look into getting 4-6 bulb T5HO system, much cheaper, energy efficient, run cooler, and can put out the same or better PAR than MHs. Try fishneedit.com, or a Nova Extreme Pro. If you are willing to spend a bit extra for a great fixture look into Sunlight Supply Tek lights. They don't come with bulbs and you'll want ATI or Giessman bulbs so factor that into you're cost with that fixture as well

 

[Redfox1]

I spent $1,000 on the tank and stand. Now I am working on everything else. I think I need to sit down.

 

[iDream]

Lighting will probably be the biggest expense. And a skimmer (A good one atleast) too

 

[Redfox1]

Thanks for the tip on the lighting fixtures.

 

[Ibrahim]

I've had mines for a year without a problem.

 

[iDream]

Probably because you put 150w halides in the 250w fixture, which you shouldn't have to be doing. Now that I think about it 250w going into a 150w bulb doesn't sound very smart, but regardless Odyssea fixtures have a tendency to not be very good, and there are stories of their MH fixtures catching fire

Where did you hear/why did you put the 150w bulbs in anyway?

 

[Ibrahim]

Here is someone else with an Oddysea 72" metal Halide System

he also has a 220 gallon.

 

[Ibrahim]

It was originally 2 250w but they were a little to much for a 55 gallon so I switched it with a less powerful 150 bulb 5 months ago. No it barely heats up.

 

[iDream]

His tank also looks overstocked IMO, 6 tangs in a 220G with multiple other large fish and small schools of fish?

The fixture also seems to look like it has no fans, which IMO is not good. For a pendant it's fine but for a fixture with T5s as well? Definitely needs some fan.

I'm not gonna try to argue with you on this. I'm just giving my honest opinion and reasons why I think that way. You can do however you please. This thread has gotten way off topic anyway, and I apologize to JABS for that

I'm unsubbing this thread now which saddens me because JABS' tank is amazing and I want to see it progress

 

[carey]

I am probably the only person on this forum who actually recommends odyssea, but only their T5 units. i have two and love them but even i wouldn't get the MH unless theres some major changes made to them. They are cheaply made which is fine for a 4 bulb system but when you gt to the heat of a MH? Nope, not a chance.

LOL

 

[Ibrahim]

Mines came with 2 fans and the 72" has four.

 

[Redfox1]

Do you run an osmosis unit?

 

[Ibrahim]

Yea I do. I'm not home now but I can get a pic in a few minutes.

 

[carey]

An ro/di unit is vital for sw. I just picked one up on ebay for $59 and its a 100gpd unit. Theres a thread under equipment you can look at, has all the details.

 

[Redfox1]

Good price for an R/O unit.

 

[needmorecowbell]

Wow that is a really good price. The ones i looked at were 100-200$

 

[carey]

Need to hit ebay

lol

Cheapest one they have and it works grear. I just used it again yesterday to make 20 gallons in like 4 hours