Does anyone have experience with this metal halide / Actinic combo? I would love to read your reviews! Here's the link to their ebay store: http://cgi.ebay.com/17-24-Metal-Halide-Aqu...4#ht_1944wt_907

Also, would this be appropriate for a 14 gal. or 30 gal. tank?

Wow!!! this looks awesome...right prices too to me... but then, I am just a newbie... I will be watching this thread...

I wouldn't count on those T5s lasting very long. First, they're normal output (NO).. not high-output (HO). Second, the heat given off by the MH will affect the efficiency and lifespan of those T5 bulbs.

It seems like they added T5 as an afterthought or merely to tout as an added feature. Not a very sensible design. And in the future you'd have to buy T5NO bulbs, which will be another headache.

It doesn't say that it includes the halide ballast too.... That's another $120 anyway. NO T5s just aren't that great. I wouldn't get it.

I thought those were T5HO and that all ballast were covered....

17" Metal Halide ADV+ Pendant 178W
This MH ADV+ 17" is The light for nano reefs. A space saving combo unit combines 1x 150W HQI metal halide and 2x 14W Actinic Blue T5 lamps in one single unit. This unit features external HQI controller, removable cooling fan, mounting legs, and anodized aluminum housing. Individual power cords and power switches maximizes usability and timer ready! Mounting bracket extenders reaches a maximum length of 24" to accomodate most nano aquariums. Optional hanging kit available.
Features:
Dimensions - 17.00” x 8.00” x 2.50”
Dimensions w/brackets - 19.00” x 11.00” x 7.75”
Total wattage: 178W
Supports 1x 150W HQI lamps
Supports 2x 14W T5 HO lamps
Individual power cords for each function
External HQI controllers
Non-corrosive powder coated aluminum housing
Removable cooling fan
Mounting brackets extends up to 24"
Tempered glass splash guard
Highly polished reflector
Optional hanging kit suspends fixture
CE Certified
Listing includes:
1x MH/T5 fixture and all ballasts
1x Mounting Bracket (Free Item)
1x Mounting Bracket Extender (Free Item)
1x MH 150W 15000K (Free Item)
2x 14W T5 Actinic Blue (Free Item)

It actuallly does state- includes "all ballasts." Doesn't that include the metal halide ballast?

"Listing includes: 1x MH/T5 fixture and all ballasts" One of the bullet points next to the pics.

At a second glance, that reflector is basically flat aluminum. Again, not efficient at all. I get that it's supposed to be a bare budget fixture, but lighting isn't one of the things that should be purchased as cheaply as possible IMO.

FWIW, if you need an inexpensive option and are dead set on MH, look at the Fishneedit fixtures. They're not much more expensive and have a decent-looking reflector. I don't own one, so you should do a search and read some of the reviews here before making a decision.

Thanks for all of your input! You have given me quite a bit to consider. Does anybody own this fixture?

isn't this the same light Aquatraders sells for $99 with free shipping? Some people had problems with their old stuff from Odyssea but some say their new stuff works fine but it's up to you. Try it out.. and let us know how it goes... haha nah don't do that... if you do let us know how it goes...

It does appear to be the exact same light as aquatraders sells. Does anyone own this?

It is EXACTLY the same light offered by Aquatraders (their MH / T5 Pendant for 99.00+free shipping).

I happen to personally own this fixture. I have had wonderful results and growth over my AP 12 using it. Of course I am using a Phoenix 14K bulb and the stock Actinics I turn them off when MH kicks on and back off when MH kicks off. Saves the life of the bulbs. Yes they are NO-T5 but when you are only supplementing or using them for dusk to dawn they are JUST FINE. The Phoenix lamp is my source light.

GREAT Light IMO.... especially for the price. And it's not raising my temps crazy high either. You really can't go wrong with it just change the MH lamp to a better quality 150watt DE bulb and let it run.



EDIT: Please excuse the Hair Algae.... Those damn Current Dual Daylights PC's that came on my AP12 caused a terrible outbreak... that and some bad water from Walmart's RO machine. They have replaced their filters and membrane finally so the phosphates and silicates are diminished and the tank is looking much better. But the Light is still going strong and makes things POP w/ the Phoenix bulb.

So, it's been quite a while and I still haven't bought a fixture. Now I'm getting tempted by the 150 watt metal halide fixture from fishneedit.com. Does anyone own this one? I would love to hear how it has been working for you. If I buy this, it will go above my 24 gal. Aquapod frag tank. If you want to check out this fixture, here is the link: http://www.fishneedit.com/150w-metal-halide-pendant-lig.html

I don't have personal experience, but I can tell you that fishneedit fixtures are better than aquatraders.

I bought the 70w. Shipping was fast, build quality is decent for the price. Well worth the money I think. Haven't had a chance to use it yet, but I'll be using it on my 12" contest tank. You can take a look at the fixture in my tank thread in my signature.

It comes with the fixture, ballast, bulb, legs + hanging kit. You have the choice of mounting it to your tank or hanging it above.

The link for the Odyssea Metal Halide reads that its T5 HO but the above poster says they are reguler T5 ????
So what is it ?

lol i though that was a freshwater planted tank for a minute there.

Well, I'm going to order the "fishneedit" 14k fixture today. I'll let you know how it goes when it arrives!

So... did anyone fix the "green" in the color of this...? I bought this fixture on ebay for $80 used and it is indeed greenish... didn't really see where people fixed the problem? HO T5 actinics? Please... I'm looking to upgrade as soon as possible.

thanks!