lighting "good deal or buyer beware"

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
N

nano monster

Feeder Fish
Aug 8, 2008
4
0
0
ontario
HI there was wondering if any one has any exp with aquatraders.com? ive seen ads for their stuff all over several different sites and magazines and all I can think of when I see their prices on esp hqi fixtures is whats wrong with them. the company making the stuff is odessea which I cant seem to find any info on. but at 390usd for a 760 watt 48" hood with bulbs included seems a little cheep. i wrote too aquarium usa when I first saw the article and their response was that they haven't had any feed back on them. was wondering if any one has had any dealings with them .

Thanks
 
I have heard mixed reviews.. the biggest problem i have is they are not UL listed which can cause issues with your home owners insurance ( may or maynot depending on your particular insurance company...and this is more a personal opinion not a basis of fact because iam just scared of electricity/water mixed and not ul listed)
 
Thanks while im not one to condem a company, country, or other body based on a stariotype I am a little worried of the quality of workmanship comming from china these days and while the price is tempting even if the ballasts need replacing quickly, I would have too agree with you on the UL listing/ electricty and water comment. seeing as ive already done a nice little exparament with my sw tank and a power bar. Not intentionally mind you but the pretty blue and white flames were great and it deff failed the blue smoke test... Im thinking im going to just have to break down and save my pennies for a more exp version.
 
I believe their new fixtures are now UL rated, but don't hold me to that. I ran one of their power compact lights for 18 months before upgrading to T5, an it worked very well. My only complaint was that the bulbs were not of the highest quality. I have heard the bulbs and ballasts on their halide systems are not up to par. i saw a thread on reef central that showed a side by side comparison of the Oddysea and another HQI of the same watts, and your could really see the difference.
 
i have also heard mixed reviews. The biggest complaint that i heard was the life of the unit. no experience though. Good luck
 
my low quality fish store in town( below wally world and other chain pet stores in my opinion) currently has one they ordered from aquatraders and it came in broken and they say that aquatraderes is not answering thier inquieries about the broken light.
 
I have a 48" 260W PC fixture, protein skimmer and UV filter from them and they all have worked fine so far. No manuals with any of them though. Quality may not be as high as some other brands, but neither are prices. I have no complains so far.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom