So I came home today from university and saw a big 4' box infront of the door. NEW LIGHT! YAY
Its an odyssea (yah yah :P) deluxe 4 bulb T5HO 36" light. I have just given it a test run and here are my opinions:
Shipping: I was surprised how quickly this thing came in. I ordered it online on 2nd Jan, shipped on 4th Jan from USA and received it today (9th Jan). I am very happy with the shipping.
Packaging: To be honest, I am not impressed it the packaging. Its a big white box with another brown box inside and the whole fixture was just one layered bubble packed. It could have been easily damaged. But its all good since the whole thing is in one piece with no broken bulbs. And they have also included a manual for the timer.
Build quality: I must say I am impressed with the build quality. Plastic with three fan vents along with side vents, easy-to-remove splash guard and the timer is the gold (although I have not tried the auto mode yet; need to find out how it works). The legs were a big PITA to get into position but its not that bad.
Reflector/light: Well it came with 2 actinics and 2 daylight. I would question the light, particularly one actinic, which has flash bands going inside the bulb. But they are definitely a huge improvement over my previous 2 bulb T5 fixture. HUGE difference! I gave it a little test run and MY GOD I was literally blown away. My tank looks totally different. I wonder what's gonna happen when I add ATI bulbs :P The leds are total disappointment. Although there are 6 LEDs (1w underdrived I presume), it doesn't put enough light. I can hardly see any moonlight effect in the tank with those. I will be sticking the stunner strip with this fixture for moonlight. The reflector is where most of the people will get the disappointment. It is a one piece reflector and not even curved around each bulb. But I believe I wont have any problem with it since it should still put in more than enough light for my tank.
Overall conclusion: I am very happy with this fixture. For $145 shipped, it is a great bargain! I will be changing one actinic to actinic+ and one 10000k to ati purple+ for now and let other two stocks run for now.
