[erica]

I am looking into the Nova Extreme Pro. I have a 75 gallon tank. At this time i only have 2 40 watt fluorescent bulbs . However I would like to start keeping more corals and would love to have a clam. I notice that right now the 48" Nova exteme pro only comes with 6 t-5 bulbs with individual reflectors-- is that enough light to maintain a clam or do i need more, My lfs is set on MH. If any one has positive or negative feed back on this product please share. I can only afford to upgrade my lighting once so i want the best - so my lfs owner can no longer tell me i don't have adequate lighting for that.....PLEASE HELP

[Dr. Clyde]

If your doing a full lighting upgrade I would recommend this guy

48" 760W Metal Halide Aquarium Reef Light w/ FREE Ship - eBay (item 130202646773 end time Mar-08-08 19:47:51 PST)

It's a noname china made fixture but I haven't had any trouble with heat or performance with my 72" I bought from him. Expect some broken bulbs when it arrives, but they replace them right away.

[jimw369]

Originally Posted by erica

I am looking into the Nova Extreme Pro. I have a 75 gallon tank. At this time i only have 2 40 watt fluorescent bulbs . However I would like to start keeping more corals and would love to have a clam. I notice that right now the 48" Nova exteme pro only comes with 6 t-5 bulbs with individual reflectors-- is that enough light to maintain a clam or do i need more, My lfs is set on MH. If any one has positive or negative feed back on this product please share. I can only afford to upgrade my lighting once so i want the best - so my lfs owner can no longer tell me i don't have adequate lighting for that.....PLEASE HELP

If this is a one time only deal go with the MH. You will be able to keep anything however depending on your set up you might have some heat issues and the cost of running MH is more than T5. Clyde recommends an economical MH light fixture that has had some issues but most people like and says does very well.

[aquasalt]

I'm currently researching similar fixtures. I think T5s are the way to go. You can even get an 8x54 Watt fixture form Tek. You can pretty much keep anything your heart desires with it plus you are avoiding heating issues and avoiding exorbitant electric bills!

Haven't heard any complaints about the Nova Extreme Pro...and at the price $324 it's a steal!

[boba40]

i just purchased the nova extreme pr 48inch. model from the lfs on their recommendation.if you are worried about the clam,just make a ledge or platform in the middle of the water column,closer to the lights.my lfs also sells th MH lighting systems that cost substantially more[i was prepared to pay close to 700.00 for lighting]but they said the extreme would meet my needs and consume less electricity.

[aquasalt]

As you can see Bob, I am spreading the word! lol

[Tonz of fun]

Currant is still not making t5s that have individual reflectors. I would look into a unit that does. Ask Native for the latest

-A owner of a nova fixture.

[boba40]

tonz of fun,
if you go to www.current-usa and click on the nova extreme pro lights you will see that this series of lights do have individual reflectors.i have a 48 inch set that does have individual reflectors.the nova extreme series does not have this feature.

[Taras1]

The Extreme Pro is limited in the number of lamps to 6 for its 48" model because the space that the individual reflectors take up. For a 75, that should be fine (6 X 54 = 324 watts; or about 4.25 watts/gal)

[sgarron]

The Extreme pro has "individual contoured reflectors", which is a single sheet of polished aluminum bent to mimic individual reflectors. I inspected one close up when I was shopping for lights for my 180.

[jimw369]

I have had both the nova extreme (single reflector) and am currently using the TEK light.

Tek has the nova beat hands down in every category. Sorry. Was glad to sell the Nova!

You also need to be thinking bulb selection when you are going T5. More so than MH. Without individual reflectors the different bulbs for a T5 fixture all shine together making them very ineffective.

Think individual reflectors first then bulb selection. Both are extremely critical for a T5 unit to work well.

[Tonz of fun]

Originally Posted by sgarron

The Extreme pro has "individual contoured reflectors", which is a single sheet of polished aluminum bent to mimic individual reflectors. I inspected one close up when I was shopping for lights for my 180.

+1 hit the nail on the head.

[Taras1]

Originally Posted by jimw369

I have had both the nova extreme (single reflector) and am currently using the TEK light.

Tek has the nova beat hands down in every category. Sorry. Was glad to sell the Nova!

You also need to be thinking bulb selection when you are going T5. More so than MH. Without individual reflectors the different bulbs for a T5 fixture all shine together making them very ineffective.

Think individual reflectors first then bulb selection. Both are extremely critical for a T5 unit to work well.

OH Well -- We all can't be perfect. I have the Nova Extreme 8 X 54 unit for my 90 Gal. My fishes, corals and BTA seem happy; perhaps they could be happier, I dunno.

Which TEK did you get the HO or VHO?

[jimw369]

Originally Posted by Taras1

OH Well -- We all can't be perfect. I have the Nova Extreme 8 X 54 unit for my 90 Gal. My fishes, corals and BTA seem happy; perhaps they could be happier, I dunno.

Which TEK did you get the HO or VHO?

I have the T5HO. I wasnt implying you or your light wasnt perfect. Didnt say the Nova couldnt do a good job over a certain tank. Imo the TEK light is a better unit than the nova from having them both first hand. Im sure there are T5 fixtures that are far supierior to the Tek fixture.

Sorry if I offended you.

[Taras1]

Jim -- No offense was taken (just making a little joke)...I had actually looked at the TEK fixture but didn't like that it didn't have a fan or you had to buy the acrylic lens and feet seperately. The 8 tube unit was a bit big for my tank. I also had thought about the VHO upgrade.