[gmcmdc]

Hello fellow fish lovers,

I have a 90 gal. bowfront tank, mostly fish but some inverts (mushrooms, anenomes). I have had the same fluorescent compact lights for 6 years (just replacing bulbs) and they're finally going. I've read the other comments out there right now, and seems like there are two options and I'm wanting advice on which one to go with or maybe one of each? Or something new? I have 3 kids 3 and under and don't have the time to research myself but still love my tank and want to stay on top of it. Staying home with them also means a budget...

Thank-you for the help!

gmcmdc

Option 1: Nova Extreme HO T5 Aquarium Lighting Fixtures - Saltwater | T5 Lighting | Lighting Systems | Aquarium - ThatPetPlace.com
Option 2: 65 Watt PC Current Satellite SmartPaq Light Fixture w/ Lunar Light Model 1003

[Jeremy0322]

Depending on how deep the tank is you dont want to use PC lighting. They dont have the depth penetration that T5's do, and metal halides are even better than that, however they use much more energy. It would probably be your best move to get a T5 fixture, just make sure there are individual reflectors. What do you want to keep in the tank in the future? And you probably want at least 360 watts of light, and 450 would be much better than that.

[pogodzib]

Personally, I don't plan on ever buing another PC light fixture for over a reef tank unless it is for a nano or refugium. IMO, for the cost and light quality, T5 HO is much better.

[gmcmdc]

Thank-you for the info! So I'm going T5's, 450 watts. Anyone know the best source (cheapest for the best quality) out there for new T5 lights? I'm interested in which fixture is the best but also which fixture takes the bulb which will be the least expensive to replace.

Thank-you!

[sgarron]

These are very good.

TEK LIGHT T-5, 48" Light Fixture 8 x 54W lamps by Sunlight Supply* - AquaCave

48" Constellation 7 Lamp T5 Fixture by Aquactinics* - AquaCave

But the bulbs are extra of course.

[aquasalt]

You may also be interested in the Nova Extreme Pro's at about half the cost.

Anybody know why the Aquactinics cost so much more than the TEKs?

[pogodzib]

The aquatinics are the best T5 HO units available, followed by the TEK units. Those two used to be the best units by far, but some of the other brands are catching up. The main thing is that you get a unit with individual reflectors. Bulb replacement cost will be the same no matter what brand of unit you get because they can all use the same bulbs, assuming they are the same length, that is.

[aquasalt]

I think for us researching lighting, it all comes down to, "what can (x) do that (y) cannot?" I was pretty much sold on the TEK, until someone said that the Nova Extreme Pros do a great job on a 90. The aquatinics are way up there!

[gimmito]

Checkout Scotslights.com.

He carries slightly used tek and aquatinics fixtures at a good discount.

I got my aquatinics TX5 from him and have been very pleased with the results.

[sgarron]

The Nova Extreme Pros are a nice economy fixture. they do not have individual reflectors though and they're bulbs are not on par with ATI, UVL, and Geisman. Bit, it will do a very good job for most people and when it's ime for new bulbs you can get ATI, etc.

[pogodzib]

Actually, the Nova Extreme Pro's now advertise that they have "individual contoured reflectors" and I've heard that they do have individual reflectors now. They still aren't as good as the Aquatinic or TEK units, but they are also cheaper, if cost is a factor. As for the bulbs, they get replaced with time anyway, so I always try to buy a unit based on the actual unit and put very little weight on the bulbs that come with it. Unless you pick out the bulbs yourself with any unit, the bulbs usually aren't the same spectrum or brand that you want anyway. Even if you think you want a bulb combination, until you see it and try it out, you don't know of sure.

[aquasalt]

Originally Posted by gimmito

Checkout Scotslights.com.

He carries slightly used tek and aquatinics fixtures at a good discount.

I got my aquatinics TX5 from him and have been very pleased with the results.

Thanks for the suggestion! I just called them and left a message.

[gmcmdc]

Thank-you all for the great thoughts! I appreciate the help!

[boba40]

check out the nova extreme pro series,they DO have individual reflectors as i am looking at my set right now.i bought from a very reliable lfs that could have sold me anything up to about 700.00 as that is what my lighting budget was set at.they persuaded me to go with the 48 inch set.as far as saying these are subpar lights is kind of a quick assumption as they have only been available for about a month and a half.my lfs sells out of them as fast as they get them in.check them out at Front Page | Current What's Next and at Aquarium Supplies, Pet Supplies and Pond Supplies by That Fish Place - That Pet Place

[sgarron]

Pogodzib,

The "individual contoured reflectors" are a single sheet of polished aluminum bent to mimic individual reflectors. I agree it is a good fixture for the money. I have the Outer Orbit fixture, also from Current and have no complaints about quality. But, I also feel they are misleading people about the reflectors.

boba40, remove the bulbs and take a closer look.

[Jeremy0322]

I would love to run T5's but the tank came with PC's so that is what i am using for now. It will be plenty of light for a 55 though, 260 watts for a 55, but sometime down the road i will be converting over to T5

[aquasalt]

Digging up an old thread here, but for good reason. I just got offered a brand new set of Nova Extreme 4x54W at $150 and wanted to hear what you all have to say. They are $198 wholesale.

This is for over a 90 gallon.

[wesley6610]

Is this the new Nova with the individual reflectors?

[wesley6610]

Originally Posted by aquasalt

Digging up an old thread here, but for good reason. I just got offered a brand new set of Nova Extreme 4x54W at $150 and wanted to hear what you all have to say. They are $198 wholesale.

This is for over a 90 gallon.

Are you selling or you bought this fixture? Personally, I'm not sure if that light will be bright enough for the depth of a 90 gallon unless you have low light corals or set them up high in the tank.

[wesley6610]

Originally Posted by sgarron

Pogodzib,

The "individual contoured reflectors" are a single sheet of polished aluminum bent to mimic individual reflectors. I agree it is a good fixture for the money. I have the Outer Orbit fixture, also from Current and have no complaints about quality. But, I also feel they are misleading people about the reflectors.

boba40, remove the bulbs and take a closer look.

So you don't actually get individual reflectors like they claim?

[aquasalt]

Hey Wes, it has been a while since I saw you around. Thanks for pitching in. This is a fixture that has been offered to me for sale. I am not selling. Honestly, I have been pretty set on buying a 8x54W TEK fixture down the road, as soon as I figure out which bank to rob. But this sounded like a good deal in terms of price. Then again, I'd hate to spend money on something that I know I am going to replace anyway. If you're going to do it, do it right is my philosophy.

Just wanted to hear what your opinions were.

[wesley6610]

Grad school has had me hostage since January, lol. I'm on break now so I thought I would check in and see what's shaking with the RB folks. I totally agree, wait on the TEK light if your tank can hold on until your stimulus check comes in the fall, lol. I just re-arranged my aquascape last night, so as soon as stuff settles in the tank I will post pictures. How is your tank progressing?

[gmcmdc]

OK, thank-you all for the great information, and I just thought I'd get back to anyone who cares on what I ended up with. I bought the NOVA Extreme T-5's online, the new ones, and yes, they do have individual reflectors! I am very happy with the lights, they are totally bright and yes, my fish have requested sunglasses. Very cool for you Aquasalt having some given you.

My only beef with them is that the fan noise is louder than I would like. Not terrible, but I'm a peace loving individual and I get enough noise from my 1, 2 and 3-year-olds, and like to stand in front of the tank for a moment of tranquility which is now accompanied by the white noise of the fan. Maybe that's a good thing to drown out the background chaos, I don't know. Overall, I totally recommend these lights.

Thanks all,

gmcmdc

[aquasalt]

I'm glad to hear you like your lights Mer! I wish somebody were giving their lights to me...but no such luck. I would still have to pay $150. I think I am going to follow my gut and hold off for what I really want which are the TEKs.

Wesley, I know what Grad school does to you. It's been a couple years but it still seems like yesterday. Actually I enjoyed it, despite the lack of sleep. What are you specializing in, how far are you?

My tank is doing alright. I am still running FOWLR, letting the tank mature. Coralline has really taken off. I got a QT tank going and have been diligent in preventing any diseases hopping aboard with new fish. However, I am said to say that I have had a couple casualties in the past couple months. Haven't really been able to figure out what exactly has been causing them. I think in any cases territory issues. Planning on corals within the next 6 months if I don't lose my mind first. Good to have you back, man. You have always had good insight!

[wesley6610]

Originally Posted by gmcmdc

OK, thank-you all for the great information, and I just thought I'd get back to anyone who cares on what I ended up with. I bought the NOVA Extreme T-5's online, the new ones, and yes, they do have individual reflectors! I am very happy with the lights, they are totally bright and yes, my fish have requested sunglasses. Very cool for you Aquasalt having some given you.

My only beef with them is that the fan noise is louder than I would like. Not terrible, but I'm a peace loving individual and I get enough noise from my 1, 2 and 3-year-olds, and like to stand in front of the tank for a moment of tranquility which is now accompanied by the white noise of the fan. Maybe that's a good thing to drown out the background chaos, I don't know. Overall, I totally recommend these lights.

Thanks all,

gmcmdc

I'm sure once you add a sump or return pumps that the noise should get cancelled out or you will get use to it and it won't even stand out. Show pics if you get a chance!