Nova Extreme

[rmeaux]

Well I was looking to get the Nova Extreme Pro 6x54. I would like a tek but I can get the Nova with bulbs cheaper than a Tek fixture. I kinda wanna spread my funds to other things. Can someone give me Pros and Cons of this Nova Fixture. Also I have a canopy. If I cut out the sides where the fans are I should be alright, right? Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks! Oh this is going on my 75 which I will be starting my diary on soon, getting my ducks in a row first.

 

[coastie81]

well it says right in the instructions not to put under a canopy. Mine does not get hot at all but I am also in puerto rico where my air conditioner is on all day everyday so I really have no heat issues. I really wouldn't want to put under a canopy as the legs do not attach to the tank the just sit on the top of the tank. just my .02, anyone else feel free to chime in.

 

[05xrunner]

if you put some slots in the canopy to allow the fans in teh Nova to blow the air out I dont see why you would have any problems. These T5HO do not put out much heat at all..On my fixture I can touch the bulbs after it being on for a few hours and doesnt really feel all that hot..Even if you put holes in the top of the canopy with a small PC fan i would think would blow out enough of the hot air as well.

 

[rmeaux]

Well I figured I could put vents on my canopy. Also the whole back is open. I was going to put fans.
However, I found these nice looking fixtures by Finnex. They look like a Tek but come with bulbs and are a few more dollars than the nova extreme pro. Any comments on these fixtures would be great.

 

[05xrunner]

I dont believe the Finnex are individual reflectors. so thats basically pointless then.
i just looked them up..they only have 1 large reflector. Dont waste your money on them

 

[rmeaux]

True I just took a better look myself.
At first I was going to retro fit with 2 ice cap 660's but after you add bulbs, reflectors, endcaps; it adds up quick. For the bang for your buck looks like Nova Extreme Pro 6x54 is my perfect choice.
Thanks for all your help!

 

[moprint]

You can get a 4 bulb prewired retro with bulbs, ballast, and SLR reflectors driven by an Icecap 660. For about 50 dollars more then the Nova Extreme Pro. I have the Nova and like it, if I had a canopy I would get the retro.

 

[rmeaux]

But I was leaning more towards the 6 bulb configuration. If I go the Ice Cap 660 route I am limited to 4 bulbs with them all coming on at once. I hear the ice cap overdrives the bulbs would this make up for 2 less bulbs.

 

[moprint]

The 4 bulb retro on an Icecap would be better then Nova Extreme Pro. You always add 2 more bulbs down the road for your dusk to dawn effect. Yes the icecap overdrives the bulbs to around 85 watts.