Orbit Extreme 4x130W vs. Nova Extreme Pro 6x54W

zik69

zik69

Member
I need help in choosing between these two lights as I need to upgrade my lighting. Right now I'm running Odyssea 260W fixture that I bought on ---- when I started my tank six months ago. When I started in this hobby I wasn't sure if I'll want any corals, but now I'm hooked and I want to make the jump. I'll probably start with some easier corals like mushrooms and polyps.
I have 72g bowfront tank with 12" sides, so my selection is limited. Also, I can't afford to spend too much right now, so I'm not looking into MH. I narrowed it down to these two lights Orbit Extreme 4x130W or Nova Extreme Pro 6x54W. I was leaning towards Orbit because I could probably get a refurbished unit for around $250, but I've read that T5 are much better (cost efficient, cooler and brighter). The Orbit Extreme has almost 200W more, but Nova Extreme has individual reflectors, so would these produce similar light intensity?
Another thing is that I really like to watch the tank at night with the lunar lights on, but Nova doesn't have any. With my limited space is there a way to add some lunar lights to Nova Extreme?
 
fishfreak1242

fishfreak1242

Active Member
Originally Posted by zik69
http:///forum/post/2581025
I need help in choosing between these two lights as I need to upgrade my lighting. Right now I'm running Odyssea 260W fixture that I bought on ---- when I started my tank six months ago. When I started in this hobby I wasn't sure if I'll want any corals, but now I'm hooked and I want to make the jump. I'll probably start with some easier corals like mushrooms and polyps.
I have 72g bowfront tank with 12" sides, so my selection is limited. Also, I can't afford to spend too much right now, so I'm not looking into MH. I narrowed it down to these two lights Orbit Extreme 4x130W or Nova Extreme Pro 6x54W. I was leaning towards Orbit because I could probably get a refurbished unit for around $250, but I've read that T5 are much better (cost efficient, cooler and brighter). The Orbit Extreme has almost 200W more, but Nova Extreme has individual reflectors, so would these produce similar light intensity?
Another thing is that I really like to watch the tank at night with the lunar lights on, but Nova doesn't have any. With my limited space is there a way to add some lunar lights to Nova Extreme?
If the Orbit doesnt have individual reflectors, then it will be a big waste of money to get it. Id say go for the Nova Extreme because it has individual reflectors. You could get moon lights if you get the Nova Extreme. They sell these moonlights that like clip on to the side of you tank that you could get.
 
T

tfolke1

Guest
I was just in the exact same situation and I chose the individual reflectors over the extra wattage. Figured less evaporation and a lower electric bill would be better in the long run.
I just ordered my Nova extreme pro this morning. ($369 shipped).
I had a bid in on a refurbed Nova extreme 8x54, but got lucky and had somebody outbid me after I found the extreme Pro.
 
zik69

zik69

Member
Originally Posted by tfolke1
http:///forum/post/2581332
I was just in the exact same situation and I chose the individual reflectors over the extra wattage. Figured less evaporation and a lower electric bill would be better in the long run.
I just ordered my Nova extreme pro this morning. ($369 shipped).
I had a bid in on a refurbed Nova extreme 8x54, but got lucky and had somebody outbid me after I found the extreme Pro.
What size tank are you going to put these on? I'm sure you did some research and will these be enough for some less demending corals? Also, do you plan on adding any moonlights? Thanks for your input.
 
wangotango

wangotango

Active Member
I'd take 6 T5 over the 4 PC any day. Definately go with the Nova Pro but swap out the bulbs for some better ones.
-Justin
 
nycbob

nycbob

Active Member
no i dont hv any moonlight installed. but as u can see, its got plenty of lights bc my of my 2 crocea and both derasas r 2 feet away from the light. after about 3-4 months, try changing out the bulbs to ati or gieseman. i just got all 6 replaced, and what a difference.
 
moprint

moprint

Member
I upgraded to the Nova Pro from a Coralife 4x65 watt pc fixture. It was night and day difference. You will be impressed with the Nova Pro.
 
T

tfolke1

Guest
Originally Posted by zik69
http:///forum/post/2581360
What size tank are you going to put these on? I'm sure you did some research and will these be enough for some less demending corals? Also, do you plan on adding any moonlights? Thanks for your input.
They are going onto a regular 75. I also started with an Odysea 260 watt PC so it looks like we both made the same mistake. I've had some Zoo's Mushrooms, a ric and some Xenia under the Odysea, they are surviving but not thriving so I decided to upgrade to the T5's.
I do wish the extreme pro had moonlights, but there's a couple ways to add them individually. Plus while my Zoo's look cool under the moonlights when the mains first shut off, they are usually closed up by morning so I don't think the corals will miss them.
 
zik69

zik69

Member
Originally Posted by tfolke1
http:///forum/post/2581332
I was just in the exact same situation and I chose the individual reflectors over the extra wattage. Figured less evaporation and a lower electric bill would be better in the long run.
I just ordered my Nova extreme pro this morning. ($369 shipped).
I had a bid in on a refurbed Nova extreme 8x54, but got lucky and had somebody outbid me after I found the extreme Pro.
Did you get your lights yet? I'm just wondering how they're working out? We both have Oddysea 260W and I'll be getting Nova Extreme Pro next week. Keep me posted.
 
T

tfolke1

Guest
UPS says they should get here tomorrow.
I decided to hold off on working the moon light issue out until I had the lights in house. For the short term I may install my oddysea backwards behind the Nova and use just the LED's, but for Long term I'm considering One of the Powerbrite LED systems. There doesn't seem to be a whole lot of experience with the powerbrite systems out there. I know one guy said that they were really too bright to use as moon lights. I really like the way that my Zoo's look under the LED moonlights before they close up for the night, so I may try and get a blue powerbrite system and just always leave it on. They aren't supposed to generate a lot of heat, so I may just buy them and tape a couple bulbs up with electric tape if I need too. Figure I can afford to keep the 4 watts running.
 
T

tfolke1

Guest
Wow thats a lot of light. This is definately a big improvement to the power compacts, The actinic's really bring out the colors in my Zoa's. Some of them had closed up during the downtime while I took the old fixture off, but they all opened up more than I think they ever have before once I had the Nova up and Running. (at least while I've opened them.) The Color difference is Huge.
I may need to move some mushrooms down in the tank, and I'm going to miss having the ability to flip the light up on the mounts to access the tank, But I am very glad that I switched.
 
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