Pick the new lights for my reef

[hammerhed7]

I am looking for a new light fixture for my 46 bowfront reef, I am looking at T5's. I keep softies, and a frog spawn that are currently under PC lights. I havent reallt considered halides due to heat, and they would probably be overkill for what I have. Would a Nova 156 watt work? maybe a Aquatinic? let me know.
Thanks

 

[dragonzim]

Go with either the Aquatinic or a Tek fixture. They have the best reflectors out there.

 

[hammerhed7]

I have heard the reflectorsare everything, I have never run T5, will the 156 watts be sufficient? I know it is less watts than the PC's I am running, but I believe the par is higher, with the narrower sides of the bowfront tank I dont think I will have enough room for a 5 bulb fixture.

 

[reefraff]

The T5's will put a lot more light in the water.

 

[michael76lll]

the 36' nova extreme would be fine! i have had the nova for 2 weeks now on my 46 and i love it!!! heres a pic.

 

[wangotango]

If you're on a budget, then the nova will be ok, but I would swap out the current bulbs for either ATI, Geisemann, or UVL. If you don't mind spening the extra money, look into the Aquactinics 36" TX5 fixture; it'll let you keep anything you want.
Michael, does you eibli angel bother anything? I had one before and he really went to town on my coral.
-Justin