T-5's revisited

b-baby80

Member
O.K. so i've had my mind set on the nova extreme.I know when i posted before i was told i would be able to keep many things under it.Here are my specs and what i'm planning to get.Anyone who has this could you post what you have under it and pics would be awesome.I'm on a bit of a budget but still want to do it right.I'm looking at just over $200 for this shipped.i was thinking though after seeing "Flricordia"'s DIY clamp style MH's maybe my husband could make some of those for about the same cost.I'm worried about them warming up the water though.So i'm kinda in limbo here on this.I'm looking for something that i can keep a good bit of corals under but on this budget.So any input is very appreciated.
55gallon
with about 18in to the top of the sand.
Fixture

Current Nova Extreme High Output Fixture-4x54Watt-48"
Each fixture includes two 460nm Actinic Blue and two Daylight 10,000K SlimPaq high output T5 lamps.
This fixture has a total wattage of 216 watts, plus 4 Lunar lights. Dimensions: 48" x 7.25 x 2.5".
 

nycbob

Active Member
i had the nova 4x54 b4. its a good light. i am able to keep everything including sps in the top half of the tank. i recently upgraded to nova 8x54, so i wouldnt be restricted w coral placements.
 

fanker

Active Member
nova are no bueno because of the single reflector. its about half the light as a tek light. if u have the 8x54w its about the same as the tek 4x54w. the tek has individual reflectors so its alot more light. imo nova are a was of money
 

andreyv

Member
Originally Posted by B-Baby80
What are my options then?On my budget i mean?

Considering that you are on the budget IMHO Nova would be a good choice
and as mentioned earlier you will be able to keep a lot of different corals.
It is just not the most efficient system. I didn’t see any test data myself but
have read many times on different boards that 8 bulbs single reflector Nova would
be comparable to 6 or even 4 bulbs system with individual reflectors.
BTW if some one could point to test data comparing PARs of single
reflector vs. individual reflectors systems that would be great
.
HTH
 
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