T5 Nova Extremes?

[samurai_sushi]

How good are these lamps? They were recommended to me and I've just started checking them out. I have a standard 55 gallon so I'm planing on getting the 48" fixture with 4x54 watt lamps. I'm looking to mainly keep softies and LPS with this in my tank. Thanks for the advice.

 

[bkoz]

I have this fixture on my 29 and it works/looks great. You might look into the new extreme pro, it has indavidual reflectors.

 

[zeroc]

yeah, look for a fixture with individual reflectors like, as mentioned, the nova pro or look into Tek fixtures.

 

[samurai_sushi]

So what do individual reflectors do that makes them so much more expensive? Do you think that just getting an MH fixture would be cheaper?

 

[wangotango]

The individual reflectors boost light output by about 300% compared to the bulb alone. I don't know how much of an increase it makes over a single reflector but it is significant. Individual reflectors are what give T5 the power to compare to halides, so yes it's well worth the few extra bucks to get them.
It may be more expensive up front, but it'll be a lot cheaper to run. Most halide bulbs are about $60 each, and need to be replaced every 8-10 months or so. The average T5 ho lamp costs about $20 and needs to be replaced every 18-24 months. You also aren't dealing with the heat issues.
-Justin

 

[twogood4u]

Here are some pics of my 75 with the Nova lights. My tank is 6 inches wider than yours.
The lights are good. Yes they dont have seperate reflectors but the light does make its way down to the sand. Would i buy another set for next tank? Yes unless i went with MH.