Lighting?

HABS#1 · #1 12/31/2007, 06:39 PM

So this is the fixture I am looking at and what do you guys think? It is a 48" 4X54W T5HO 2X10K and 2Xactinic with 4 moonlights.

http://www.marineandreef.com/shoppro...novaXtreme.htm

Here is a better link to the fixture

http://www.current-usa.com/novaextreme.html

bertoni · #2 12/31/2007, 06:59 PM

If you want to keep high-light animals, I would check that the fixture has one reflector per bulb. Otherwise, the efficiency isn't going to be all that good. I am not familiar with the Nova Extreme, but it sounds like one reflector for all the bulbs.

Rustylugnuts · #3 12/31/2007, 07:02 PM

I would suggest a unit with 1 reflector per bulb. Something like this would work well if youre looking for a fixture.

HABS#1 · #4 12/31/2007, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bertoni
If you want to keep high-light animals, I would check that the fixture has one reflector per bulb. Otherwise, the efficiency isn't going to be all that good. I am not familiar with the Nova Extreme, but it sounds like one reflector for all the bulbs.

From what I read it is it is supposed to get teh most out of the bulbs with the reflector they use and the ballast and electronics they employ in the light so I am not to sure.

returnofsid · #5 12/31/2007, 07:02 PM

Bertoni's correct. Look at Tek5 fixtures by Sunlight Supply. Here's a link to a great retailer who can give you TONS of information on the fixture. They have a reflector that's made up of individual reflectors that are bent around each bulb and then welded together to make one reflector with several "gull wing" bends around each bulb. This creates much more efficient lighting and directs light from all around each bulb DOWN into the water. They are more expensive but well worth it. I've got a 48" unit with 6 bulbs over my 75 and am keeping SPS and Clams happy as can be.

returnofsid · #6 12/31/2007, 07:03 PM

oops, forgot the link...lol. http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_...ight_Fixtures/

HABS#1 · #7 12/31/2007, 07:06 PM

Thanks I am not to sure I want to fork out over 250.00 for a light fixture though LOL. Hell I even made my paretns buy my tank and Eheim canister as birthday gifts for me while they were all on sale for boxing day LOL.

dsn112 · #8 12/31/2007, 07:06 PM

I have that fixture on a small tank and it works well because my tank is small and shallow. For my 90 I am doing the Tek 6 bulb. It is much better and has individual reflectors. Don't waste your money on a unit with a single reflector, thats like having 2 bulbs instead of the 4 advertised. I also would do 6 so you can keep anything you want.

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...ct~SL2119.html

Yes it costs more, but we all know you are already addicted to this hobby, so by now you should be used to this

dsn112 · #9 12/31/2007, 07:08 PM

guess I was too slow

HABS#1 · #10 12/31/2007, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dsn112
I have that fixture on a small tank and it works well because my tank is small and shallow. For my 90 I am doing the Tek 6 bulb. It is much better and has individual reflectors. Don't waste your money on a unit with a single reflector, thats like having 2 bulbs instead of the 4 advertised. I also would do 6 so you can keep anything you want.

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...ct~SL2119.html

Yes it costs more, but we all know you are already addicted to this hobby, so by now you should be used to this

Yes I am addicted but I am far more addicted to hockey and my kids hockey which sucks up far more money than any fish tank ever could LOL.

bertoni · #11 12/31/2007, 07:11 PM

The Nova Extreme will be fine for soft corals and other low-light animals. It's a personal choice as to what you intend to stock.

Puma559 · #12 12/31/2007, 07:29 PM

im thinking of getting the nova extreme for my 60 gallon. Its 15 inches tall i might be able to keep some lps if its towards the top right?

bertoni · #13 12/31/2007, 07:32 PM

There are many corals that do well enough with lower lighting. This book can help pick some:

[ericsbook]

HABS#1 · #14 12/31/2007, 07:39 PM

I am looking at keeping brains frog spawn and mushrooms to name a few plus some tangs and a few other critters in the 75.

malawi · #15 12/31/2007, 07:46 PM

I getting with the Nova Extreme myself for my 65gl high going with soft corals only

bertoni · #16 12/31/2007, 08:12 PM

Mushroom corals will be fine. There's too many types of brain coral to say anything there. Some won't be happy. Trachyphyllia should be okay. I don't know about frogspawn. I kept my Euphyllia under much higher intensity light.

HABS#1 · #17 12/31/2007, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bertoni
Mushroom corals will be fine. There's too many types of brain coral to say anything there. Some won't be happy. Trachyphyllia should be okay. I don't know about frogspawn. I kept my Euphyllia under much higher intensity light.

bertoni · #18 12/31/2007, 08:49 PM

I wouldn't try the frogspawn or the Platygyra. The Montipora might be okay. The other corals should do well enough.

HABS#1 · #19 12/31/2007, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bertoni
I wouldn't try the frogspawn or the Platygyra. The Montipora might be okay. The other corals should do well enough.

Why not on the Platy I really like the looks of it.

bertoni · #20 12/31/2007, 09:08 PM

I'm not convinced the fixture would give enough light, but the animal might be okay at the very top of the tank. I don't think that's one of the easier corals to keep, but I haven't got my copy of the coral book on hand.

HABS#1 · #21 01/01/2008, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bertoni
I'm not convinced the fixture would give enough light, but the animal might be okay at the very top of the tank. I don't think that's one of the easier corals to keep, but I haven't got my copy of the coral book on hand.

Thanks for the info bertoni I will have to get some more info on that particular coral I have till May to do so anyhow.

drillsar · #22 01/01/2008, 01:12 PM

I would for sure get a sunlight supply fixture, well worth it in the end. My friend has the Nova extreme and he just saw what I got and hes mad. For the extra $$$ it's worth it. I would never skip on a good light or skimmer the biggest thing we reefer's need.

Zestay · #23 01/01/2008, 03:38 PM

also hate to rain on your parade but i wouldnt keep more than 1 tang in a 75 gallon tank.

HABS#1 · #24 01/01/2008, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by drillsar
I would for sure get a sunlight supply fixture, well worth it in the end. My friend has the Nova extreme and he just saw what I got and hes mad. For the extra $$$ it's worth it. I would never skip on a good light or skimmer the biggest thing we reefer's need.

There will probably not be a skimmer in the 75 just as I do not use one in the 31 and won't be in the kids 10 GAL either. I am sticking with the Nova Extreme.

I guess we are just putting in a Sailfin Tang for the 75 and maybe a Dory. The kids are screaming for a Dory LOL.

drillsar · #25 01/01/2008, 08:14 PM

I don't want to discourage you but you will not like the nova extreme trust me, the reflector and craftmanship on it is awful. With the sunlight fixture you wont have to upgrade if you do you will sell the sunlight faster plus get probably most of your money back with the nova you wont so think of that as well