What Do You Guys Think Of This Light Fixture?

[Reed639]

Alright so I have a 20 gallon tall reef tank and recently have been wanting to upgrade my lighting from a 2 bulb t5 to a 4 bulb t5.The reason for this is because I would like to get more growth out of my corals and be able to keep sps and clams.Tell me your opinion on this light fixture and if you have this light fixture could you please provide me a picture of your tank.

Light Fixture
Current USA Nova Extreme T5HO Fixtures

Thanks,
Reed

 

[fsu1dolfan]

It is a very nice system - but i would get better bulbs once you use the stock ones for a little bit... Heres a thread with a couple pics and comments about it.

https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/general-reef-discussions/46158-current-nova-extreme-pro.html

 

[Reed639]

Do you use the fixture on your system.

 

[Reed639]

Do you think I could use the stock bulbs for maybe 2 months before I replace because money is very tight right now

 

[fsu1dolfan]

Do you use the fixture on your system.

No i have a sunpod on my tank - But i do love the T5 look!!

Do you think I could use the stock bulbs for maybe 2 months before I replace because money is very tight right now

Absolutely - just was saying that there are some nicer bulbs out there when you are ready!

 

[xmetalfan99]

I would but a 4-bulb tek light off reefgeek.com. For $282 you can buy a great fixture with better reflectors and your choice of high quality bulbs. You will wind up spending $280 anyway if you buy the current fixture, then replace the stock bulbs fter 2 months. Really a waste of money.

 

[flyfish4trout]

I formerly ran my biocube 29 with a 4 bulb 24 inch Nova Extreme T5 fixture. I also agree with fsu1dolfan and think you should ditch the slim pac bulbs that come with the unit as quickly as possible. For me the fixture was reliable, and like you I was on a tight budget. In retrospect I wish I would have waited and purchased a better quality fixture. About a year after I got this I changed to LED. I was able to keep SPS under this light, but I don't know about a clam. If you are set on having a clam I would think about a TEk or ATI fixture, because the reflectors are much higher quality. I am a huge t5 fan, and with my next tank which is in progress now I am going back to a t5 fixture.

 

[Reed639]

Could you Please Link Me To This Fixture.

 

[Reed639]

What would be a good bulb combo?

 

[fsu1dolfan]

Could you Please Link Me To This Fixture.

I believe xmetal was refering to this on in particular... http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5...t_Fixture_w!_Bulbs_(Black)_by_Sunlight_Supply

 

[xmetalfan99]

I believe xmetal was refering to this on in particular... http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5...t_Fixture_w!_Bulbs_(Black)_by_Sunlight_Supply

Yes I was, thank you for posting th elink for me. I am a huge fan of the company, great prices, awesome customer service, and awesome packing. I always recommend them over other stores when it comes to lighting.

 

[Reed639]

Do you know if I can mount the light onto the tank instead of the ceiling?

 

[fsu1dolfan]

Do you know if I can mount the light onto the tank instead of the ceiling?

looks like the legs are extra money and are right below the description in the link...so are the cables too

 

[Reed639]

So if I bought that fixture I would still have to buy a suspenion kit for $30

 

[xmetalfan99]

So if I bought that fixture I would still have to buy a suspenion kit for $30

I built legs for about $15 for my tek light. I have a thread in the DIY on it.

 

[fsu1dolfan]

Hey just checked Marine Depot and found it for quite a bit cheaper plus free shipping!! Sunlight Supply Tek Light High Output Fluorescent Lighting Fixtures

EDIT nevermind forgot about the BULBS :tongue:

 

[Reed639]

Thanks,
Do you know where I can buy some bulbs for cheap?
Whats A good Bulb combination?

 

[fsu1dolfan]

Thanks,
Do you know where I can buy some bulbs for cheap?
Whats A good Bulb combination?

Dont know much about color combos since i never ran T5s but Aquarium Lighting Superstore! - Hellolights.com is a great place for some good lighting!

 

[Reed639]

I think I may stick with the current fixture and keep the stockbulbs until I get the funds for new bulbs.
Do you think this will work?

 

[xmetalfan99]

Thanks,
Do you know where I can buy some bulbs for cheap?
Whats A good Bulb combination?

Reefgeek is where I buy all of my bulbs. I have had about 30 bulbs shipped ot me and only 1 has arrived broken. They sent a new one out the same day i emailed them about the broken bulb. As for bulb combo, what color do you want your tank to look?