T5 lighting.....

[richie822]

does anyone have the 36" nova extrmeme T5 fixture with 4x39? i was thinking about purchasing it but i was wondering how people liked it? how do you like the light output and the reflectors on it and so on? it seems like the way to go b/c of the price, but i want to make sure it is a good buy. Or shuold i save my money and get a Sunlight Supply T5 fixture? i heard they are the best. i was also wonderign for those who have the sunlight supply fixture, does it come with legs or brackets to mount it on top of the tank or do i have to puchase those seperately? i do not want to hang it from ther celing....any feedback wuold really help.

 

[Damsel13]

HEY I live "down the street (the 405) " from you.
I live in Costa Mesa. The birthplace of the Erickson Sailboat.
Welcome. I am sure someone will answer your questions.

 

[burning2nd]

there she blows capt!

same thing your talking about..... People talk down about em... but i dont see why.... reflector smecktor works great!.... i bought a extra set of legs just incase... but it comes with legs.. and i dont think it can be hung with out DIY mod.....

 

[Meche]

I have the 48" version nova. I am happy with the purchase but knowing what I know now, I would have chosen a fixture with individual reflectors for each bulb. Also, the cooling fan is garbage and it is a non standard size (50 or 55mm can't remember). The legs are a little flimsy, but I haven't broken them yet and they look similar in design to many other fixtures I have seen, except they usually have a broken leg.

 

[Snowboarda42]

I like mine alot.

I keep it over a 40B (36x18x16)

I keep SPS (even the high demanding ones), LPS, Softies, Zoos, Etc.
I have seen VERY impressive growth and my tank is under 2 months old.

Try and keep your water super clear and clean (I run carbon 24/7).

Only downfall I've seen is the fan but I put it on a separate timer (1/2HR on before actinics come on, 1HR on after Actinics shut off)

I found some bulbs that are designed for this fixture, same size, but put out 60W instead of 39W.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=16768&N=2004+113907

If you wanted to, you could overdrive the bulbs too with an IceCap Ballast...

 

[Snowboarda42]

I have the 48" version nova. I am happy with the purchase but knowing what I know now, I would have chosen a fixture with individual reflectors for each bulb....

http://www.specialty-lights.com/960065.html

 

[richie822]

does the sunlight supply come with individual reflectors with each bulb? or do you have to purchase them seperately? does the sunlight supply come with a built in fan? has anyone had problems with the nova warming the tank too much or have problems with heat with the sunlight supply?

 

[Taras12]

I have the 8 x 54W Nova X-Treme and love it. I agree with the individual reflectors. Maybe there'll be a retrofit one of these days.

 

[returnofsid]

Sunlight Supply's Tek 5 has individual reflectors that are fused together to create a single reflector that is bent around each bulb in a series "gull wing" shapes. They're amazing fixtures!! I have a 6 bulb unit over my 75.