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My question is the reflectors.... if it's like the other novas, they aren't individual reflectors....
 
It's an okay fixture with okay bulbs. I've got some Current brand stuff and it's performed fine. I wouldn't call it top-quality, but if the price is right...

The bulbs probably won't give you the best effect for your corals, nor will the reflectors, so you migh end up switching them out, but if you're wondering if the thing is going to burn out in a month, I think it will probably be alright.
 
thanks of the info. i dont really want to build a canopy for my tank to do a retro. is there any good fixtures out there?
 
thepollock said:
thanks of the info. i dont really want to build a canopy for my tank to do a retro. is there any good fixtures out there?
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Sure... on the low end Tek and the middle of the road, Aquactinics, high end, european fixtures....
 
I don't think you can go wrong with any of them.... I've only used ATI (European ones). The Giesemann Matrix is really nice and there are some blow outs happening with some Sfigoli. They are pretty similar: active cooling, excellent reflectors, and slick looking..... The downside.... $$$.
 
mattb said:
I don't think you can go wrong with any of them.... I've only used ATI (European ones). The Giesemann Matrix is really nice and there are some blow outs happening with some Sfigoli. They are pretty similar: active cooling, excellent reflectors, and slick looking..... The downside.... $$$.
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thanks matt. $$$ is always the downfall.
 
Tek, IMO, gives you a good bang for your buck. I picked up a brad-new six bulb, 48" fixture for $300 flat. It's been performing very well, and heat from this thing is next to nothing compared to my old HQI fixture. The corals look better too.
 
I have that exact fixture. While it works well for all my coarls, including SPS, I am on the look out for a different fixture as there is still some heat that comes out from it (even though it has duals fans).

All in all, it is a nice fixture
 
Nanofins said:
Tek, IMO, gives you a good bang for your buck. I picked up a brad-new six bulb, 48" fixture for $300 flat. It's been performing very well, and heat from this thing is next to nothing compared to my old HQI fixture. The corals look better too.
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I decided to go with a TEK fixture for my frag tank. BRS has special on them right now...get a free hanging kit, and bulbs for about $12.50 a piece. Ryan also threw in the shield on my order. When I ordered - the shield was not on the website....I had to call.
 
I'd rather have a 4 bulb tek than an 8 bulb Nova. They have a Nova professional that is supposed to be individual reflectors but the price is higher and if spending that kind of money might as well get a more proven one.....
 
I use the 4-bulb tek on my 75. Been really happy with it. Have to add fans. The place I bought it from gave free bulbs of your choice w/ the purchase and free shipping.
 
These fixtures IMO would be best suited for the new UVL internal reflector lamps. I'm guessing these are the sole reason that uvl came out with them, was for the fixtures with crummy reflectors. The advantage to the novas is that they do have fans, but that is about the only advantage.
 
benihana said:
I have that exact fixture. While it works well for all my coarls, including SPS, I am on the look out for a different fixture as there is still some heat that comes out from it (even though it has duals fans).

All in all, it is a nice fixture
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thanks for the info. iam running 2 400 watt mh's right now so they have to put out less heat then that.
 
I'm guessing that when UVL went with internal reflectors on their compact lamps they decided to fill a void in the T-5 market since they had the manufacturing process down, and yes, because of the cheaper reflectors in the market.
 
It will be interesting to see what the internal reflector bulbs can do vs. the parabolic. Not expecting it to be better though......
 
Jeremy,

If you want to see it in action you can stop by my place sometime. I have both the Nova Extreme and the regular Current T5. I do not have the Pro.
 
FastFish720 said:
Jeremy,

If you want to see it in action you can stop by my place sometime. I have both the Nova Extreme and the regular Current T5. I do not have the Pro.
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thanks jake i will have to do that. i am still on the fence of getting rid of my mh and going to t5's.
 
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