CURRENT USA... good or not!!!

[ddetar00]

I need help from anyone that has valuable input. I have ordered and am waiting the arrival of v Nova Extreme 8X54w. This was ordered based on reviews i have read on the unit, but now after joining reefcental and visiting a LFS (approx 187 mile from home so local is relative) that I may have made a bad purchase. LFS gives stories of persons being shocked, units melting, a couple of house fires etc. Needless to say my wife and I are concerned and wondering if we juts purchased a 400.00 cardboard box. Can someone , anyone, clear up any untruth...

Thanks So Much

 

[joem1cha3l]

I think the only thing your going to do is get a bunched of mixed opinions. Whats good for one person may not be suitable for another. They make a decent fixture, however there are much better fixtures out there. One person who has used nothing but may say they are great while others who have invested more may say they are not worthy. Just my $.02, best of luck.

 

[vader88]

I'm using a current system MH/T5 combo and with the exception of crappy bulbs, the units are well made and I don't see myself upgrading for a long time.

 

[chilwil84]

a good brand for the price range. have the same fixture, had to replace the fans after a couple years of running 10-11hrs a day other than that no problems. the wiring in the unit was still soft and pliable so i dont see any problems with it failing yet. while the 10K bulbs dont have a good par rating the actinic are pretty good.

 

[chilwil84]

i also have current fixtures running on my fuges. 3 of them to be exact and they have been perfect, and they are cheap enough to almost just toss after 2 years instead of replacing the bulbs.

 

[ddetar00]

thanks for the responses thus far... sounds like I should plan on swapping bulbs after installation...

 

[Diatome]

I have the Current Nova Extreme Pro 6X54. I have been very pleased with the unit. I had a coralife PC fixture and am much happier with the Current. I think there are better fixtures out there but I had some specifics I needed and this fits for me and I don't regret purchasing the fixture.

The bulbs are fine and do the job and my corals are very happy but you should check out the combinations mentioned under the thread labeled "The T5 Q&A thread). A combo of the bulbs mentioned there can have stunning effects. I have only changed one of my bulbs but may down the road.

 

[sditch]

I love my Current USA outer orbit fixture, good build quility !!

 

[kuyatwo]

i run the current usa extreme pro t5 fixture over my frag tank...love it for the price. send me a pm i found a current usa refurb site if you are interested

 

[Achapman]

I have the outer orbit MH/t5 combo. Only thing I don't like about it are the crappy m158 ballasts and the stock bulbs blow. I replaced the ballasts with Icecaps and ushio 10ks. Now I am happy with it .

 

[empireinc00]

I'm using Current Nova extreme 8x54 T5 HO. I used it for 2 1/2 years now (since Jan 06). It's a good fixture. I never have any problem. So far 1 ballast went bad so I called Current and Ike sent me a replacement right away. So far great customer service. Right now I have it on 150 G tall with 30" deep. I can keep acro, monti and Lps.

 

[K9Nurse911]

I have the smaller version, a Nova Extreme 4x54 T5HO, and it's fine for my 48in long 55g tank...granted, I have fish, live rock, an anemone, and a few kenya trees...if I had anything more, I'd upgrade...but I'm happy with my light so far...


- Andrea

 

[spider8u]

I am also using current Nova Extreme 8x54 light fixture I've have had it for 2 years and never had a problem with it. I did change out all the light bulbs and went with ATI bulbs. I am keeping lps, leathers and an anemone all of them are doing fine

 

[beeven]

I'm running the Current Extreme Pro 6x54w T5. The fixture is pretty solidly built, my corals seem happy, my wallet feels fatter than it could have, and I'm satisfied.

Agreed that there are better bulbs available but the bulbs the unit comes with are fine for now. I will be replacing soon and will most likely choose a different combination of spectrums, but other than the bulb issue I'm completely satisfied.

 

[ddetar00]

thanks to all... i am resting much better now knowing that there are many fellow reefers that are using this light kit without problems. I arrived today, but I am out of town so will ghave to wait til tomorrow to install... i will, as many have suggested, also look to upgrading the bulbs as time and budget permits... but sounds as if for now I will be fine.... Thanks Again.

 

[ddetar00]

Okay... fixture has been delivered, installed... and no house fires !!! I love the intensity of the light, recognizing of course that the spectrum is niot "Optimal" and that the bulbs are not the preferred brand, but all in all very impressive. I have a leather that was not reacting to the other light (knowing that the bulbs were in need of replacing) but almost immediately (within 30 min.) was polyped like I have never seen it. Thanks again for all you r input...