InevitableCrash's Nuvo-EXT 100 Build

[InevitableCrash]

My last experience with LED was with a Maxspect Razor 420R and I ultimately opted for an ATI T5 fixture to replace it. The tried and true T5s were better in the only way that mattered - healthy growth and coloration of my reef. I really wanted LEDs to be great, so I forgave many of their shortcomings at the time. The control, low energy, and color variations were scrumptious enough to stow the apparent pitfalls in the denial portion of my brain. Certainly, I was using a budget light, and of course lighting is but a single aspect of the game, but I left my LED experience feeling a bit deflated and I have developed a bias skepticism ever since.

That memory was about 5 years ago. It seems we are at the cusp of LED only offering the best of all previous lighting sources - if you have a bank of them covering the entire tank and a bank account to match. But for me, I was looking for a solution that would satisfy my healthy LED skepticism and bring me the flexibility that comes with LEDs.

Enter hybrid lighting systems. Are these systems half measures or the real deal? I can't say for myself yet, but plenty of people seem to be having success with them. After going on the hunt for a reasonably priced hybrid fixture, I picked up an open box 48" Giesemann Aurora for a bargain price as they have been discontinued. So far, I'm happy with the form factor, color, and control. I'll write up a detail review of it when I can rent or borrow a PAR meter and I have more time to see it's impact on coral growth and health.


The light over the tank

 

[cbbram]

That rock work is badass!

 

[InevitableCrash]

That rock work is badass!

Thanks! My aim is creating a sense of depth once things start growing. Having an external overflow really helped in making the scape I wanted.

 

[InevitableCrash]

Directly behind the tank is my fish closet where all of the cabling routes to. I'm not proud of my wire management skills here, but I'm really happy with having a dedicated space to have easy access to all the electronics. I'll eventually put up some shelving to hold the maintenance equipment, food, etc., and spend some time getting everything a bit more organized.

 

[InevitableCrash]

If I ever get the ability to edit posts, I'll go back and correct some of the image misposts and keep an up to date equipment list and fts on the first post.

Last week, I pulled the trigger on a refugium light and got some chaeto from my LFS. The baseball size chunk is tumbling around nicely and is getting more densely packed but hasn't gained much volume yet. I'm not adding much nutrients as I've only got two fish for now, so I'm just hoping it takes hold.

 

[cedwards04]

Nice build. I am actually nearing completion of my nuvo ext 100 build also. What did you end up going with for all your equipment? I need to put all my pics together into a build thread myself.

 

[ckjhill]

Just ordered the Nuvo INT 100..any tips?

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