Nova Extreme t5 question

[derick75]

That pic is with just the actinics on, and its a yellow tang, thats where she sleeps, I bought the frag mid november so its been about 5 and half months. Ibought 25 sps frags all at the same time all about 1.5 inches, and the frag on the bottom has grown faster then some in the middle and top, dont ask me why. I will post a full tank shot in the morning if people want to see my sps growth, again all I am saying is that I am happy with my lighting and with the growth of all my sps and clams. I think alot has to due with water quality, feeding, and circulation as well.

 

[pjf]

You will be fine with a 2x39W T5HO and individual reflectors for quite a while. In the past, we used to think that we need enough lighting to duplicate the intensity of the sun. Later, it was discovered that corals residing at the surface are there because they are able to tolerate the sun, not because they need the intense light. In fact, they shut down photosynthesis at mid-day and resume when the sun is lower. This is easily demonstrated with a Pulse Amplitude Modulation fluorometer.

Here are a couple of references about lighting:
http://advancedaquarist.com/issues/july2004/feature.htm
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2007/3/aafeature1

Be sure to have a circulation pump that is securely held:
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2006/6/aafeature2/view?searchterm=water flow
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produ...x=mode+matchallpartial&Np=1&pc=1&N=2004&Nty=1
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=4609&N=2004+113040

Kodyboy discovered a cheap but effective skimmer (http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=13910&N=2004+113771) for under $80. Be sure to get the anti-siphon modification from the manufacturer (http://www.danddmarine.com/Contactuspage.html).

Good luck!

PS - www.reefgeek.com (866-295-9230) gives some of the best advice concerning T5HO lamp choices.

 

[kcbonsai_matt]

2 Lamp Nova Extreme

2 Lamp Nova Extreme

I just found this today.
http://www.championlighting.com/home.php?cat=739

2x24w T5HO for $55
2x39w for $68

Seems like you could take this thing apart and retro it into your own hood for cheaper than most retro kits and add some individual reflectors.

Or, if you're not picky and take Current at their face value, the stock reflector is supposed to reflect 90% of the light anyway.

Just a thought.

I've got a 15g nano and I'm currently trying to decide what lighting to use. Right now, I have to use the 2x15w standard fluorescent bulbs. In researching my options, I ran into this fixture.