nova pro extreme users

[mfin77]

I am thinking of buying this light.
How do you like this light, do you get good coral growth? What do you think?
Thanks,
Mike

 

[mfin77]

bump

 

[bhelne01]

great light
i would recommend switching out the bulbs for ATI

 

[JoeinMo]

I agree, good fixture but you'll want to swap out the bulbs.

 

[spw4949]

That's what I did, I have the 36" 6x39W NEP. I like the coloration, I have a real nice bulb combo. I have seen a lot of growth in my corals as well. IT's definately a good buy IMO.....

 

[mfin77]

thats what I am hearing, the fixture is very good just switch out the bulbs.
thanks for the feedback

 

[cveverly]

Like others have said, it is a good (not great) light. Replace the stock bulbs ASAP.

 

[Nereaga]

I really like the light actually. It comes with a splash shield AND has active cooling. Which IMO is a BIG plus. It will allow the bulbs to burn at cooler temps and thus extend the life of the bulbs a bit longer. The only down fall is the contoured reflector, which is not true individual reflectors, instead just one shield bent around each bulb.

IMO, this light puts out PLENTY of light for a tank 24'' and shallower. I run the 36'' 6x39w on my 50 breeder. I grow SPS very well in my setup. I also house a healthy BTA as well.

I ran the 48'' 6x54w on my old 75g tank, all corals did very well under that light too.

HTH,

Brad

 

[Chipie]

I have one and used the stock bulbs for 6 months. And my tank is full of sps. I wouldn't use them for more than that but they are ok a while.

 

[Nereaga]

I too dumped the current bulbs after 3 months because I didn't care for the color. But they could be used for 6-8 months no problem AND will grow corals fine...

Brad

 

[mfin77]

thanks, for all your input, you have all been very helpful. What kind of bulbs do you recommend using. I like more of a blue effect.
How long will t5 bulbs last?
thanks
Mike

 

[Nereaga]

Well, this is often debated, but with active cooling, at least 12 months, if not 18-24, depends on if you see effects from the shift in spectrum, ie. algae growth, poor coral color, etc.

I like a blue look too, here is what I have in mine:

2- ATI Blue Plus
1- UVL Super actinic
1- UVL Aquasun
1- 22k Aquascience
1- Hagen 6700K

This gives me a crisp 18K look, I think.... lololo

Brad

 

[mfin77]

I am going to try the same bulb set up you have Brad.
Thanks for the input and your help. I will post pics when I can.
Mike

 

[jflick345]

Would this be a good fixture for a 45g? I believe it's 24" deep. I was considering just using a 4x39w fixture but I'm still debating. Would the 4 bulb setup be alright if I just kept any sps high in the tank? I'm still trying to sort through all this information I'm reading about lighting systems and what not. Thanks!

 

[robertshear]

I've had the 6 bulb fixture over my 75, and it works great. I haven't switched the bulbs, and am happy with the colors in my corals.

 

[Nereaga]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15510918#post15510918 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jflick345
Would this be a good fixture for a 45g? I believe it's 24" deep. I was considering just using a 4x39w fixture but I'm still debating. Would the 4 bulb setup be alright if I just kept any sps high in the tank? I'm still trying to sort through all this information I'm reading about lighting systems and what not. Thanks!

The 4x39w fixture would work, will it have individual reflectors? If not, then you might struggle holding colors of SPS at anywhere but the top 1/3rd of the tank. With individual reflectors in the fixture, you should be good to get SPS in the middle.

With the NEP, you should be able to keep SPS on the sandbed and hold colors.... JMO...

Brad

 

[sunnyday]

I have the NEP over my 65 which will soon move to a 75g upgrade. For the price, you can't beat it. Replace the stock bulbs with a combo that Grim Reefer recommends (check the T-5 thread) and you'll be pleased with it.

 

[Lyfey]

Could you replace the stock reflectors with icecap or aqua illumination reflectors?

 

[sunnyday]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15516280#post15516280 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Lyfey
Could you replace the stock reflectors with icecap or aqua illumination reflectors?

That's a good question to ask Grim Reefer if no one else can answer it.

 

[Ross.C]

I use the Current USA Sundial 30" T5 High Output 4x24w 10K/460 which is by the same company and has individual reflectors. A bulb swap out would be eventually needed, however have not done so at this time. My tank is only 12" deep so light penetration isn't an issue. If you can afford it I would go for the Sundial over the NEP, however Current USA's product line is good for the frugal aquarist.