Why so much more?

[oysterxfast5]

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5...-Output_Fixture_with_Bulbs_by_Sunlight_Supply
why is that one so much more than the http://www.petsolutions.com/Nova-Extreme-HO-T5-Fixtures+I42901121+C40001722.aspx
For a 36"?

 

[Der_Iron_Chef]

I may be wrong, but I'm pretty sure the Nova fixture doesn't have individual reflectors for each bulb. That would make a big difference in price, and for SURE makes a big difference in performance.

 

[oysterxfast5]

Kinda kickin' myself in the head for buy the wrong one to begin with. I got my light before i got hooked up with rc and got a 24"pc. It was on sale for like 119 at the lfs thought it was a good one. Wish i would have gotten the t5 cause i have heard good things.

 

[oysterxfast5]

So individual reflectors help out that much?

 

[cd77]

The Tek-5 is a much nicer light IMO.

From the description, to me this is the best selling point for getting the Tek over the Nova, "...with individual parabolic reflectors for each bulb made from German Tek 96% reflective aluminum..."

BTW, I happen to own that 36" Nova Extreme. It runs loud, and it doesn't always fire up when run from a timer/controller -- sometimes needs to be switched on manually to get it to kick in. The Nova does not have individual bulb reflectors -- and yes, it makes a huge difference.

AFAIK, the Tek-5 is passively cooled -- so you may want to purchase a fan to run across the top of your water.

Another fixture worth looking at in the same price range is the Aquactinics TX5 -- I think I'd go for this over the Tek.

For what it's worth, I wouldn't waste my money on the Nova Extreme. I'm sure others will have varying opinions.

 

[oysterxfast5]

I dont know what it was for sure but I think I read that t5 is better watt for watt than mh. Is this true?

 

[cd77]

I'm bored and waiting for a flight to come in so here's some additional research for you -- I don't believe any of these include the bulbs, but you'd have to check:

aquariumspecialty.com:
Tek-5 3' fixture: $287.95
Aquactinics TX5 3': $322.00

premiumaquatics.com:
Nova Extreme 3': $179.95
Aquactinics TX5 3': $322.95
Tek-5 3' fixture (4 bulb): $287.95
Tek-5 3' fixture (6 bulb): $347.95

And a thread worth checking out regarding lighting: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=1220131

 

[CruzinKim]

What you plan to keep will determine which lights are good for your system.

1. if planning fish only, or mix reef with low light corals like mushrooms and softies, then the Nova Extreme is just fine as they don't give off as strong a light intensity
2. if planning mixed reef or full reef with some light demanding corals, then go with Tek because the individual reflectors really give you a lot more light intensity
3. if you're planning on high light demanding corals like mainly SPS and some clams, then you need the fixture that have both individual reflectors and fan cooled. the active cooling gives 50% intensity or more. you can accomplish a little bit more if you took the Tek light and have some clip-on fans blow across the bulbs. it won't be 50% increase, but it will be more. these lighthoods are like Aquactinics and ATi.