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48" 6x54W Tek Light T5 High-Output Fixture. Good enough for 90g SPS?

A

arc0p0ra

I have always ran 250w halides but i am think about switching to the 48" 6x54W Tek Light T5 High-Output Fixture. Is this good enough for a 90g tank? 469$ seems like a really good price for this unit with bulbs.
 
H

harryk

i'm having the same issue but thinking of going to MH from T5's. you can keep SPS with T5's people on here do with no issues. You should be fine.. I was actually looking at the Nova extreme pro 6 bulb setup. it's about a 100 less then the Tek and most of the threads i've seen on it get pretty good reviews

good luck
Harry
 
A

arc0p0ra

Thanks for the quick reply. Your right about the Nova being cheaper. Is there anywhere that allows you to pick your own bulbs for the nova fixture?
 
H

harryk

mr_X said:
the tek light is alot better than the nova. there is a reason why it's cheaper.
Click to expand...

That's what i have heard. it has individual reflectors which is why people think it's better. I have the 4 bulb nova extreme now and have had no issues and love the fixture. so is the tek fixture $200 better i don't think so IMO.... I'd rather spend the extra money on something else. Just my opinion

Harry
 
A

arc0p0ra

mr_X said:
the tek light is alot better than the nova. there is a reason why it's cheaper.
Click to expand...


Care you elaborate? What makes it better? I like the fact that with the tek you can pick your own bulbs but dont see much difference?
 
A

arc0p0ra

harryk said:
mr_X said:
the tek light is alot better than the nova. there is a reason why it's cheaper.
Click to expand...

That's what i have heard. it has individual reflectors which is why people think it's better. I have the 4 bulb nova extreme now and have had no issues and love the fixture. so is the tek fixture $200 better i don't think so IMO.... I'd rather spend the extra money on something else. Just my opinion

Harry
Click to expand...

Wait.....

the nova doesnt have individual reflectors?

on one website it says "Individually contoured reflectors for maximum light intensity" for the Current USA 48" Nova Extreme Pro T5 Fixture 6x54W. Maybe the "pro" has individual reflectors? Or does individually contoured reflectors mean something else? Im a little confussed but if the nova doesnt have individual reflectors then that is a deal breaker.

What are any other major differences?

thanks for the help guys
 
R

rafal07013

I was under the impression that NEP has single individual reflectors for each bulb. are they different/better from TEK so much? I am in no possition to answer that question. Depending on the tank size I would look into 8 bulb set up rather than 6 to obtain greater spectrum of possible bulbs. also, if you are looking for NEP set up - PM and I will tell you how to save a few bucks - I got mine 48' 6 bulbs at $215.00 directly from factory with the warranty.

arc0p0ra said:
mr_X said:
the tek light is alot better than the nova. there is a reason why it's cheaper.
Click to expand...


Care you elaborate? What makes it better? I like the fact that with the tek you can pick your own bulbs but dont see much difference?
Click to expand...
 
H

harryk

rafal07013 said:
I was under the impression that NEP has single individual reflectors for each bulb. are they different/better from TEK so much? I am in no possition to answer that question. Depending on the tank size I would look into 8 bulb set up rather than 6 to obtain greater spectrum of possible bulbs. also, if you are looking for NEP set up - PM and I will tell you how to save a few bucks - I got mine 48' 6 bulbs at $215.00 directly from factory with the warranty.

arc0p0ra said:
mr_X said:
the tek light is alot better than the nova. there is a reason why it's cheaper.
Click to expand...

care you elaborate? What makes it better? I like the fact that with the tek you can pick your own bulbs but dont see much difference?
Click to expand...
Click to expand...


I think most people think the TEK is better because of the individual reflectors and the bulbs are better. you can always swap out the bulbs. The stock bulbs on the Nova are ok. ATI are much better. I think the 6 bulb NEP is better then the 8 bulb NE. The NEP still has one reflector but but now it's molded around each bulb to simulate individiual reflectors, probably not as good as individual reflectors but almost as good. It really is a good unit, i'm quite happy with the NE that i own and i was thinking about getting a new one. but i might be leaning towards the MH/T5 setup

Harry
 
A

arc0p0ra

ok, so that is solved now. I def dont want the nova or nova pro. From what i do know about t5s is that the reflectors is important. I def want individual reflectors.

Now, is 6 bulbs enough for a 90 gallon or should i defiantly go to 8 bulbs?
 
G

Gecko

I'm running the Nova Extreme 8x54 and I love this fixture for the price. I am running 13k & 420nm actinics, I can grow out SPS frags on the sandbed in a 75 gallon tank. I think the 8x54 would be a better choice and at $420 bucks you cant beat it.
 
M

mr_X

yes, it's a single reflector that is bent so that it has peaks between each bulb. not nearly as effective as true single reflectors.
also, i own a nova pro, and it's got a short in the sockets somewhere that i haven't gotten into yet. i have to wedge something under the one leg to cock it a bit so that all of the bulbs light.
mine is under a year old.

the lamps that come with the current fixtures are not great either. you'll want to replace them.
 
A

arc0p0ra

ok, I think im going to go with the tek fixture but im not sure if i should go with 6 or 8. I know more is better but is 6 not enough? i want to be able to grow sps and every single angle of the tank. top to bottom. 90 gallons
 
H

harryk

arc0p0ra said:
ok, I think im going to go with the tek fixture but im not sure if i should go with 6 or 8. I know more is better but is 6 not enough? i want to be able to grow sps and every single angle of the tank. top to bottom. 90 gallons
Click to expand...

More is not always better, just keep that in mind...Also be sure to buy the splash guard and legs because the Tek fixture doesn't come with them....unless you plan on hanging it then the legs arent needed.

for the record i'm most likely going with the NOVA pro fixture and yes reflectors are important. The pro simulates individual reflectors but they aren't individual. It's good enough for me. Good luck with your Tek fixture.


Harry
 
justchad

justchad

I have a tec 6x54 on the girlfriends sons 55g and love it. I forget what made the tec better than the nova ???, check into the ballasts though
 
justchad

justchad

mr_X said:
yes, it's a single reflector that is bent so that it has peaks between each bulb. not nearly as effective as true single reflectors.
also, i own a nova pro, and it's got a short in the sockets somewhere that i haven't gotten into yet. i have to wedge something under the one leg to cock it a bit so that all of the bulbs light.
mine is under a year old.

the lamps that come with the current fixtures are not great either. you'll want to replace them.
Click to expand...



Are you running uvl bulbs? they are shorter, also running any other bulb in the nova will void the waranty. check out the website under.... frequently asked questions. LAMP WARNING
 
justchad

justchad

ALSO... To answer your question... 6 or 8 bulb..... an 8 bulb fixture (19 1/2 inches) will over hang a 90g which is 18" wide and 24 deep, 8 bulbs will not penetrate any deeper than a 6 bulb fixture.(15 3/4 inches) all you will gain would be front to back by using an 8 bulb fixture over a 6 which is kinda pointless.
 
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