need opinions pls!

findgnemo · 05/31/2006, 09:04 AM

which would be safer to have in the long run. canopy retro fit lighting, or Nova Extreme T-5 Lighting? i don't really care for sps type corals so if i can go with power compacts let me know.....the one that caught my eye is the one for orbit. this is for a 55g.

Paintbug · 05/31/2006, 12:08 PM

you can get T-5s in a retro fit. retros will save you money up front, but it you are not good with electrical work, you could burn down the house.

depending on what kinds of corals you are looking to keep, you can use PCs. but they are more expensive in the long run as you will have to change the bulbs every 6 months. i have PCs on my 75g. currently i have softies, and some LPS corals. you can check out my site for some pics.

findgnemo · 05/31/2006, 12:12 PM

what abou the Nova Extreme T-5 Lighting are those better to get?

jaymz101 · 05/31/2006, 12:17 PM

I have PC lights right now and am going to the Tek T5 4 bulb setup soon. The main draw of the T5 light comes from the reflectors and that they draw less wattage per bulb. If you skimp on them, you may as well get VHO's. Nova has 1 reflector for entire canopy but is cheaper while Tek has reflectors for each bulb but has no acryllic shield and brackets are like $50.00.

But if I could start over Id go with the T5 from the start. Much cheaper in the long run (bulbs $15-25 vs $40-60 for PC and they last longer) Sorry for the wishy washy answer but lighting really is a function of $$ to blow, tank type, livestock desired, and personal preference. Get the most info you can and make an educated decision. Its all you CAN do.

05/31/2006, 09:04 AM	#1
findgnemo Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: florida Posts: 375	need opinions pls! which would be safer to have in the long run. canopy retro fit lighting, or Nova Extreme T-5 Lighting? i don't really care for sps type corals so if i can go with power compacts let me know.....the one that caught my eye is the one for orbit. this is for a 55g. __________________ 55g 38lbs of lr fowlr 20g fo fishes 20g - 1 ocellaris clown 55g - 2 maroon clowns, 1 hermit crabs, 1 firefish, 1 diamond watch goby more to come

05/31/2006, 12:08 PM	#2
Paintbug Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Stoneville, NC Posts: 6,169	you can get T-5s in a retro fit. retros will save you money up front, but it you are not good with electrical work, you could burn down the house. depending on what kinds of corals you are looking to keep, you can use PCs. but they are more expensive in the long run as you will have to change the bulbs every 6 months. i have PCs on my 75g. currently i have softies, and some LPS corals. you can check out my site for some pics. __________________ Never ask a girl over to see your crabs!! <-Tony-> Current Tank Info: NONE currently

05/31/2006, 12:12 PM	#3
findgnemo Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: florida Posts: 375	what abou the Nova Extreme T-5 Lighting are those better to get? __________________ 55g 38lbs of lr fowlr 20g fo fishes 20g - 1 ocellaris clown 55g - 2 maroon clowns, 1 hermit crabs, 1 firefish, 1 diamond watch goby more to come

05/31/2006, 12:17 PM	#4
jaymz101 Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: St. Pete, FL Posts: 410	I have PC lights right now and am going to the Tek T5 4 bulb setup soon. The main draw of the T5 light comes from the reflectors and that they draw less wattage per bulb. If you skimp on them, you may as well get VHO's. Nova has 1 reflector for entire canopy but is cheaper while Tek has reflectors for each bulb but has no acryllic shield and brackets are like $50.00. But if I could start over Id go with the T5 from the start. Much cheaper in the long run (bulbs $15-25 vs $40-60 for PC and they last longer) Sorry for the wishy washy answer but lighting really is a function of $$ to blow, tank type, livestock desired, and personal preference. Get the most info you can and make an educated decision. Its all you CAN do. __________________ In 96 hours, Jack Bauer has killed 93 people and saved the world 4 times. What have you done with your life? Current Tank Info: Lobo, local Oculina, Acro., hydnophora, lots of zoas, caulastrea, pagoda and scroll, foxface flasher wrass and firefish