replacement t5 bulbs

laredo300c · 01/14/2009, 08:04 AM

i need to replace two white bulbs on my nova extreme t5 fixture(4x54w) one reflector unit....i've been told by several lfs in san antonio that the unit will only take bulbs from current and that anything else will damage the unit(ballast i think) ...is this true, i really wanted to go for higher end bulbs but not sure how much of a difference it will make since only one reflector is being used....coral growth is doing suprisingly good so am happy with current bulbs, just wondering if i could go better...thanks

DarG · 01/14/2009, 08:37 AM

Unbelievable ... not one but several LFS told you that?

The unit can use any T5 HO bulb. Reefers replace the lamps in the Nova Extremes with all types of T5's from generics to ATI and Giesemann, UVL, etc. And there are A LOT of Nova Extreme users. Any T5 of the same length and wattage of what is already in there will work fine.

The white T5s are 10K rated lamps. So if you want to replace with the same color, any brand 10K will work, again, as long as it is the same length and wattage (HO = High Output).
For example, if its a 48" unit, use any 48" 54 watt T5. If its a 36" unit, then they are 39 watt T5's etc.

As an example, here is a link for the UVL T5 bulbs at DIY REEF. They have a 10K if you want to replace with another 10K. You can actually use any bulb color you want to. If you want a slightly bluer lamp for example, conside the aquablue from Giesemann or ATI. They are a little bluer than the 10K and still have good par.

https://diyreef.authsecure.com/shop/...cPath=55_59_86

Atarax · 01/14/2009, 10:10 AM

Before u buy the UVL 10k's they are not white. they look pink i just replaced the bulbs in my nova extreme with them and i am unhappy with the look.

01/14/2009, 08:04 AM	#1
laredo300c Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: laredo tx Posts: 646	replacement t5 bulbs i need to replace two white bulbs on my nova extreme t5 fixture(4x54w) one reflector unit....i've been told by several lfs in san antonio that the unit will only take bulbs from current and that anything else will damage the unit(ballast i think) ...is this true, i really wanted to go for higher end bulbs but not sure how much of a difference it will make since only one reflector is being used....coral growth is doing suprisingly good so am happy with current bulbs, just wondering if i could go better...thanks

01/14/2009, 08:37 AM	#2
DarG Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 5,515	Unbelievable ... not one but several LFS told you that? The unit can use any T5 HO bulb. Reefers replace the lamps in the Nova Extremes with all types of T5's from generics to ATI and Giesemann, UVL, etc. And there are A LOT of Nova Extreme users. Any T5 of the same length and wattage of what is already in there will work fine. The white T5s are 10K rated lamps. So if you want to replace with the same color, any brand 10K will work, again, as long as it is the same length and wattage (HO = High Output). For example, if its a 48" unit, use any 48" 54 watt T5. If its a 36" unit, then they are 39 watt T5's etc. As an example, here is a link for the UVL T5 bulbs at DIY REEF. They have a 10K if you want to replace with another 10K. You can actually use any bulb color you want to. If you want a slightly bluer lamp for example, conside the aquablue from Giesemann or ATI. They are a little bluer than the 10K and still have good par. https://diyreef.authsecure.com/shop/...cPath=55_59_86

01/14/2009, 10:10 AM	#3
Atarax Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 103	Before u buy the UVL 10k's they are not white. they look pink i just replaced the bulbs in my nova extreme with them and i am unhappy with the look.