Would this be a mistake...MH/PC combo to T5's?

tcwells23 · 08/28/2011, 08:25 AM

I have two fixtures and can't decide which one I want to use. I just bought a Current USA nova extreme 4 54w 10,000k daylight and 4 54w actinics. I got a good deal on it. I also have a Current USA outer orbit with two 150 watt MH bulbs and two 96w power compacts. I have a 90 gallon tank, 48"x24"x18". I only have a hammer, frogspawn and mushroom right now, but do want to add more corals.

I like the way the t5's look and like that they produce less heat. However, would I be downgrading? Let me know your experience or preference. Thanks!

grigsy · 08/28/2011, 11:07 AM

I have used the Current outer orbit MH unit and like it. It worked well.

Their Nova T5 fixture - is it the one without the individual T5 reflectors? If it is, I would say yes, it would be a downgrade to go from their Outer Orbit 2 x 150 watt MH fixture to the Nova T5 without reflectors.

Unless you are set on using the Nova, just change out the halide bulbs in the Current outer orbit to a better brand, maybe PHX and you will have a great unit for a 90 gallon tank.

tcwells23 · 08/28/2011, 02:19 PM

Thanks for the response. The Nova is the unit without the individual reflectors.

08/28/2011, 08:25 AM	#1
tcwells23 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: North Alabama Posts: 73	Would this be a mistake...MH/PC combo to T5's? I have two fixtures and can't decide which one I want to use. I just bought a Current USA nova extreme 4 54w 10,000k daylight and 4 54w actinics. I got a good deal on it. I also have a Current USA outer orbit with two 150 watt MH bulbs and two 96w power compacts. I have a 90 gallon tank, 48"x24"x18". I only have a hammer, frogspawn and mushroom right now, but do want to add more corals. I like the way the t5's look and like that they produce less heat. However, would I be downgrading? Let me know your experience or preference. Thanks!

08/28/2011, 11:07 AM	#2
grigsy Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Santa Cruz, CA Posts: 2,307	I have used the Current outer orbit MH unit and like it. It worked well. Their Nova T5 fixture - is it the one without the individual T5 reflectors? If it is, I would say yes, it would be a downgrade to go from their Outer Orbit 2 x 150 watt MH fixture to the Nova T5 without reflectors. Unless you are set on using the Nova, just change out the halide bulbs in the Current outer orbit to a better brand, maybe PHX and you will have a great unit for a 90 gallon tank.

08/28/2011, 02:19 PM	#3
tcwells23 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: North Alabama Posts: 73	Thanks for the response. The Nova is the unit without the individual reflectors.