How to override t-5 bulbs?

I just got a used Nova Extreme Pro with 6 39w bulbs. I've read its possible to override them to get more wattage? How do I do this so I can grow more corals? Thanks!

 

That would be overdrive them,and work horse ballasts do that.They make the bulbs put out more watts,than they naturally produce,also making more heat.

 

whats the dimensions of your tank? coral growth depends on alot of factors. as far as light is concerned, You want between 3 and 5 watts of light per gallon of aquarium. For example, if you have a 50 gallon aquarium, you want between 150 and 250 watts of light. Too much light will promote Algae growth, and too little light will deteriorate the health of your reef life. and then theres temp. 10,000k is said to be the best temp for coral growth but the 20,000k is most preferred for appearance. i personally run 2 250 watt 20,000K radium mh's and a 10,000K HO T5 for appearance and growth.

 

If you overdrive your Nova Extreme Pro with Ice Cap or Work Horse Ballast you will also need to change out the bulbs. The ones that came with the fixture wont last more than a few days. If your going to spend the money for new ballast and bulbs you might be better off just selling your Nova Extreme Pro and building a retrofit. You will be buying ballast and bulbs any way so all you will need is some good reflectors and end-caps.

 

Thanks all. I'm a complete newbie so apprecite the help. My tank is 36" x 18" x 24"

What if I added a mini pendant light that has the ballast built in. Would that be too much light for my tank? The Nova has the 3 39 w 10k bulbs and 3 39 watt actinic bulbs.

I've read I can grow zoa's, mushrooms, softies. Will I be able to grow lps or even sps with just the Nova (if I place them higher up in the tank)?

 

There is nothing wrong with your light unit - why do you want to overdrive it?

 

I was just told it wasn't powerful enough to grow many coral other than mushroom, zoa's. So I thought I needed to add a mini metal halide to compensate. Is that not true?

There is nothing wrong with the Nova. .its powerful and practically brand new. Just didn't know if it will meet the needs of what I want to do.

 

Also, workhorse ballasts do not automatically overdrive t5ho bulbs. You would have to wire them specifically to OD them.

If you wire it as fulham-the maker of WH ballasts- suggests, it will drive them at normal HO.

I have been running workhorse ballasts on t5ho for close to 5 years.

I agree with phoenix, the unit you have is capable of a lot of light, just as a tek is.
If anything, upgrade the bulbs to ATI, geiseman, or KZ lights and you will notice a big difference from the "current" brand you have in therefrom the factory. Even new, the current brand are not as good as the brands I mentioned.

 

Thanks Horkn. I'll check into getting better bulbs. Appreciate the tip.

 

What size tank is it on?

And what length/ wattage are the 6 bulbs?

I have a friend that has a nova extreme 4x39 on his 30 breeder that is home to 8 or so BTA's, and other corals, certainly more than zoos and shrooms, including some sps colonies.

Unless you say it is a massive tank, and not a 90g or under, I would say you have been told bad info regarding what you need for lights to grow coral.