Newbie Lighting Question for 55 gal DT

Before I buy it, I wanted to make sure I am doing the right thing as a newbie.

55 gal DT, 48" Long, hope to learn how to keep corals, etc, just starting.

How is this light??

Current USA Nova Extreme Pro T5HO Aquarium Light Fixtures

Current USA 48" - 324 Watts - (3x54 Watt 10K Daylight + 3x54 Watt 460nm Actinic)

Thanks
Mark

 

Current fixtures are surprisingly solid (at least the one I tore apart last week was) and that is definitely enough lighting for anything in your tank. I dont know how well built the bulbs are and check to see if the bulbs get individual reflectors.

 

That light is great. I have the 4 bulb model on my 55 and love it. There are individual reflectors and the buls are pretty good.

 

Great!... I'll buy it. I am gradually getting there. Appreciate the help.

Mark

 

just put that light on my 55, one thing to keep in mind that i didn't think about was the light is as wide as the tank and with the supplied legs its about 4 inches above the tank so its kinda hard to get into the tank now (although in my case is probably a good thing). also limits HOB items, mine is moved a little forward cause it hits the feed pipe for my aquac remora skimmer, if i even get this sump done wont be a problem though.

all that said, i LOVE this light, it is ridiculously bright

 

In all honesty they are mediocre at best. When you compare them to REAL low end they look awesome or for that matter compare them to PCs yeah they rock, but compare them to a Aquactinics' unit an ATI or heck even a Tek you will see differences. Also their stock lamps are pretty lousy as far as output and quality go. The NEP's reflectors are not individual single lamp reflectors, they are one reflector that is STAMPED to appear as SLRs.. Tek does the same thing, BUT there is differences between them. If you look close Tek's ICRs(individually contoured reflectors) encompass the lamps like a SLR does, whereas the NEP's ICRs don't COMPLETELY cover the lamps, there is still a little bit of light waste, well at least that is the case with all the NEPs I have seen.

All T5 HO fixtures are ridiculously bright! 8) Esp if you are coming off of PC!!

 

actually came off single strip fluorescent ;D