Nova Extreme SLR T-5 Fixtures

Aquarium Lighting for Freshwater and Reef Systems: Nova Extreme Compact SLR T-5 Fixtures


Are these any good? Why are they so cheap? Only $187 for the what I wanna get, the 48" x 4 bulbs. its on 2 separate plugs and has fans. I wanna suspend these from the ceiling but don't know if they can...I have a 48x4 already but its all on one plug. but they have the wires built in to hang from the ceiling. i wanna sell that one and get one where i can control which bulbs come on and not all at once.

Thanks.

 

They are a simple economic T5 fixture. It doesn't have individual reflectors, but a single reflector that is contoured to the bulbs. What exactly are you planning on using it for? What do you want to keep? This fixture is designed to be placed on top of the tank, probably with some glass top to protect the bulbs.

 

i plan on keeping about 4 fish, soft corals, and a couple of cleaners.....the tank has glass on it....the only reason why i am switching from my 54wattx4 t5 that i have now is because its all on one plug. i cant make the different type of bulbs come one at different times. its all or none

 

what size is the tank?

them lights are not bad at all, quality and affordable.
(for what you are planning)


you will want to upgrade the bulbs.

 

Have you checked out buildyouraquarium.com? I bought an 8 bulb setup from them a few months ago and have no complaints. Good prices too imo

 

The Nova Extreme Pro with the SLRs is an entry level light in my eyes... Ok its a step up from entry level. It beats a single parabolic reflector no doubt but this particular fixtures has issues of its own.

Bulbs are pretty poor, 9/10 people swap them out from the beginning, and if you are looking at ATI or Giesemann you can easily pay $20-28 a piece for bulbs. So that now turns that $187 fixture into a $300+ fixture.

Also it might have SLRs but they are not the same quality as the "better" SLRs out there. The aluminum is not the same quality, not nearly as reflective on the Current. Also the reflectors don't even cover the entire lamp as an Aquactinic or Tek reflector does. SO you are paying for a SLR that doesn't even do exactly what it should be.

Its a cheap light but keep in mind if you like this hobby and want to stick with it you will MOST LIKELY buy ANOTHER light in the future.....

Happy reefing!

 

I found these on the site that bwalker recomended. (thanks btw!)
Buildyouraquarium - 48'' Aquarium Light T5 HO 4 x 54 Moon Lunar Reef

would thesee be better or worst than the Nova SLR? These also include moon lights dont know what they are for but sounds cool!


Thanks!!!!! entry level is what i am looking for. not trying to spend a ton of money. i know this isn't a cheap hobby but i do not need the BEST of everything. just need something sufficient. I already have some t5s i would use but i dont like the fact that i cant make the different bulbs come on at different times. also no fans on the one i have

 

In my opinion if you're already upgrading your T5's because you don't like them I would look for something above the fixtures already mentioned, I would get something that is going to last for a while and be able to support anything you put in your tank in the future, something with active cooling, nice reflectors, maybe an ATI fixture or something. They will cost more but are really high quality fixtures.

Hate to sound cliche but you generally get what you pay for T5 fixtures from what I've heard.

Also I'm curious what the buildyourownaquarium people think you would use a vertically hung T5 fixture for, tanning?

 

its not that i dont like the current ones, has nothing to do with them. i have never used them lol, they came for free with my tank. Im not "upgrading" I just want to be albe to have my blue and whites on at different timers. I just dont like that they are all on one cord. if they were on two different cords then they would be fine.

 

To me that's something you don't like about them and are upgrading to a fixture with more/better features. ;D