Nova Extreme Reviews

[jcolon2]

Hello. I am just curious, for those of you who have had or have a Nova Extreme, what you think (or thought) of it? Especially those of you who had the 8 bulb t5 ho Nva Extreme. Did you get good coral growth? What type of corals did you maintain? Was it worth the money? I have read that the nova extreme is inefficient because it doesn't have individual reflectors. I would appreciate feedback from the MR community! Thanks!

Best,

Justin

 

[fishman1069]

I have a 6 bulb Nova Extreme Pro with individual reflectors. Im runnin coralife and wavepoint bulbs because Im a cheap s.o.b lol. I get decent growth with my corals but I have no sps yet. I have lps, zoas, softies and a nem. The unit is semi quiet( when both fans kick on you can hear them) but I love the fixture. It runs on the cool side also. I got this fixture of a member on here for $150 HTH

 

[JonnyJ]

nova extreme pro is the better of the two models with individual reflectors.

 

[jaa1456]

I have a 6 bulb Nova Extreme pro on my 65 gallon, I have gotten better growth in my SPS with these than I have with MH in comparison. My Zoas grow great but any LPS and other softies take their time growing. Never owned any other T5 fixtures to compare though, But when researching these were the best bang for the buck.

 

[jcolon2]

Jaa,

That is great to hear. I am taking in all the reviews, the good and the bad, of the nova to make my decision. Can I build my own individual reflector for the fixture (if so then it's a go!).

 

[Wes]

There are better fixtures for the money IMO

 

[JonnyJ]

8 bulb fixture over a 55 gallon tank is overkill. the thing is 12 inches deep.

i would do one of the following.

used 48" NEP

used 4 or 6 bulb tek.


how about bulb replacement on a 8 bulb unit for a 12" wide tank. i just dont get it. good deal or not its something i wouldnt do lol

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Nova extreme pro 6 bulb on my solana, it is a very nice fixture.

 

[jcolon2]

Good to hear chief! I am finding a lot of bad reviews about the nova. The one I am purchasing is the 8 bulb, not the pro, so it odesn't have individual reflectors? I know those are very important. Also, the fixture is 14 inches wide and my tank is only 12 inches wide. Can I retrofit the fixture and build my own reflectors? Are there any pics of your fixture at work? I hear a lot about the tek but I can't afford it.

 

[jcolon2]

Jonny, the nova extreme I want to purchase is missing a ballast. two of the bulbs don't work as a result. Also, the fixture is already retrofitted for a canopy (but can be converted back). Could I just only install the 6 bulbs in my canopy and leave out the other two bulbs and non-working ballast). Would that solve the space and excess lighting issue? And then could I construct my own reflectors and fit them in the canopy? 6 bulbs would be 324 watts as opposed to the 432 if I were to run the 8 bulbs. I want to have lps, softies, anemonies, and a clam. I'd like sps but I guess that's down the line. I appreciate all of your help thus far.

 

[Wes]

Why would you want to burn twice the electricity that you need? And spend twice as much on bulbs...

That light is too big for your tank both size wise, and bulb count.

Just 4 bulbs. Either get a 4 bulb retrofit or a 4 bulb fixture.

 

[JonnyJ]

i agree 100%. might be like buying it free upfront since you have a giftcard but in the end youll be spending a lot to run them and replacement. just doesn't make sense.

 

[jaa1456]

I would only go with a 6 bulb fixture tops, The 55 isn't that deep, I also wouldn't buy a fixture that laready has problems with it. I would skip the one you are looking at and try to locate a 4 bulb or 6 bulb. And I have no clue what WES is talking about but the nova extreme is still the best bang for the buck. Unless you can find an ATI or TEK fixture for a good price I would stick with the Nove extreme.

 

[jcolon2]

Jaa,

If I purchase the nova extreme I was looking at it would cost me 140 (with amazon fees). I could just skip purchasing a ballast and only run 6 of the bulbs at 324 watts. But everyone appears to have reached the conclusion that it is not worth it. Is the sunblaze good for a reef tank? How many watts is the 4 bulb?

 

[jcolon2]

So then any ideas as to what light I can purchase on amazon for around 200? Also, the sun blaze is only 216 watts. How is that enough for a 55 gallon reef tank?

 

[TRIGGERMAN]

1st of all what happened to upgrading to a 75 or 90? Why don't you make up your mind on what tank you are going to use then figure out your lighting. If you are staying with the 55 I have a 4 bulb fixture w/ really nice LEDs for moonlighting I also have a pro 6 bulb.

Also the wattage has nothing to do with it it's the light output and spread..like it was said it's only a 12" tank you don't have to get crazy.

 

[jcolon2]

Triggerman,

The 90 appears to be out. I can't find a 90 gallon tank within a reasonable distance and/or priced within my affordability range. I would like a 75 badly (still can't find one).

As for your 4 bulb unit, are 4 bulbs enough for a 55 gallon reef (if I want sps, clams, anemonies, etc...)? That is only 216 watts (although I know it has to do with par and all that terminology lol as opposed to wattage). Surely, wattage has something to do with it. Can you pm me a price for your unit as well as more information about it?

Best,

Justin

 

[itsaNYthing]

i can get you LED pendants that get better PAR readings the metal halides, its worth it.

 

[jcolon2]

LEDS are very expensive though

 

[shark32]

Try checking out Catalina Aquariums for a light fixture. They get rave reviews. I had my light fixture made by them and I love it (granted I am new to saltwater and do not have much to compare it to).