Tek VS Nova Extreme Pro

[jcolon2]

Should I go with a 216 watt (4 bulb) tek fixture for my 55 gallon saltwater tank or a 324 watt Nova Extreme Pro (326 bulb)? I hear Tek outperforms the Nova (even the pro). It is a bit pricy for the Tek (hence, the reason why I am opting for the 4 bulb). Is the 4 bulb tech enough for a 55 gallon tank that I have anemonies in and intend to keep clams and sps in. Everyone says watts are not that important but 216 watts seems very little for a reef tank. I was just about to purchase my nova when I second guessed the decision. Advice appreciated!

The 6 bulb nova would cost me about 250 dollars

The 4 bulb tek would cost me about 350 dollars.

 

[Wes]

Go4 bulb tek it's enough light to grow anything.

 

[jcolon2]

Wes you have been extremely helpful. I have been taking your advice. And conducting tons of research as well. Hence, the reason I did not purchase the 8 bulb nova extreme. What makes the 4 bulb tek so much more efficient than the nova extreme pro? It seems to be the consensus that the tek is much better! I want to make the right decision on the first time. I just am so nervous that 1) a 4 bulb is not going to be bright. 2) I won't have a nice color option for my tank when deciding upon bulbs 3) It won't have enough watts allowing me to sufficiently have clams, anemonies, sps, etc... 4) Would it be smarter to somehow find the money and purchase the 6 bulb tek over the 4 bulb or is that unecessary (I found a 6 bulb tek for the less than the 4 bulb tek and it is new)? I'd love your feedback.

 

[fishman1069]

I have the Nova extreme pro and I love it. It might be a lil wide for a 55 tho. I have it over my 75. I dont have any experience with the Tek lights, so I cant say much about them, but for a $100 less you get 2 more bulbs with alot more bulb combos you can choose!

 

[jcolon2]

Fishman,

You bring up good points. I am extremely conflicted. I love the light combinations and wattage of the nova extreme pro. I dislike the width and the fact that it has an individual "countour" reflector.

I hear the Tek is the best. But I dislike the price (which I can deal with if it truly outperforms all the other t5 systems significantly). I dislike the lack of color choice and that is only has 216 watts.
I found a new 6 bulb tek fixture for a cheaper price than the 4 bulb. I am wondering if that contender should move to the top of my list

 

[fishman1069]

If you can get a 6 bulb Tek for cheaper than the 4 bulb, I'd jump on it, as long as it has slr's!!

 

[jcolon2]

what do you mean slsrs? Also, the problem is, the 6 bulb fixture is 3.75 inches wider than my tank whereas the 4 bulb is the same width as my tank : / Would that look stupid suspended over my tank (perhaps, as a hanging fixture)?

 

[fishman1069]

SLR= single light reflector or independent rflectors lol. I dont think it'll look that bad if you hang it. Hanging it also gives you the option of slightly swinging it back a little when you want to get your hands in the tank. It also allows you to start up a lil higher and lower it over time to acclimate your corals to the stronger light. I know a standard 55 is only 12" but how wide is the light?

 

[jcolon2]

The light is 15.75 inches. Right now, the width of the light fixture in comparison to my tank and the light spill are the only things dissuading me from getting the 6 bulb. It seems much more logical to get a 6 bulb than a 4 bulb, if they are the same price. But then due to the width /light spill issues doesn't it seem that the extra 2 bulbs would be a waste (which sucks because I love the option of more color choices).

 

[fishman1069]

Yeah, you gonna def get alot of spill over with a 6 bulb. Maybe you should buy the 6 bulb and then upgrade to a 75 gal lol. If it gonna spill over that much I'd go with the 4 bulb. It should be pleanty of light just make sure to use the high end bulbs like Geismann or ATI

 

[jcolon2]

Then again, I am sure the light does not come to the very edge of the fixture. There is prob at least an inch of graphite, plastic or whatever material of the frame that surrounds the lights. If that is the case then I would hypothetically only have about 1.75 inches of overhang from the combined sides. Hypothetically speaking.

 

[jcolon2]

I would love to do that upgrade lol. So, I guess the 4 bulb is the most practical solution. you really think a 4 bulb tek will allow me to grow sps, clams and anemonies?

 

[fishman1069]

I would say so. You have to understand that the wattage really isnt that important anymore. With the technology today with the T5 bulbs and fixtures, you get better PAR readings with the high end bulbs and single reflectors than you did back in the day with regular fluorescent bulbs. Thats when they came up with the watts per gallon rule

 

[jcolon2]

And I know I have been repetitive, but since this whole wattage rule is out- you believe with the technology of the tek fixture it is capable of allowing anemonies, clams, and sps to thrive?

 

[E.intheC]

And I know I have been repetitive, but since this whole wattage rule is out- you believe with the technology of the tek fixture it is capable of allowing anemonies, clams, and sps to thrive?

You'll be absolutely fine with a 4 bulb Tek growing SPS, clams, 'nems, etc.

You have to also take into consideration the lower light stuff... you don't want so much light that there's no where to put the softies/zoas/LPS/etc.

I think the 4 bulb Tek is your best option out of the three you mentioned.

 

[jcolon2]

Thanks everybody for all of the advice!!! I really appreciate it.

 

[Arati]

I would get the 4 bulb tek. I had a tek before I moved up to MH. I am planning a jump back to T5's I had no problems keeping clams /bta/sps under my old tek light

 

[jerl77]

come see my tank i show you want you can do with thetek t5 setup lol
you are welcome to stop by

 

[jcolon2]

Thank you Jerl,

When I make some time I am going to take you up on that offer!! For the meantime, do you have any pictures of the light in action?

 

[jerl77]

i will try its hard to get the same color when taking a pick but i will try later when the kids go to bed