T5 lighting for 37 gal (30") reef tank

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meangene714

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Feb 27, 2004
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Hello all,

I've just set up my first SW tank with about 17 lbs LR, 20 lbs live sand, some hermit crabs, Nassarius snails, and 3 small Chromis. Eventually I'll stock it with corals, probably LPS. Until then I'm looking for help on choosing a light fixture - will probably go with a 30" T5. I really like the Current Nova Extreme fixtures. And they seem to be fairly popular on several message boards.

Does anybody have a reason why I should not get one of these fixtures? Also, about how many watts would my tank need? I guess this would determine whether I go with the Extreme, or Extreme Pro.

Thanks in advance
 
Depending upon your budget, you have several options. If you want a fixture, something like the Sunlight Supply Tek fixtures may be more your speed. Then on a higher tier, you've got the Aquactinics fixtures and ATI. On the other hand, if you don't mind forgoing the sleekness of built-lighting, the IceCap reflector retrofits (non-overdriven--without the IceCap ballast) are an excellent option.
 
Amphiprion said:
Depending upon your budget, you have several options. If you want a fixture, something like the Sunlight Supply Tek fixtures may be more your speed. Then on a higher tier, you've got the Aquactinics fixtures and ATI. On the other hand, if you don't mind forgoing the sleekness of built-lighting, the IceCap reflector retrofits (non-overdriven--without the IceCap ballast) are an excellent option.
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Wow, those are some nice fixtures but a bit out of my price range. Any other suggestions around the $200 range?

thanks.
 
Try the 6 bulb Nova Extreme Pro. Should give very good light and not cost a small fortune. If you don't mind going a bit over budget and having a retrofit kit, take a look at one of these.
 
Amphiprion said:
Try the 6 bulb Nova Extreme Pro. Should give very good light and not cost a small fortune. If you don't mind going a bit over budget and having a retrofit kit, take a look at one of these.
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Thanks. Does the number of bulbs have any affect other than the ability to have various combinations of bulb configurations?

It looks like the total watts is almost the same as the "non-Pro" version with 4 bulbs ie 6X18w vs 4X24w.
 
The smaller bulbs will actually be a bit brighter per unit of surface area. That's how T5s are. I didn't realize there wasn't a 24" fixture, but if the 20" fits and lights the tank adequately, that could work. The pro also has the benefit of contours around each bulb--while not nearly as efficient as higher end individual reflectors, it should get the job done.
 
Amphiprion said:
The smaller bulbs will actually be a bit brighter per unit of surface area. That's how T5s are. I didn't realize there wasn't a 24" fixture, but if the 20" fits and lights the tank adequately, that could work. The pro also has the benefit of contours around each bulb--while not nearly as efficient as higher end individual reflectors, it should get the job done.
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Well, I don't think either a 20" or 24" fixture will "fit" (my tank is 30" across). What I currently have is a ~24" PC that sits on the back half of a glass lid. I was planning to use the same setup if I couldn't find a new 30".

I guess that brings up a new question: Is there anything wrong with having a T5 (or PC for that matter) sitting on a glass lid over my tank? Maybe less light penetration? Reflection/refraction of light?
 
The main issue would be ventilation. It will kill the efficiency of the bulbs if they aren't ventilated at least passively. Active cooling by a fan can increase intensity by up to 20% above normal values.
 
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