Lights by Nova Extreme
- Thread starter PISCES79
- Start date
The Current Nova Extreme T5 HO fixtures are generally regarded as lower end hobby fixtures. The original Nova Extremes didn't include individual reflectors, which are key to making T5 HO lighting as useful as it is. The Nova Extreme Pro fixtures attempt to remedy this, but I haven't seen one first hand to really comment on the quality of the reflectors. At the same time, however, I've never been a fan of the Current bulbs that are included in the Nova Extreme / Nova Extreme Pro fixtures, considering there's far better bulbs available that are in the same price range.
That said, a 6 x 54w Nova Extreme will be fine for softies and most LPS in a typical 90g. Many SPS would be ok near the top. But, you may not have great success with higher light corals. A clam would be possible, if kept middle to high on the rock work. If it's a 6 x 54w Nova Extreme Pro, then you'll be a little better off than if it's just the old Nova Extreme model.
That said, a 6 x 54w Nova Extreme will be fine for softies and most LPS in a typical 90g. Many SPS would be ok near the top. But, you may not have great success with higher light corals. A clam would be possible, if kept middle to high on the rock work. If it's a 6 x 54w Nova Extreme Pro, then you'll be a little better off than if it's just the old Nova Extreme model.
It was also recommended to me that I should use metal halides so I have been online again and what I have found is... Ice Cap metal halide retrofit kit 2 250w 10000k ushio at the price of 489.00 or should I try the 6 T5s using Ice Cap SLR reflectors on a 660 Ice Cap ballast??
Either way would work just fine. The 6 overdriven T5 tubes will be incredibly intense, as would the halides. Take a look around at the various setups and base your decision from that.
You can also go with the new UVL T5HO bulbs that are like the old school VHO bulbs, they now come with built in 180degree reflectors! No more need for external reflectors. They come in multiple color spectrums. 
New UVL T5HO Bulbs from MarineDepot
New UVL T5HO Bulbs from MarineDepot
I'd be curious to see the data on one of the built in reflectors vs. external ones. I'd bet with all the facets and geometry involved, having the externals would most likely still be worth it.
Ya, way to new of a bulb to find any real info on them, but they definately peaked my interest when I saw them last week. I just replaced my T5s about a month ago but I will be trying out these bulbs on my next replacement. I will also put them on my Nova extreme and Sundial fixture I use now.
I think the biggest benefits would probably come from using these bulbs in combination with an external reflector to maximize the incident light.
an internal reflector would be better than an external reflector, number 1 being you could have a more concentrated viewing angle then with an external reflector. With a more concentrated beam you can easily get more PAR than with an external reflector.