new lighting need opinion

Discussion in 'T5 Aquarium Lighting' started by kewalthe, Sep 1, 2013.

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  1. kewalthe

    kewalthe Astrea Snail

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    Alright so I currently have a 75 gallon tank and want to upgrade the lighting. I have a dual t5 fixture right now that's not really doing the best for my corals. I have a bubble coral and a couple hammer frags and some zoos. I have been looking at the nova extreme slr t-5 fixture and the coral life lunar aqualight ho t-5. Which would be better I want more corals and a clam? I don't have a ton of money to spend since I just graduated college but I do plan in the future to upgrade to leds when I have the income to put towards them
     
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  3. Marshall O

    Marshall O Giant Squid

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    I have no experience with either, but some searching and I found this thread on the Nova: http://www.3reef.com/forums/t5-aquarium-lighting/nova-extreme-slr-t-5-fixtures-62795.html

    Here is another pertinent thread: http://www.3reef.com/forums/t5-aqua...oralife-current-24-t5-ho-fixtures-105798.html

    Here is the AquaticLife fixture they are referencing: Aquarium Lighting T5 Fluorescent Light Fixture: AquaticLife T5 HO and Lunar Light Fixtures

    But at that price, you would be better off going with 2 of the value fixtures from Reef Breeders IMHO. They are doing a group buy right now: http://www.3reef.com/forums/reef-breeders/official-group-buy-thread-august-september-149178.html

    Email them on pricing for two units if you are at all interesting in LEDs.
     
  4. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

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    Agreed. I love my Nova Extreme, and 4x54w T5HO would be plenty for your tank, but realistically, if I were looking for a fixture today, I'd go with ReefBreeders or Taotronics LEDs.
     
  5. kewalthe

    kewalthe Astrea Snail

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    Thanks yeah this is the corallife I'm looking athttp://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+13822+23758&pcatid=23758 and ill check out that group deal going on.
     
  6. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

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    FWIW, one big problem with Coralife fixtures is that they use a single flat reflector, the least efficient on the market. Current and other better brands have individual wrap-around reflectors for each lamp, maximizing light output.
     
  7. DSC reef

    DSC reef Giant Squid

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    I have a current fixture on my tank and love it. Stay away from zoo med