Tek or Nova Extreme Pro

ghost427 · 05-26-2008, 10:41 AM

Hi Everyone.

Looking to upgrade my light. Currently I have a current Orbit 2x96. Looking at a 6x39 fixture. Trying to decide between the two.

Any input would be appreciated (unit heat, quality, etc.) I have a 65 gal 24" deep. Right now I have all lps, but would like some sps. Maybe a clam in the future.

Thanks,
Phil

SulfurAcid · 05-26-2008, 10:50 AM

rbtwo4 · 05-26-2008, 11:14 AM

Tek i have the nova and wish i got the tek. i have a 4 bulb nova with a clam and its doing quite fine for a year

thesaent14 · 05-26-2008, 11:22 AM

tek is good

**Deepwater** · 05-26-2008, 11:27 AM

Tek fixtures

great reflectors and fixture. and good warranty !

ghost427 · 05-27-2008, 03:01 PM

Thank for the input. Would a 6 bulb fixture be overkill?

**Deepwater** · 05-27-2008, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ghost427

Thank for the input. Would a 6 bulb fixture be overkill?

nope , it would be fine for your 65gal , good thing about the 6 bulb you can turn on 4 bulbs or 2 bulbs at a time or all of them.

tangdude · 05-28-2008, 01:12 AM

I have a tek but will be trying the 72" pro soon. I like the fact that the pros come with bulbs, legs, fans individual reflectors and splash shield. they are all extra on the teks

roadking05 · 05-28-2008, 06:42 AM

I agree with Tangdude. I have tek and I don't think it's worth the hype. Screws get rusty and fixture don't come with bulbs and splash shield. Current extreme pro is a complete unit.

ghost427 · 05-28-2008, 11:12 AM

Wow this is a tuff decision. Even though the Nova is a complete unit I heard the bulbs need to be upgraded to make it effective. Also the reflector is a single sheet contoured around each bulb. The plus is it has a fans built in.

With the extra bulbs for the Current and the deal I can get on the tek with everything included. The cost will almost be the same. Not making the choice any easier. My only concern with the tek is how much heat will it produce.

bschuerman · 05-28-2008, 11:14 AM

Just let it ride on the current bulbs for 8 months then change them out to the ones you want later.

tangdude · 05-28-2008, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bschuerman

Just let it ride on the current bulbs for 8 months then change them out to the ones you want later.

agreed. why waste good bulbs. tek doesnt make a 72" either. i have a ice cap retro that blows them both away.

knockout · 06-27-2008, 11:33 PM

Hey what did you end up buying?

I am changing my lighting to the Nova Extreme Pro, individual reflectors and even if I change some of the bulbs initially no different than having to buy all the bulbs with the tek.

autoponicz · 06-27-2008, 11:47 PM

look into aquactinics also...

ghost427 · 06-28-2008, 09:08 AM

It's funny I kept going between the Nova and Tek. In the end I decided on the aquactinics T5X. It puts out a little more PAR then the Tek, and has better reflectors and active cooling.

knockout · 06-28-2008, 11:50 AM

is it really worth the almost double in ca$$ to get it going (bulbs and legs are extra) I know a few guys with the Nova that are very happy with its performance!

more info please...

ghost427 · 06-28-2008, 01:02 PM

I bought the T5X in a group buy, so with the discount it only cost me a little more. I think it was worth it to spend a little more to get a better fixture. I can't comment on the Nova, because I never used it. There's a T5 Q&A post on reef central. I recommend reading it. You will find a lot of info.

bschuerman · 06-28-2008, 04:33 PM

I have been running a Nova Extreme 6x54w for about a month now. It is doing pretty well for the most part on my 55. I mean it is T5 lighting so you can only expect so much... The colors really improved over my old PC lighting 4x65w current double fixture and there are a lot of new textures. My zoo's really colored up but not as well as they would have under per say halides. I am running the stock bulbs though and will not be upgrading them until I feel like it. I am sure I could pull more out of the fixture with better bulbs but right now im not too concerned. I would probably buy this fixture again if I had to make the choice again. Also the temperature difference is not much if even noticable on the tank. It runs warm... but not too much different then my PC fixture.

knockout · 07-03-2008, 11:37 AM

is anyone aware of a group by from a major distributor of the Tek or TX5 fixtures? yes I have been swayed

tangdude · 07-04-2008, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knockout

is anyone aware of a group by from a major distributor of the Tek or TX5 fixtures? yes I have been swayed

I can do a group buy through aquactinics. I will post a new thread to see the interest.