Nova Extreme experiences?

Lighting, filtration etc
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chris_todd
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Nova Extreme experiences?

Post by chris_todd »

Does anyone in the club have experience with the Current USA Nova Extreme fixtures? Specifically, I'm looking at the 2x24W Freshwater fixture here:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/p ... atid=16770

I also looked at the Coralife F/W T5 fixture (I have one on my 20 long, and it's nice, but I don't think it will be nearly as bright the the Nova).

Any feedback, experience, or recommendations would be appreciated.
londonloco
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Post by londonloco »

About 6 years ago, I had a Current NO fixture. Looked very nice on tank. BUT, just before it was a year old, the fan stopped working on it. Customer service was horrible. Soured me on owning another one. Just my experience with them, and this was years ago. I have a TEK T5 light now, and I just bought my second Catalina T5. I really like the Catalina light fixture. It's light, very well made, Customer Service has been great. For an extra 35$, they changed color of cover, added a switch/cord, hooks to hang, acrylic cover and 2 day shipping. I've only had the first one a couple of months. If they last, I'll keep buying from them. Just my thoughts....
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PaulS
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Post by PaulS »

I had an older version Nova 48" 2x54 (now Jen's). I thought it was a reasonably good fixture. My only gripe was that the fan was a little noisy.
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Cristy Keister
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Post by Cristy Keister »

My 48" Nova is also noisy and gets very hot. I don't think they include fans on the smaller lights, though.
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Jeff120
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Post by Jeff120 »

I had a 48", it was noisy. Not much of a reflector either, just flat. Id get a Catalina instead.
Jeff U.

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jcali10
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Post by jcali10 »

I had an older model, 2 x 24 inch T5HO, no fan, it worked well and provided about 2.5 wpg on a 20H. This older unit, circa 2007, did not have individual reflectors as the link shows on the current models. I eventually replaced my 20H with a 29G. I grew mostly medium and low light plants, as I did not have pressurized CO2 at the time.
Joe
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Aaron
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Post by Aaron »

I would also recommend Catalina over Nova Extreme.

Make sure to call Catalina to order and tell them you are with the D.C. club GWAPA and the prices advertised on their website will not be what you pay. ;-)
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PaulS
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Post by PaulS »

I agree. IMO, the Catalina would be a better choice.
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