The Nova Extreme T5HO is my first experience with T5 lighting as up until this purchase I had used MH. There were several reasons I decided to move away from MH lighting including the better light distribution I get from T5, reduced heat & energy usage and the fact that I don’t currently keep many SPS corals that probably would do better under MH lighting.

Another thing I like about this 4 x 54w unit is that I can mix and match the bulbs to get the color I want. I kept the 460 actinic but replaced the stock 10k bulbs with a better quality 12k to boost the “blue” light I get over the tank. I went with (2) ATI T5 54 Watt 48″ 12000K Aquablue Specials that I picked up from Aquarium Specialty for around $20 each. I replaced one of the 460 actinics with a Giesemann Pure Actinic.

I’m very happy with the Nova Extreme and do recommend it.

xperience a whole new level of brightness with Nova Extreme, the first ever 24 hour, High Output T5 lighting fixture. These high output lamps will pump so much light into your aquarium that your fish will need sunglasses.

• European Style High Output T5 lamps
• Performance Driven Electronic Ballast
• New Individual Single Lamp Reflectors
  
• Fan Cooled for Maximum Efficiency
• Energy Efficient

Performance is Everything

Powered by an advanced electronic ballast, the High Output T5 lamps are driven to their maximum potential while ensuring long lamp life. The patented circuitry inside each ballast ensures consistent high performance and low energy consumption while meeting FCC standards with EMI protection and low THD. All components are the highest quality available, meeting ISO 9001 standards, and are potted to reduce thermal stress and increase ballast life expectancy. All four lamp Nova Extreme T5HO units now feature a newly designed individual single lamp reflector which significantly increases the light output.  Integrated fan cools both ballast and lamps for efficient operation.

New Individual Single Lamp Reflectors

The Ultimate Spectrum

SlimPaq High Output T5 lamps generate the ultimate spectrum for living reefs. Our proprietary blend of Nichia tri-phosphors provides maximum watts per lumen output, promoting high coral growth and excellent color rendition. Each fixture includes two 460nm Actinic Blue and two Daylight 10,000K SlimPaq high output T5 lamps.

Total Control

Two independent circuits with 6 ft. grounded power cords independently control 10,000K Daylight lamps and 460nm Actinic Blue lamps. Moon White Lunar Lights operate on their own transformer, providing complete control of timing periods.

This page will be an account of the setup of a GFO/Carbon Reactor I just purchased from Bulk Reef Supply. I’ve been doing a lot of research of Phosphates (PO4) recently as I continue to see clear signs that my levels have remained elevated.

I’m starting to see some of the more “exotic” algaes including cyno, bubble (green & red) and HA (Hair Algae). I’ve also thrown in 4 Emerald Crabs & some snails (along with the lettuce nudibranch) to beef up the cleaning crew. I’m also manually removing what I can with a turkey baster. The problem is not out of hand yet but I need to jump on this quick and with both feet I think.

Also, despite noting growth in the Duncan’s (4 heads) and the Paly’s which are multiplying nicely, along with decent growth on the larger Frogspawn colony, I’m seeing very little SPS growth. Anyway I believe the elevated (P04) is inhibiting growth as it’s widely known to do.

I was hoping the refuge along with (P04) pads & a bag of chemipure dropped in the intake of the fuge would do the trick but it’s not enough. I continue to was frozen food to remove as much of the (P04) additives but that also apparently isn’t enough.

Many report very good results when using GFO Reactors (especially BRS’s) so despite the fact that I’m not thrilled with adding more equipment to the tank I’m hoping it will be well worth it. Below is some information for the model I ordered and I’ll update this article with pics and maybe video after I’ve completed setup. I’ll post a reading of the current (P04) levels (and perhaps some others) before putting the reactor into action. I’ll then record any progress whether visually or chemically.

AquaFuge2

CPR’s AquaFuge2 hang-on refugiums come in three different sizes to meet the needs of marine aquarists.

Recently redesigned with a black acrylic backing to prevent light from transfering to the main aquarium, each model comes with a powerhead and features a unique baffle system. This prevents the substrate and organisms from being disturbed yet also allows enough water to flow through the eliminate any stagnant areas. Also includes the New Bubble Eliminator to stop bubbles from entering the tank from the outlet.

The AquaFuge2 provides ideal growth conditions for food items, such as copepods and ampipods, to feed invertebrates and fish in the main tank. It provides a controlled growing area for macroalgae, which can be used to reduce “nuisance” algae in the main tank and provided a “nursery” area for a variety of organisms.

Small AquaFuge

Includes Powerhead
Water Capacity: 2.50 Gallons
Dimensions: 13″ L x 4.5″ W x 12″ T
Product Code: AF2SM
Lighting Options

Installed this larger refugium a month or so ago to replace the smaller intank refugium I was running. Setup was very simple. Overall I’m happy with it though it’s a little loud at the intake end. I threw some eggcrate on top of it and then laid 3 Current lights over the top of it.

Recommended

Current PowerBrite LED

While pretty expensive at $45 each these lights are very well built and I use 3 of the Actinic versions along the glass canopy on the 55 to get some of that lost “shimmer” when I moved away from MH and they look great when the mains go off. Not to mention they use very little electricity. Great lights.

Replicating the dynamic natural qualities of sun and moon lighting, the PowerBrite lighting system combines the life-sustaining wavelengths of light with the efficiency of LED technology into one sleek lighting system. The excellent depth penetration adds the natural shimmering effect and rippling glow found on natural coral reefs while producing virtually no heat and consuming little electricity. The PowerBrite LED system is available as a powered lighting system or linking module in 10,000k Daylight, 460nm Actinic, or a 10,000k/Actinic combination.

Brilliant, next generation LED strip lights with functional light output. Simulate dawn, dusk, or even deep-water light conditions with these amazing, energy-efficient LED fixtures. The versatile PowerBrite LED strip lights can be used as subtle supplemental lighting. Use one PowerBrite every 2 feet. For larger aquariums, connect up to two additional Linking Modules for a spectacular LED light effect. Measures 12″ x 1-1/2″ x 1″ high.

LED Lighting System Includes: 1 LED module with (4) 1-watt LEDs and detachable Power Adapter.

Linking Module Includes: 1 LED module with (4) 1-watt LEDs and Linking Cable – No Power Adapter.

This is the light I used on my 30 gallon Hex Reef tank and I can’t imagine what other light I could have used for this setup other then a hanging pendant. I ran a 250W 25k DE MH  bulb in it and apart from running very hot this was a great light.

K-2 Viper HQI Clamp on lamp Series. The K-2 Viper offers a streamlined design to fit on virtually any small reef tank or use it in series for largere aquariums. All models include one 14,000K (double-ended) metal halide lamp which casts the most intense amount of light for SPS, Clams, and Hard Corals.  This can be used for freshwater and saltwater aqua

Sleek, clamp-on Metal Halide lighting system for simple “plug and play” installation. High output light fixtures bracket-mount onto virtually any aquarium or nano reef tank. Hammertone reflector and three separate adjustment knobs direct intense lighting exactly where you need it most. Lamp can be used alone for smaller aquariums or in a series for larger aquarium set-ups. Includes 14000°K HQI double-ended lamp and remote ballast. 6-3/4″ x 6-1/4″ x 6-1/2″ high.

Koralia Pump

Dynamic, fully submersible water pumps revitalize hard-to-access “dead spots” in your aquarium. Magnetic base with articulating ball joint allows a full, 360-degree range of convenient pump positions. Directs vital water movement to areas of your aquarium never possible with conventional powerheads. Patented propeller design generates water flow that is both powerful and delicate – ideal for marine and reef aquariums. Extremely low energy consumption. Suction cup and magnet mounting system measures 2-3/4″ diameter and is suitable for aquarium glass up to 1/2″ thick. Nano features 1-3/4″ diameter suction cup and magnet mounting system, also suitable for up to 1/2″ thick glass nano reef aquariums.

The NEW Koralia Magnum Pumps, models 5, 6, 7, and 8, boast unbelievable performance AND amazing low power consumption rate. Equipped with an electronic start up system and new technology rotors and propellers, the Koralia Magnum Pumps offer an energy-efficient solution to enhancing water movement and circulation in larger aquariums.

I love these pumps. I have 2 nano’s buried in my rockwork to create flow from behind the reef. I’m going to get a K1 or 2 soon to blow down the side of the tank from the top and onto the sand. These look a lot slicker than a regular powerhead, create 360 degree flow unlike powerheads and also can be adjusted and directed anywhere unlike a powerhead. They are also a little more expensive and be careful of anemone’s and other animals that could get caught in it’s much larger grill area.

Highly recommended