Trying to figure out which one is better...

[Leetch]

Trying to figure out which one is better...
Nova Extreme 30" T5ho/2 FW (48watt)
or
Zoo Med AquaSun T-5 HO Double Light Linear Fluorescent Hood

I have a 29gal reef tank (no frags right now), 1 clown, 1 blennie, 2 firefish and an anemome named Bob. Both lighting systems seem similar and the only knock I can see on the Nova is possibly a noisy fan (which I'm not a "fan" of). Anyone have experiences with either? Both are 2 bulb systems which I assume I should be doing the 10k and 50/50 or 10k and actinic.

P.S. (I'm a noob at all of this and just trying to find good value without having to auction off my family to keep my tank going)

[Parrothead]

I just recently upgraded to a Nova Extreme 48" - 4 bulb fixture, I swear by them, yes the fan was a little loud when I first got the lite, but it's been 3.5 weeks now and I don't even notice it, the noise becomes white noise

[Ninong]

If you intend to keep any hard corals, I would recommend a 4-tube T5 fixture. Bob really needs more than just two T5 fluorescent tubes, too. Do you see that 'FW' in the name of the Nova Extreme fixture? That means "Freshwater."

You can't keep corals or anemones with just two 24w T5 tubes.

[Leetch]

If you intend to keep any hard corals, I would recommend a 4-tube T5 fixture. Bob really needs more than just two T5 fluorescent tubes, too. Do you see that 'FW' in the name of the Nova Extreme fixture? That means "Freshwater."

You can't keep corals or anemones with just two 24w T5 tubes.

Yeah, sorry I should have taken the FW out of it, I meant the saltwater version. I thought Bob would be fine under a 48watt system since he would just keep residence closer to the top of the tank. Yes, poor Bob has "been in the dark" for a few months now but hes been surviving and I wanted to try to make him more happy. He's been doing well even under my crummy lighting as he plays king of the hill on one the rocks and has the same coloration as when I bought him months back. (I do feel sad though he's not getting enough light but being a noob, I was told he'd be fine in my tank by my LFS when I bought him a few months ago).

As far as corals are concerned, I really won't be adding anything for a while until I feel I can truly control my water and have a solid routine down that keeps my water parameters in check.

[Leetch]

Just to say thanks again for all the info, I will be going with the 4 bulb system and quit trying to be "cheap"

[Ninong]

Just to say thanks again for all the info, I will be going with the 4 bulb system and quit trying to be "cheap"

I'm glad that you have made that decision. Be sure to read Dr. Ron Shimek's article and I think you can benefit from the advice I gave in that other thread that I linked.

Good luck!

[TheMarineGuy]

t-5ho for me