What do you think of this type of light for my plants? It's my first time trying to plant a tank and I'd like everything to be good so my plants don't die. Is this pink light that comes with it really good?


30 inch Current USA Nova Extreme 2x24 watt T5 HO 10K/Freshwater
Description
Experience a whole new level of brightness
European style high output T5 lamps
Performance driven electronic ballast
Slim design & German parabolic reflector
Energy efficient
Simplicity by design
The Nova Extreme combines the best in both design and functionality and is a great addition to any aquarium. The sleek black-aluminum construction not only maintains a low profile on the aquarium, its design also allows it to dissipate heat away from the aquarium, lamps and components. German-style polished reflector directs over 99% of the T5 lighting into the aquarium while a polycarbonate splash lens protects lamps. Sliding aquarium mounts adjust easily to ensure a proper fit for your aquarium. Only a single power cord delivers all the lighting you need for the ultimate looking aquarium.

The ultimate in performance
SlimPaq High Output T-5 lamps offer a quantum leap in lamp performance, nearly doubling the lumen output compared to an ordinary T5, T8 or T12 fluorescent system. Using our proprietary blend of tri-phosphors, the high PAR & CRI levels produce stunning color rendition and penetrating intensity. Coupled with our finely tuned electronic driving system, SlimPaq lamps have the longest usable life-span of any aquarium lamp.

Lamp illumination
Each Nova Extreme includes two high output T5 SlimPaq lamps and sliding docking mounts.
SlimPaq Actinic T5HO (Saltwater models only) - A super actinic blue lamp emitting light energy required by corals and invertebrates, along with producing a high UV output. Outstanding color rendition that makes corals, invertebrates and fish fluoresce brilliantly.
SlimPaq Freshwater T5HO (Freshwater models only) - A bright pinkish hue lamp emits the ideal light energy and spectrum required by freshwater plants for photosynthesis. High color rendition enhances the brilliant colors in freshwater fish and brings out the lush green in plants.
SlimPaq 10,000K T5HO - A powerful, penetrating full spectrum lamp replicating sunlight found on living coral reefs. Exceptional high lumen output concentrated between 400-480nm stimulates zooxanthellae production increasing both coral and invertebrate growth.

Specifications:

Model # 1138

Application Freshwater

460nm T5HO n/a

10000K T5HO 1 x 24W

Freshwater T5HO 1 x 24W

Total Watts 48W

Fan Cooled No

Dimensions (L x W x H) 30" x 4.25" x 1.5"










Sorry just noticed I posted in the wrong section!!! I'll notify Mod asap!

I just pm'd steelhlr(sp)....but if anyone does know about freshwater planted tanks, please let me know what you think!!!

This post has been edited by kj23502: Apr 30 2008, 03:59 PM

looks like an ok unit.
I would dump the pink globe and have 2 of the 10,000K globes instead of 1 x 10,000K & 1 x pinky. The pink globes are usually around 4-5,000K and over time they lose their Kelvin rating and drop down to 3 or 4,000K. If you start with 10,000K it will drop to about 8,000K over a year but that is still very good light for plants.

Great...thanks for the info

(and for not yelling at me for posting in the wrong spot at least I caught it!)

doesn't worry me where you post it. They all come up in the View New Posts section

What about using the pink one for say 6 months or so to get the $(use) out of it and then pitch it and get a white light?

yeah that's fine.
Some shops will let you have different globes when you buy the unit. If you can only get it with those two globes then that is fine and just use it until the globes stop. Then replace them with a couple of 10,000K ones.

I'm actually looking at it online. I haven't gone to the local store yet...they probably don't have it. I'm in a town of only 140,000 people. Maybe I can email the company and see if they'll switch it out for me. Or, I'm going down toward Omaha, Nebraska in a couple weeks. Maybe I could ask my Uncle, who lives there and has kept fish before, if he knows of good lfs that sell lights like this.

Thanks Colin_T!

you can contact lighting supply companies too. They often sell the same things as the petshops but are usually quite a bit cheaper.