Hagen Glo or Nova Extreme T5's, which is better

karazy · #1 12-07-2008, 03:21 AM

my hagen GLO doesn't have built in timers..

but anyways, i have a 24 GLO inch over my 29 gallon, and so far it seems pretty bright

awa1979 · #2 12-07-2008, 07:05 AM

I have the 36" 2 bulb on my 40 breeder and like them, nice light and color.

But mine don't have built in timers, so I am not sure about that feature.

ElGuappo · #3 12-07-2008, 08:21 AM

i am running a 2x 24 watt fixture of both brands and the nova extremem is trash compared to the hagan glo.

IMO the hagen glow is MUCH nicer to look at and just a BETTER light in general.

Granted the glow cost a little more and neither have timers, but the nova is also much wider than than the glow.
now when i say much wider its a mater of 3/4 inch at most. i was working with a 10 g and had to work with a center joint for the canopy, and HOB Skimmer, and eventually went to a sliding top.

Also the nova extreme comes with bulbs (1 10k = 1 actinic blue) and the glo doesnt. i havent changed the bulbs in the nova either, so it may just be the bulbs REALLY suck. pretty big difference so i dont think its the bulbs.

Oddly enough doug and i just had a similar converstation about the hagen glo and i am sure you would get a thumbs up from him on this unit aswell. ANY lfs that sells the glow should also sell the reflector upgrade aswell (indi reflectors). i do not have the upgrade and find its fine without it.
i run a 24" on my contest tank and a 48 on my 45g SW(was SW for a while)

Not sure if he still has it but jdigital was selling a 39 x2 glo. i have no idea if he sold it.

to see the exact nova extreme unit i am talking about it is pictured in my nano contest thread in the empty tank shot (Post 1).

Myka · #4 12-07-2008, 12:31 PM

I have the 36" 2x39w and although I don't own a Nova Extreme, I have taken a look at them, and seen them in use. I chose the Hagen over the NE. I didn't know the Hagens had a timer option though...? I'm wondering if someone did a real nice mod job on Lance's. I've had mine for about two years running on a separate timer, and I haven't had any issues with it. I'm running an AquaScience bulb with a KZ Fiji Purple, and they are the brightest bulbs I've had in it so far (I've had the Hagens, and Giesemann in it before). Don't buy the Hagen bulbs, they aren't nearly as powerful as the better brands out there. I'm going to try out their reflector upgrade, it looks a lot better than the original that it comes with. I would like to buy a second 2x39w for when I move my reef over to the 40g. However, all that said, the Tek 4x39w ($350) costs only $10 more to buy than buying two Hagen 2x39w (2x $170), and if a faaaaaaaaaaaaaaar better unit! If you can retro fit your T5s I would go with the Tek 2x39w retro fit.

Lance · #5 12-07-2008, 03:07 PM

Maybe the built-in timers only come with this tank. It is a Fluval Venezia (made by Hagen) tank with a special-made Hagen Glo fixture that fits into the top of the quarter cylinder tank. I assume Hagen would make a standard light fixture with the timers as well, but maybe not. Anyway, it is a well-made fixture and I recommend it to anybody.

mark · #6 12-07-2008, 03:23 PM

Haven't seen NE but using the Glo ballasts and wiring for my retro 54w actinics. Quality end caps.

Ephraim · #7 12-07-2008, 04:12 PM

i have never used the novas, but i have 8 hagen glo 36" bulbs over my 90 reef and they do very well. Bright, durable, overall quality is excellent. Good value i would reccomend to anyone.

NAS · #8 12-19-2008, 07:50 PM

Ohhhh,,, DUDE!

I have three 45 bow two from hagen, one from All Glass.

I am running the lighting that comes with the hagen bow... DON'T DO IT!

It's a fresh water tank, in 30 years of aquariums (own experience) This is the first design where i got heat issues with a fresh tank. The canopy is the worst design ever because there is little to no venting. (less u run a chiller which wont fit in the limited space of the shitty stand design.

As far as the bulbs go, I went from a devote hagen supporter to Coralife (for flourescant) the true actinics from coralife is the only way to go. I also run on my all glass double t-5 strips from coralife. We just got a Nova extreme (www.current-usa.com). It's 8 T-5's in a single strip. FANTASTIC so far (not as good as my 400w MH)... the nova replace a Quad power compact, much much better. Great venting, nice elevation from top of tank. Im betting that one would do well as a 36" unit on your corner bow.

For what is worth. If you are interested I can pop some pics. Let me know.