lumenarc 3 150W vs 250W

[rottface4]

I'm looking to light a tank that is 30lx24wx15h. I have a 30x24x8 lit by a 150W in a cheap DE reflector from hellolights. It works pretty good for my SPS, but I get shadow effects on the corals, so I'm looking at getting a lumenarc to help with this. I'm really partial to the phoenix at this point, so thats why I like DE.

Now I know that there are no 150W lumenarc reflectors, but is it possible to cut the bracket for the 250 and fit a 150 double ended bulb into this reflector? Is it worth the effort to do this, over getting the 150W lumen max 3 which is smaller? (14.5x14.5 vs 11x11)

I know I could do a 250W, and it is not out of the question, but here is my issues with the 250w. The main issue is heat. The tank will be open top, but I think the 250W will still produce a lot of heat which I don't really care to have. Also I don't feel there is really a need to waste the extra electricity, because I think a 150W should be adequate to light the tank.

Whats everyone's opinion on this?

[salmon alley]

I looked at this exact issue myself. With a little ingenuity you could retrofit 150w de sockets into the Lumenarc III mini relectors, and if your tank is only 15" tall, the 150w should be fine.
(IMHO)

[salmon alley]

As a matter of fact, your thread motivated me and I retrofitted my 150w de sockets into my mini lumenarc this afternoon. Cost me $7 in parts at the hardware store.

[rottface4]

Do you have any pictures of the mod?