Question for all Luminarc users...

justinzimm · #1 07/22/2007, 04:43 PM

I would like to install 2 Luminarc III mini's on my 4'X2'X2' 120 gal. The problems is my hood is only 12 inches high. If the mini's are 6 1/2 inches high that only leaves 5 1/2 inches above the water.

Is this too low for a 250 watt SE bulb? Will the spread be wide enough to light the entire aquarium with the bulbs being so low?

Oh and last question, would it be safe to mount the luminarks directly to the wood canopy or would it get too hot? Are some sort of stand-offs needed?

I'm especially interested in hearing from anyone who has done this first hand!

Thanks,

Justin

justinzimm · #2 07/22/2007, 06:32 PM

Bump.

Any comment on the reflector in general? I know lots of people use these.

Justin

bjc451 · #3 07/22/2007, 07:32 PM

mine is mounted directly to the wood no problems mine is 8" off water and support a clam in a 31" tall tank reeflux 12k SE

cashman95 · #4 07/22/2007, 08:00 PM

Thet get HOT so be ready for a cooling thread!!!!

I have mine about 5" above the water, but they are hung from the ceiling...and I am dealing with heat issues. If I had them in a canopy, I would HAVE to buy a chiller...no question about it!

My room temp is 77.5

cashman95 · #5 07/22/2007, 08:02 PM

Maybe an idea? I didnt like that fact of not having a canopy at first, but then after some thought....I kinda like it. [IMG]

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

[/IMG]

justinzimm · #6 07/22/2007, 08:14 PM

Thanks,

That looks good, but I think put all this time into building a canopy so I'm going to try and use it. It's got two fans and I have a chiller from my past tank that I'm hoping still works. Are you using the glass inserts? They might block some of the heat from getting to the water, right?

How many watts are your lights? Any problems with coverage in the corners of the tank? Are those the 14 1/2 inch lights (mini)?

Thanks again,
Justin

BigBadBlenny · #7 07/22/2007, 08:14 PM

i want to do something like cash has. what paint ya use on the lumenarcs? what type of hangers are those?

TwistedTiger · #8 07/22/2007, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BigBadBlenny
i want to do something like cash has. what paint ya use on the lumenarcs? what type of hangers are those?

Those are luminarc pendants, no paint required.

BigBadBlenny · #9 07/22/2007, 10:23 PM

ahh i didnt notice they were pendants, my bad

cashman95 · #10 07/23/2007, 03:36 PM

My bulbs are HQI's and yes the glass has to be used. 250 watter's Pheonix 14k

Well if you are going to put them in a canopy, I would make sure you have enough air flow to get heat out of the canopy, otherwise your going to be fighting overheating issues!!!!!

THEY ARE HOTTTT!!!!!!!

DarG · #11 07/23/2007, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by justinzimm
I would like to install 2 Luminarc III mini's on my 4'X2'X2' 120 gal. The problems is my hood is only 12 inches high. If the mini's are 6 1/2 inches high that only leaves 5 1/2 inches above the water.

Is this too low for a 250 watt SE bulb? Will the spread be wide enough to light the entire aquarium with the bulbs being so low?

Oh and last question, would it be safe to mount the luminarks directly to the wood canopy or would it get too hot? Are some sort of stand-offs needed?

I'm especially interested in hearing from anyone who has done this first hand!

Thanks,

Here is a thought ... how high is the bulb mounted up into the reflector? If the reflector is 6" high and the canopy is 12" ... and the bulb is only an inch or two below the top of the reflector, you are going to have about 10" give or take from bulb to water. I would think that would probably be ok.

Justin

UN-Sizzlers · #12 07/23/2007, 05:21 PM

I have a lumenarc 4 with a 250 se in it . I attachec a fan on one of the air holes sucking the heat out. when it runs i can touch the entire fixture anywhere without burning mmyself, however if the fan is not running it taks seconds to get so hot that I can't touch it.

UN-Sizzlers · #13 07/23/2007, 05:22 PM

oh and i use the glass on the bottom in case a bulb where to break.

cashman95 · #14 07/23/2007, 05:27 PM

He is asking about the MINI'S not the ones with fan holes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

justinzimm · #15 07/23/2007, 06:37 PM

I think the mini's can have the A/C upgrade option. Either way, any 250 watt Metal halide put will put out the same 250watts of heat. It's just that mine will only be 5 inches off the water. I know lots of people that use hoods with 3 or 4 400 watt bulbs without problems.

We'll find out soon because I ordered a pair today!

Justin

cashman95 · #16 07/23/2007, 06:56 PM

Your going to really like the output of these reflectors!!!! They are very bright, so be prepared for some acclimating. Good Luck!

JCTewks · #17 07/23/2007, 11:25 PM

You'll be fine...just use some fans and it'll be okay. I'm going to put the full size L3's over my 120.

8BALL_99 · #18 07/24/2007, 12:35 AM

I've got 5 of the Mini's and 1 of the standard size.. Mine are pretty low on my 180.. Probably about the same as what yours will be..I have Np with them that low.. They do get misted with salt spray from time to time when I do a water change or cut my Return pump off then on..

Just use a couple of washers between the wood and the Reflectors. Probably not needed but this is how I always mount reflectors and Ballast.. It adds a little buffer but mainly just reduces the contact area and allows air between the hot surface and the wood.. Any little cap at all will help..