SPS lighting and Reflectors.

gasman059 · #1 08/20/2007, 07:31 AM

Considering finally getting rid of my spiders and investing on a set(3) reflectors any recomendations would be greatly appreciated.

Mr. Horace seems very happy with his new lumenarcs.

Any other recomendations and experiences and most importantly have u noticed any change in your critters and their grwoth and so forth.

Is it really worth the extra $300 vs continuing using my spiders that have been good to me for many setups.

Any other reflectors used and their pros and cons. TYVM

BTW sps reef 200 running xm 20k's

TwistedTiger · #2 08/20/2007, 07:40 AM

The difference in light spread and penetration between a spider and a luminarc is pretty significant. It's like switching from dialup to high speed internet, once you make the switch you wonder how you ever put up with the other.

gasman059 · #3 08/20/2007, 08:10 AM

Twisted great comparison. Thx for your time.

Which r u running now and why.

Horace · #4 08/20/2007, 08:13 AM

Gasman, the lumenarc isnt the only reflector that will help you. Pretty much any reflector that is an enclosed pendant style, that surrounds the bulb on every side, will be a HUGE improvment. There are several of these available. Reef Optix 1 is one of them...coralvue makes one as well I think, other than the lumen mini. Sunlight supply makes the Lumenmax, which is just as good, but costs alot more too. For the $$, I just dont think it gets any better than the Lumenarc mini...

gasman059 · #5 08/20/2007, 08:23 AM

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issu...03/feature.htm
Didi u aclimate your critters after your reflectors?
Don't want to nuke this project.

Horace · #6 08/20/2007, 08:43 AM

No need to acclimate.. I was running 250w 10ks, which actually were a tad more intense because of the ROIIIs. The lower corals may get a more par, but not enough more to nuke them I dont think. I will be keeping close eye though.

gasman059 · #7 08/20/2007, 09:05 AM

Anybody else with some input would be much apreciated.

250G · #8 08/20/2007, 09:19 AM

I love my lumanarcs - have had them for almost 2 years now and personally feel that they are worth every penny (and not often I say that in this hobby!). I have the large ones, but would assume the mini's do a great job as well as they are the same design if I recall, only smaller. Go for the lumanarc's and you will be pleased with their performance - they get the light where you want it. Installation can be more involved that other reflectors however, and appearance may be an issue if visible.

Quote:

Originally posted by gasman059
Anybody else with some input would be much apreciated.

markandkristen · #9 08/20/2007, 09:37 AM

i bought the lumenmax II because of my canopy. i wanted actinic at the time so that was the best option. spent alot of money on them though .. but i am happy they are well made and the cord is verrrryyy durable. the socket can also be move back and forth.

Greg Hiller · #10 08/20/2007, 11:43 AM

gasman059,

I think you might also want to consider the state of your old reflectors. If they have a lot of 'stuff' on them that reduces their performance it may be time to get some new reflectors. In some cases the 'stuff' on reflectors cannot be completely removed to end up with the previous reflectivity, even with acid and powerful cleaners.

Dejavu · #11 08/20/2007, 12:43 PM

lumanarcs are the best. Replacing my spider reflectors was the best thing i done for my tank in a long time. I don't think you will be dissapointed.

TwistedTiger · #12 08/20/2007, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gasman059
Twisted great comparison. Thx for your time.

Which r u running now and why.

I'm running the luminarc mini's with 250w 12k reeflux. I chose the Luminarcs because sanjay's article showed they were really great reflectors and I couldn't find hard numbers on the other quality reflectors out there.

If you are going to use the same brand, kelvin and watt bulbs you are using now in the luminarcs I probably wouldn't worry too much about acclimation. However if the bulbs you are going to run have a higher PAR than your current bulbs plus you are adding the luminarcs raise them up and acclimate slowly.

Reeferon · #13 08/20/2007, 02:54 PM

pfo parallel reflector seem to be very good reflectors as well..

gasman059 · #14 08/20/2007, 03:42 PM

Here's the pic of my canopy
I have about 17 long and 12(1 foot to the water) with this measurements which reflector would u use and why.
The smaller the better since I want some space to work in the tank.

[/IMG]

gasman059 · #15 08/20/2007, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Greg Hiller
gasman059,

I think you might also want to consider the state of your old reflectors. If they have a lot of 'stuff' on them that reduces their performance it may be time to get some new reflectors. In some cases the 'stuff' on reflectors cannot be completely removed to end up with the previous reflectivity, even with acid and powerful cleaners.

I have thus the start of this thread. I've considered for many many months but just plain lazy.

gasman059 · #16 08/20/2007, 08:06 PM

^

KEstep · #17 08/20/2007, 08:13 PM

I have two of the older Lumenarcs and one of the new style (two would have been fine for my 150 but I wanted more light). They cover my tank great. The new style is significantly brighter than the older versions. I did not think 16.5% higher reflectivity would be that much but it really is. All my ballasts are 250 watt dim-able and the light that is in the newer Lumenarc is turned down quite a bit less than the other two to make the light look uniform.

gasman059 · #18 08/20/2007, 08:30 PM

THX KE!

gasman059 · #19 08/20/2007, 08:32 PM

How about a reefoptix? ANy experiences?

fishsoldseprtly · #20 08/21/2007, 12:12 AM

I agree with everyone else, I too run the Lumenarcs and they work well. But you also have to consider, ballasts and bulbs on top of the reflectors you use to get the best lighting combo.

bugitup · #21 08/21/2007, 02:09 AM

I just got my new light setup its 2x 400w lumenarcs with 20k radium bulbs and Galaxy electronic ballasts. I couldn't be happier! Everything looks so good and the light is reflected beautifully.

gasman059 · #22 08/21/2007, 06:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by fishsoldseprtly
I agree with everyone else, I too run the Lumenarcs and they work well. But you also have to consider, ballasts and bulbs on top of the reflectors you use to get the best lighting combo.

Thx for the response. I'm planning this reflector addition as soon my as my next bulb change arises. i would continue running my 20k XM's and not planning to change my ballasts and or wiring. But cetainly reflectors are ong to be addresses .

bugitup · #23 08/21/2007, 04:04 PM

Thats my new set up.

Thats the ballasts.

And thats the sump pump and soon to be setup Ca reactor.

Horace · #24 08/21/2007, 04:17 PM

Holy crap Bug... you have those reflectors WAY too high. Your losing more than half your light there. Mine are like 8" off the water bro.....If you had a PAR meter you would see your losing a TON of PAR for every inch you raise the reflectors. The only reason you would want them high like that is if you needed big spread, and to be honest, the big luemenarcs are a tad too large for your tank anyway. They are made to cover 3ft, your putting more light in your bedroom than you are your tank.

Horace · #25 08/21/2007, 04:24 PM

here is my 75g...Those are the minis on there