shimmer?

[GeoB]

Do some halide reflectors give better shimmer lines than others? I've seem some really intense shimmer lines in a couple of pet stores tanks and the ones in mine are barely noticeable no matter how much surface agitation. I have the single-ended Reef Optix reflectors. These have a reflective surface that is dull looking, maybe reflectors with shiny surfaces give better glitter lines? Both of the tanks I've seen with the great shimmer lines were lit with DE halides, they were also a lot shallower, about 12" deep versus the 24" in mine. I know light intensity go down quickly with distance, I guess that could be the reason?

[erikharrison]

I know light intensity go down quickly with distance, I guess that could be the reason?


for sure, there probably is some shimmer, but in a smaller focused area. I have a PFO mini pendant with a 14k HQI 250w bulb, and I have tons of shimmer.

[LoneStar]

Reflectors are very important. I use to use a simple bent piece of polished aluminum on my old set up with the canopy painted white. It worked....but there was a lot light that was not being directed downwards to the water. It kept escaping from the sides of the light bulb. If you look into higher end reflectors, like the Lumenarc III's, you notice the light bulb is completely surrounded by the polished reflector. Add the fact that it has compound angles to help direct the light downwards, you get great coverage and better shimmer :)

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a142/LoneStarSA/CIMG0712_edited.jpg
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a142/LoneStarSA/CIMG0713_edited.jpg
**Note** Not my personal photo's; taken from a reef build on Reef Central.

[GeoB]

The Reef Optix I have (Reef Optix I) does a good job of focusing the light down and does decently in PAR tests. The reflective surface has a dull look compared to the Lumenarcs and the PFO mini pendant. I'm guessing this gives a more diffuse lighting which can maintain PAR but maybe washes out the glitter lines somewhat?

Anybody know how a Lumenarc compares to a PFO mini for shimmer? I know Lumenarcs are some of the best for putting light in the tank, but I wonder if the smaller point source of the mini is better for shimmer.

[erikharrison]

Judging by the reflector, those Lumenarcs probably leave mine in the dirt. The minipendant has a upside down U shaped reflector which is bent to make the U shape every three inches or so.... I am not using mogul based though, which the above Lumenarcs are for. Never seen if they make them for HQI

[LoneStar]

Erik, they do make Lumenarc III's for DE bulbs. Comes with the protective glass too. Plus you can opt for the large reflector design (like the ones pictured above) or you can get a mini version.

http://www.reefexotics.com/lumenarc.htm

The DE fixtures are located towards the bottom of the page.

[erikharrison]

1 more thing to add to my list, lol.