Best MH Reflectors

[engwife36]

OK, most of you know I have my 240L 96X24X24 tank.

Its euro braced with three openings in the top.

I will be running 3 400w SE bulbs

I am thinking of going with the Lumen Bright 3 mini reflectors.

Does anybody have any pros or cons to using these? Should I go with the large ones? Is there anything else better out there? Thanks

Also, where does everyone recommend to buy from?

[verynewatthis]

When can i come by and take a look??...its been awhile sence i got to see your tank. Let me know, or pm me your number.

thanks..
Rich

[engwife36]

I'll give you a call to let you know when its a good time. The baby has been sick. I'll have tons of coral for sale to so I can make a few extra $$ for some new equipment. LMK if your interested:wink_smile:.

Also, When are you going to become a charter member? It sure would be nice to have ya:bigsmile:

[Texreefer]

I think the only real difference is size,,, the larger ones fit the 24 in depth perfectly,, but i think the mini's would work just fine

[verynewatthis]

hey bro....im always intrested in looking at stuff for sale...
I dont know why it still shows me as a web member...i did sign up at the end of last year...i got my card, but i dont guess they updated the site...it lets me in the charter areas tho...so i guess thats good..lol...my new cell number is 254-495-1320...give me a call..
talk to ya soon..
rich

[Bill S]

With your tank, I'd go with the bigger reflectors. That's what I have on mine, with 400w SE bulbs.

[apedroza]

Lumenarcs are also real good reflectors. I have 2 on my 70gal.

[Troy Valentine]

I've got 3 Luminarc Minis on my 240, and I love them. I am glad I went with the minis, the full size luminarcs would make it difficult to access the entire tank.

[engwife36]

So I'm guessing the minis do not spread the light out as much?

[Troy Valentine]

Here are a few pics of the 14x14 Luminarcs and the shelf they are mounted to:

[engwife36]

OK, so I've made up my mind.....

3- M59 400w ballast
3- luminarc mini's
3- reeflux 12k

Thanks all

[Troy Valentine]

If you go with the Luminarcs they usually do not come with the ballast box mounted to the reflector, you must request that option.

Here is the link to the manufacture of the reflectors. Talk to Daniel


http://www.pacificgardensupply.com/contact.asp

[Troy Valentine]

Here is a cool reflector study, just in case you weren't totally sold on Luminarc

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/mar2003/feature.htm

[alton]

Reef Flux lamps are pulse start so you might want to switch your ballast from M59 to M135/M155(I think that is the ANSI # for 400w) or Electronic. I had a 20% increase in output by going from Mag ballast to electronic when I started using ReefFlux Lamps. If you contact Coral Vue they can shed some light on the best ballast for there lamps. Good luck on your new adventure.

[Bill S]

I was looking at the Luminarcs until I heard about the Lumenbright reflectors. I had heard there was a side by side at MACNA and the Lumenbrights blew the Luminarcs away... I had heard that the LB are made by Coralvue, and he used to make the LA on contract.

[erikharrison]

I was looking at the Luminarcs until I heard about the Lumenbright reflectors. I had heard there was a side by side at MACNA and the Lumenbrights blew the Luminarcs away... I had heard that the LB are made by Coralvue, and he used to make the LA on contract.

I have heard that exact same thing.

[engwife36]

After doing some more reading and talking to the guys at Reef Exotics I going to put my money on these:

3- Lumen Bright Reflectors 20X20X9

3- 2008 Coralvue 400w ballast with the dimmable option

3- Reeflux 12k bulbs

Total price my door by the end of the week is: $955.33

Does anyone know of anyone that can beat this price before a complete the order?

[Bill S]

We did a group order right before Xmas from www.marinemadness.com (http://www.marinemadness.com). I bought the reflectors for $100 each. Helios bulbs were $39. But, the jury is still out on them. I THINK I really like them, but not sure. I DO know that fragfarmer and reefermadness both use the Helios bulbs, and actinic isn't needed.

[engwife36]

So bottom line....with a depth of 24inches, will my SPS do any better under the 400w compared to the 250w?

[Bill S]

Will they do better? Maybe. But then you will have to deal with 60% more heat and 60% higher electric bills!

If I had a 24" tank, there's no way I would put 400w on it - but that's just my opinion, and I'm always wrong.

[apedroza]

On a 96 long tank I would go with the 400W or add a 4th 250W to the system. My Tank is 36" and I fit 2-250 watt Lumenars perfectly.

[erikharrison]

but that's just my opinion, and I'm always wrong.

lies. :)

[Bill S]

Oh, I forgot the tank was 96". And I think he said it had 2 braces?

[BIGBIRD123]

My new tank is a 72" x 30" x 30" and I will be using 4 - 250w DE 12k RF. I wouldn't use 400w unless my tank was 32" I talked with Sanjay at Macna and he says that most people "over-kill" in the lighting department and that's why I'm staying with the 250w. He told me that they would be just fine.

S

[engwife36]

First question is (just to double check myself) will y icecap 660 power 4-48" actinics? VHO or T-5's

Electricity is not a problem......I don't pay for it on base.

The reason I'm wanting to go with the 400's is b/c they will probably sit off the tank a little higher than most people would put them.

So for a mostly sps dominating tank will this be plenty of light:

3- 250w reeflux 12k bulbs
3- ARO, 250w ballast (that will be built into a box behind each reflector (like troy's)
3- Luminarc rflectors
4- 48" either VHO or T-5 super actinics (which of these would be more beneficial?)
powered with an icecap 660

What you all think?

Also, will it really matter that much with the luminarc reflectors or would I be just as happy with the parabolic ones?