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View Full Version : Best reflectors???


rob020880
01/30/2007, 08:01 PM
Who makes the best reflectors for MH??? Size is an issue though so I am looking for smaller options. Thanks

d4a2n0k
01/30/2007, 08:14 PM
DE or SE?

rob020880
01/30/2007, 08:40 PM
Single ended bulb. Hey thanks for the reply!

d4a2n0k
01/30/2007, 08:49 PM
If you can fit 14.5" x 14.5 x 6" then the Lumenarc Mini would be the best you can get. http://www.reefexotics.com/lumenarc.htm scroll down to the mini.


If thats too big then something like this would be ok but not nearly the same light output and spread as the Lumenarc. http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=PFO-RSAMOG&Category_Code=Sockets

rob020880
01/30/2007, 08:51 PM
I see that lumenarc has the stealth. The size of this would be ideal do you know if they make one like this for SE I saw the DE...

d4a2n0k
01/30/2007, 09:19 PM
No, unfortunately the Stealth is DE only. The DE bulbs are a lot smaller than SE.

rob020880
01/30/2007, 09:25 PM
Thats what I figured guess I will go with the minis...What would you suggest I do for actinics? I was debating between t5 and pc. But don't know which will look best and give best performance...

Pleco420
01/31/2007, 03:46 PM
I would go with T-5's. PC's are falling fast and will probably not be around anymore in a few years.

The UV Lighting Super Actinics are very nice bulbs. They really make your corals pop. Premium Aquatics sells them.

GSMguy
01/31/2007, 04:02 PM
there is really no debate with t5 or pc t5 wins every battle against pc

Jeremy B.
01/31/2007, 04:09 PM
rob, just out of curiosity what is the footprint of the area you are lighting? If it's pretty small, smaller than 2' x 2', the Lumenarc's would probably not be the best option in maximizing your light output. If it's bigger than 2' x 2', then they would definitely be the way to go. If it is exactly 2' x 2', then it's a wash, just go on coral placement then (i.e. are the animals from glass edge to glass edge or based more towards the middle of the foot print area).

rob020880
01/31/2007, 04:18 PM
The tank is a 36" x 36" x 30" quarter cylinder so it is an awkward space but the minis do fit. I think I will be able to do 2 24" t5's as well, but it will be tight. I have been looking at the lumenarc stealths and these look like may be the way to go because they are smaller and will leave plenty of room, but then I wonder if 250's will be enough for the 30" tank...Any thoughts???

chriscobb
01/31/2007, 07:00 PM
Lumenarcs 250's should be plenty.

rob020880
01/31/2007, 07:08 PM
should I go with 14k or 10k I plan on also using t5ho actinics

aclos3
01/31/2007, 07:20 PM
I really like the look of 14k halides, but if you are going to be running some fairly powerful actincs, you can probably "blue" the appearance enough to get great growth and color. Also, keep in mind that there is huge variation in colors within the same ratings. XM 10k (SE) have outstanding PAR, but I hear they are slightly more yellow than most other 10k bulbs. Phoenix 14ks tend to be quite blue, while hamiltons 14k are generally a little lighter / more purple than blue.

AND, you can probably throw out most of what I am saying, because all of this is largely dependent on the ballast! So, what type of ballast are you looking at now? And I take it you are set on DE bulbs since you are going with the mini reflectors? HQI ballasts will put out more par, but usually appear more yellow than if the same bulb were run on an e-ballast. Normal magnetic ballasts are usually somewhere in between.

rob020880
01/31/2007, 08:51 PM
So, what type of ballast are you looking at now? And I take it you are set on DE bulbs since you are going with the mini reflectors? HQI ballasts will put out more par, but usually appear more yellow than if the same bulb were run on an e-ballast. Normal magnetic ballasts are usually somewhere in between.

I just ordered the lumenarc stealths for de. Im gonna do 250s and complement that with t5 ho actinics. I read up, and most recommend the pfo hqi ballst. What do you think? And if this is a good choice what bulb would you go with 10k 14k and what brand will keep the yellow out. I plan on doing an actinic03, and blue+ bulbs for the t5.