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View Full Version : Changing lighting setup, all Lumenarc users please chime in.


SunnyX
02/02/2006, 12:30 PM
Well I have decided to change my lighting setup,
The reason I have decided to change them is the fact that my tank is 3ft wide and the Reef Optix III's does not have much spread.

My tank is 60" Long x 36" Wide x 24" high.
For lighting I currently run:

Three 250 watt Metal Halide housed in Reef Optix III+
All Pheonix 14k's DE bulbs.
Two MH run on Hellolights.com Electronic Ballasts
One run on SunLight Supply Magnetic HQI.

Two 160 watt VHO's on Electronic Ballasts.

I was thinking of going with three Lumenarc III reflectors with 250Watt MH's.
I have yet to decide on the bulbs, I may go with XM 10K or the new Reeflux.

Here is the main question, should I be going with two or three Lumenarcs?
Also will they provided enough coverage for the 3ft width?
It doesn't have to cover 36", at least 28" to 30".

causeofhim
02/02/2006, 12:36 PM
The reflectors are almost 24". So three would not fit over a 60" tank. Most people dont have corals up to their glass so, you probably wont need 36" of actual light. Sanjay's site has links to his articles on reflectors and can specifically show what the spread is on different reflectors.

SunnyX
02/02/2006, 01:06 PM
According to the site the reflectors are 19.5” x 19.5” x 8.5” tall.
It would be a tight fit.
My corals are not up to the tank walls anyway, there is good space between the glass and corals.

Heres a pic for reference-
http://home.comcast.net/~sunnyx/DSCN2651.jpg

AlgaeMan
02/02/2006, 02:11 PM
Each lumicarc is 19.5 x 19.5 If this was my tank I would definately go with 3 of them. I would use 2 400w 20k's on the ends with a 250w 10k reeflux in the middle.

boofer
02/02/2006, 02:32 PM
The mini would be a better choice IMO. They would give you more room (14.5x14.5x6.5), they also have the same spread as the LA3(according to PGS).

xabo
02/02/2006, 02:48 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6650543#post6650543 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by boofer
The mini would be a better choice IMO. They would give you more room (14.5x14.5x6.5), they also have the same spread as the LA3(according to PGS).

I agree as that's what I'm using on my 210.

SunnyX
02/02/2006, 03:03 PM
How could a reflector that is smaller produce more spread?

Mounting the LM3's are not a problem because I have no canopy and the lights will be suspended, so room wont be a problem either.

SunnyX
02/02/2006, 03:04 PM
I could use LM3's for the sides, and a mini in the middle.
That option might be better.
Need to go find a buyer for the current lighting.

gotfish8
02/02/2006, 03:23 PM
If you are interested in trading I have 3 brand new 400w
E-ballasts and 3 lumenarc's Pm me if you are interested

SunnyX
02/02/2006, 05:50 PM
Are the sockets included when I purchase the LM3 from Pacificgardensupply.com ?

I sold my current lighting system within an hour:D
So here is what I have decided for with lighting-

As i have stated before, my tank is only 5 ft long,
so I may take a crack at using
2x LM3's
2x ARO Pro Series 250 ballast(M58 Probe Start)www.Hellolights.com
2x XM10k bulbs(only $20 with purchase of ballast listed above)
Plus 10% off for ordering the lights and ballast from www.Hellolights.com

I will add that to my current 2x 140watt VHO's.

What do you guys think?

merlock116
02/02/2006, 06:39 PM
2 reflectors will work great. they have incredible spread.

in sanjay's testing, the greatest benefits of the lumenarcs is the very little par lost from raising the pendants above the water level. it's near the bottom of the article. thus you could raise them higher and not heat up your water while still getting almost all the par.

merlock116
02/02/2006, 06:43 PM
from article: "This means that the Diamond Light reflector loses the least amount of light as one moves farther away from it."

check out table 3 near the bottom

click me (http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/mar2003/feature.htm)

easttn
02/02/2006, 06:48 PM
Sunny,

Look here (http://www.propertyroom.com/), search Diamond Grow Light Hood. I bought 3 for less than the price of 1 new. They come with the mounting bracket, only issue is the power cord is cut. Select your reflectors so they all end about the same time, they will ship multiples in one box. Its from the cops so you won't get ripped off.

All of mine have very minor scratches but well worth the savings. Drug dealers are worth something afterall. Uhhh, if you do grow your own don't buy here. ;)

SunnyX
02/02/2006, 07:11 PM
Thanks for the links guys!

I really didnt want the 10K XM's, but for $18 each they cant be beat!!
Ballast looks ok?

want2reef
02/02/2006, 07:44 PM
Sunnyx

So your going to the darkside? DE to SE. :)

causeofhim
02/02/2006, 08:10 PM
Why dont you want the 10k XMs?

mntl
02/02/2006, 08:14 PM
The minis easily cover a 2'+ square so the full size should be no problem, I would use 3 not 2 everytime I go lower than what I think I always regret it in this hobby. When you get the light have them wire them all with their wires and plugs (pigtail set), they are the cleanest/best-wire/plug set I have seen (white wires, great clipping plugs, and tons of extra wire). Also I bought the glass shield but do not use it and if done again I would have just saved the money and not got them.

just my .02c

---John

SunnyX
02/02/2006, 08:19 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6653052#post6653052 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by causeofhim
Why don't you want the 10k XMs?

They were "OK" when I had them on my old 120gl. They were run on electronic ballast, so hopefully they wont have the "PEE WATER" color on the Hellolights M58 ballasts.

But the PAR ratings are amazing on them.
Hopefully the two Lumenarcs will provide enough coverage.

mntl
02/02/2006, 08:23 PM
I just got ahold of one of the Iwasaki aqua2 14k's, it is extremely bright and it is white with just a hint of blue to make it not look yellow, one of the most crisp bulbs I have seen and it is insanley bright for it's wattage. Worth looking into if you want a crisp white that has great par.

--John

SunnyX
02/02/2006, 08:36 PM
I Figure 2 lumenarcs will be enough because I have 6 inches of unused space on each side of the tank. So its almost as if i was lighting a 4ft tank.

smjtkj
02/02/2006, 09:30 PM
mntl,
Where do you get the iwasaki 14k? By the way I have 3 of the Lumenarcs and love them. They have unbelievable spread.
Mike

causeofhim
02/02/2006, 10:40 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6653165#post6653165 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mntl
I just got ahold of one of the Iwasaki aqua2 14k's, it is extremely bright and it is white with just a hint of blue to make it not look yellow, one of the most crisp bulbs I have seen and it is insanley bright for it's wattage. Worth looking into if you want a crisp white that has great par.

--John

Who's carrying these? I can only find them in 150 and 175 watt.

Znut Reefer
02/02/2006, 11:27 PM
I'm using the 400 MH with spider reflectors now. But plan to e upgrading to a larger tank and will be using the lumenarc III. Did any of you have to acclimate your corals to the relectors, since they are suppose to have better light spread? I just wanted to be sure I didn't fry my corals after the upgrade.

jackson6745
02/03/2006, 01:54 AM
Sunny if you use the 10k's adding a 3rd VHO will give awesome color. 10k's look like dung unless they are balanced just right.

Look at Scarab65, JBNY, Acro etc etc... 10k with 3-4 VHO's or T5's

szwab
02/03/2006, 07:09 AM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6649927#post6649927 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SunnyX
According to the site the reflectors are 19.5” x 19.5” x 8.5” tall.
It would be a tight fit.


the 19.5x 19.5 is a bit misleading keep in mind that with the scoket holder/adjuster theyare in total 26 inches deep.

If I were you I'd start off with 2 see how you like it if it's not tenough you can always add a 3rd. I like mine they have been the best reflector I have seen to date. A tad on the big side but if that's all I can complain about it's good in my book.

SunnyX
02/03/2006, 08:53 AM
Well I ordered-

-2 250 watt ARO Pro Series Ballasts(M58)
-Added 2 XM10K's for an extra $20(couldnt pass up a deal like that :D)
-Ordered 2 Lumenarc III's, just waiting on a call from them to get my CC info.

I have used XM10K's on my older 120gl and like the output.
They were run on E-ballasts and with spider reflectors.
Hopefully the new combo of Lumenarc and M58 will give me more output.

I was amazed at how fast the my current lighting setup sold.
Within an hour they were sold.
I received almost 25 PM's.

SunnyX
02/03/2006, 10:14 AM
So what height is best with the Lumenarcs?

I have heard 9" was best, is that correct?

SunnyX
02/03/2006, 10:30 AM
Do I need anything extra to connect the Lumenarcs to the new Ballasts?

Znut Reefer
02/03/2006, 10:39 AM
You'll need the pig tails.

mntl
02/03/2006, 10:43 AM
You can wire the pigtails yourself with seperat-bought plugs but as i mentioned before their system will come installed and is very high quality, I highly reccommend having them do it for you, the cost is not too much.

-john

SunnyX
02/03/2006, 11:08 AM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6656914#post6656914 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mntl
You can wire the pigtails yourself with seperat-bought plugs but as i mentioned before their system will come installed and is very high quality, I highly reccommend having them do it for you, the cost is not too much.

-john

So I dont need to purchase the pig tails?

mntl
02/03/2006, 11:17 AM
if you are good with wireing you can doit yourself.

--John

SunnyX
02/03/2006, 11:31 AM
I think ill order them just to be on the safe side.

pk1
02/03/2006, 12:10 PM
They are quite large, pictures can be misleading. That being said, the spread is awesome. I have 3 on a 180 with 250w XM 10k's on Icecaps's and IMO they are too yellow, and that's with 2x96 w PC and 2 x55w PC atinics used as supplements. I have a hard time fitting the PC's over the tank due to the size of the reflectors. Here's a photo:

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/12021PICT0112__Large_-med.JPG

HTH
PK

szwab
02/03/2006, 12:34 PM
pk1 I like the size of your brackets on the back mine are much longer would be nice to have them shorter like yours. Maybe i'l try cutting mine down a bit.

pk1
02/03/2006, 12:38 PM
thanks! In hindsight it's kinda ghetto to be honest, just used stair edging from HD :D Not strong enough to hoist up and down though....I'm looking into alternatives as we speak....

szwab
02/03/2006, 12:46 PM
I'm actually in the proccess of going from 2 400 watters in LA III's over a 50" tank, to one on a light mover with probably 3 110 VHO bulbs. My brackets on the back will hit some plumbing if I drop the light to low so I may try cutting one down hopefully it won't be too difficult to do.

SunnyX
02/03/2006, 02:20 PM
pk1, Where did you get the brackets to hold up the lights?

pk1
02/03/2006, 02:25 PM
it's just stainless steel stair edging. Those large grey brackets sticking off the back of the reflectors are the stock PGS socket/hanging brackets, but I didn't have the patience to hang them using those.

SunnyX
02/03/2006, 02:28 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6658475#post6658475 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pk1
it's just stainless steel stair edging. Those large grey brackets sticking off the back of the reflectors are the stock PGS socket/hanging brackets, but I didn't have the patience to hang them using those.

Did you plug the Lumenarcs directly into the ballast, or was extra wiring required?

pk1
02/03/2006, 02:29 PM
Oh ya I got it at Menards, they have it at home depot too. I can snap more pics if you like, just let me know what you want to see.

pk1
02/03/2006, 02:32 PM
Extra wiring, but it was so simple. The Icecap ballast and the Lumenarc ballast both had the same 3 wire's, colored the same too. After that, it was as simple as attaching the power wires on the ballast to the grounded replacement plug I got at HD...all those wire's color's matched the ballast also....really you can't mess it up if you try...and thats saying a lot from me!! lol

SunnyX
02/03/2006, 02:45 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6658513#post6658513 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pk1
Oh ya I got it at Menards, they have it at home depot too. I can snap more pics if you like, just let me know what you want to see.

I would really appreciate it if you could post more pictures of of the fixture.

pk1
02/03/2006, 02:48 PM
no problem at all, I will snap the pics and upload them tonight....

PK

SunnyX
02/03/2006, 03:10 PM
Thank You!!! :D

SunnyX
02/03/2006, 04:52 PM
I talked to Dan @ PGS and he looked at the ballast I was getting online and said he would wire some cords for it.
He told me he could match or beat the deal I got from Hellolights.com, too bad I didjnt call him first.

pk1
02/04/2006, 06:50 PM
They are nice people over a PGS, we did a group buy through Chicagoland Marine Aquarium Society's forum on RC and everything wen't well. Here are the photo's of the socket. Let me know if you have any questions. .
Side:
[IMG]http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/580/12021PICT0061__Large_-med.JPG
Inside:
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/580/12021PICT0063__Large_-med.JPG
Top:
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/580/12021PICT0064__Large_-med.JPG

PK

SunnyX
02/06/2006, 03:04 PM
Thanks for the Pics PK!!!

By thursday my lighting should be in, so ill post some pics then.
Thanks again.

davebell24
02/09/2006, 09:23 PM
Has anyone used these reflectors before?
http://cgi.ebay.com/Diamond-Luminarc-Hood-with-Socket-Assembly_W0QQitemZ7732147382QQcategoryZ42225QQcmdZViewItem

reefarchitect
02/09/2006, 11:13 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6652405#post6652405 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by easttn
Sunny,

Look here (http://www.propertyroom.com/), search Diamond Grow Light Hood. I bought 3 for less than the price of 1 new. They come with the mounting bracket, only issue is the power cord is cut. Select your reflectors so they all end about the same time, they will ship multiples in one box. Its from the cops so you won't get ripped off.

All of mine have very minor scratches but well worth the savings. Drug dealers are worth something afterall. Uhhh, if you do grow your own don't buy here. ;)

I saw a post from you a while back about this site and I've been checking it somewhat regularly and have never seen a LA III listed or pictured. Most of the discriptions reference a white reflector that is like 23" I am just curious if you purchased one of these and got LA IIIs, or were yours actually listed as LA IIIs.

Sorry for the hi-jack :sad2: :sad2:

gotfish8
02/09/2006, 11:31 PM
Same thing as the Lumenarc

SunnyX
02/11/2006, 08:51 AM
Well I hooked up the lumenarcs yesterday night.

I really like the spread and intensity, I'm glad I purchased two instead of three. Three would have never fit.

Two Lumenarcs easily cover the space the three ROIII were covering.
I definitely need to get some Actinic Bulbs today, I'm not used to the XM10K's. Hopefully as they burn in they will become whiter.

Ill post some before and after pics this afternoon.

clkwrk
02/11/2006, 09:13 PM
Lets see them :D

fishfiend00s
02/11/2006, 09:14 PM
The mini lumernics give incredibly nice spread throughout the tank.

clkwrk
02/11/2006, 09:27 PM
I wish Sanjay had also tested those . I feel they are like the roIII's all the same company .

SunnyX
02/12/2006, 04:18 PM
Ok here are a few pics, please keep in mind that the bulbs are only a couple of days old and still need more time to burn in. One of the bulbs was very dim and yellow until I adjusted the nipple position. Will most likely replace that bulb. Seems as though the bulbs are getting whiter daily, hopefully it continues.

XM 10K 250W in LMIII Reflectors
2x140W URI VHO Actinic

http://home.comcast.net/~sunnyx/DSCN2867.jpg
http://home.comcast.net/~sunnyx/DSCN2870.jpg
http://home.comcast.net/~sunnyx/DSCN2875.jpg

SunnyX
02/13/2006, 08:06 AM
Anyone know if the XM 10K's get whiter and brighter as they burn in?

pk1
02/13/2006, 08:41 AM
I have had mine running since october, and IMO, they are still a bit yellow.

want2reef
02/13/2006, 10:40 AM
Looks good.

Are you getting more POP out of your corals now, as compared to your "old" setup?

Thanks

SunnyX
02/13/2006, 10:54 AM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6729563#post6729563 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pk1
I have had mine running since october, and IMO, they are still a bit yellow.

Its not really that yellow, cant really notice it with the actinics.
If it increases growth than I am happy with it, as long as my colors stay the same.

The reflectors are 5 inches above the water line, measured from the bottom of the reflectors.

pk1
02/13/2006, 11:25 AM
I don't feel that mine are "too" yellow. Keep in mind, I don't run ozone and have an AGA tank, so my water has a hint of yellow to it already, and the tank itself isn't very clear either. I may try the coralvue bulbs next. As far as growth though I am happy! Mine are about 5" above the tank also. Post a pic of how you have your reflectors mounted when you can please!


Patrick

SunnyX
02/13/2006, 12:13 PM
Ill post some pics when I can this afternoon.
I just used a couple chains and hung them up.
Nice and simple :D

SunnyX
02/13/2006, 12:18 PM
Patrick,
Where did you get the brackets from?
Also, how much in should the bulb be in the reflector?

SunnyX
02/13/2006, 02:11 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6730270#post6730270 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by want2reef
Looks good.

Are you getting more POP out of your corals now, as compared to your "old" setup?

Thanks

Well the corals looked better under the Pheonix 14K's, but i'm more interested in maintaining colors and increasing growth ATM.

Creetin
02/13/2006, 02:20 PM
My xms are pretty white, I mean its a little yellow at first, But after a couple of weeks i didnt notice the yellow anymore.
I have a pair of ushios in now and they are the same start off little yellow and get whiter in a little time. IMO
As for adjusting the bulbs make sure the center (Element) of the bulb is in the center of the luminarc. Youll get better results.
I have 2 luminarcs off of 400's and a 250 in the center for the little dim area in the upper center of my tank.
If you want a great bulb and not sacrifice that much par try a AB 12k. I love them, Best color i have had. I am switching back because i am running a 5 hr photo period, and still whitening corals.

SunnyX
02/13/2006, 02:26 PM
Here are before and after pics-

Pheonix 14K's-

http://home.comcast.net/~sunnyx/DSCN2728.jpg

XM 10K's-

http://home.comcast.net/~sunnyx/DSCN2867.jpg

SunnyX
02/13/2006, 02:38 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6731925#post6731925 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Creetin
My xms are pretty white, I mean its a little yellow at first, But after a couple of weeks i didnt notice the yellow anymore.
I have a pair of ushios in now and they are the same start off little yellow and get whiter in a little time. IMO
As for adjusting the bulbs make sure the center (Element) of the bulb is in the center of the luminarc. Youll get better results.
I have 2 luminarcs off of 400's and a 250 in the center for the little dim area in the upper center of my tank.
If you want a great bulb and not sacrifice that much par try a AB 12k. I love them, Best color i have had. I am switching back because i am running a 5 hr photo period, and still whitening corals.

Ill try to see where the middle of the bulb is today.
Right now I have the bulbs pushed all the way into the reflectors.
After the Discount I recived for being an RC member the XM's didnt cost me anything so Ill just wait and see.
I have always been a person who prefers a "bluer" reef, but the PAR on these bulbs cant be beat.
If the new Iwasaki 14K 250's come out in jusn than I will switch over, until then Ill stick with the XM's.

causeofhim
02/13/2006, 04:18 PM
It looks brighter to me! The color difference is very slight and I would guess after a while it will "whiten" up.

ThunderousTalon
02/14/2006, 10:31 AM
nipple position is big on these bulbs, i've spent hours playing w/ them. they can go from p*ss yellow to crisp white/blue tint with slight adjustments, so far the best position i've noted for these bulbs is around 6 and 9 depending on where you are standing. if you can use a clean oven mitt adjust after about 3-5minutes of being on. also what ballasts are you using? electronic, hqi or mag?

SunnyX
02/14/2006, 10:37 AM
I sold my E-Ballasts so I am now using ARO Pro Series 250W M58 ballasts.

ThunderousTalon
02/14/2006, 10:40 AM
great w/ ballast, should just make some small bulb adjustments at this point. I've never had a bad xm bulb, i just think too many people don't have them positioned right. it will make a dramatic difference.


EDIT!!!! my apologies, its either 3 or 9, not sure where my heads at this morning... get the nipple sideways basically and adjust slightly from there.

SunnyX
02/14/2006, 11:18 AM
Thanks for the positioning help.
I will try some things out as soon as I get home.

ThunderousTalon
02/14/2006, 09:31 PM
definitely let us know.

SunnyX
02/15/2006, 08:21 AM
I miss my Pheonix 14k's :(
The XM's make my tank look as if someone took a pee in it.
The tank also looked brighter when I had the ROIII's up.

I should have stuck with what I had before.

I need to find a bluer bulb, but nothing puts out this much PAR as the XM's.

SunnyX
02/15/2006, 08:25 AM
The ReefLux 10K looks nice but at half the PAR I couldnt see myself using one.

want2reef
02/15/2006, 08:32 AM
Thats interesting that the Phoenix bulb was brighter than the XM.

I wonder if it would be brighter if you stuck with the E-Ballasts.

clkwrk
02/15/2006, 08:36 AM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6745652#post6745652 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SunnyX
I miss my Pheonix 14k's :(
The XM's make my tank look as if someone took a pee in it.
The tank also looked brighter when I had the ROIII's up.

I should have stuck with what I had before.

I need to find a bluer bulb, but nothing puts out this much PAR as the XM's.

Thank you you just made my mind up . I am keeping my roIII's instead of switching to the lumenarcs .

I am bummed for you though

SunnyX
02/15/2006, 08:43 AM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6745734#post6745734 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by clkwrk
Thank you you just made my mind up . I am keeping my roIII's instead of switching to the lumenarcs .

I am bummed for you though

Glad I could help :p

I may go to 400W.

SunnyX
02/15/2006, 08:58 AM
The Lumenarcs have some great spread, but I think the other ROIII appeared brighter only because they act like a spotlight.

For a 24" wide or less the ROIII is the way to go.
Anything bigger you need the Lumenarcs.

It looks dimmer also because I replaced two VHO daylights with two VHO actinics.

There is no doubt that there is more PAR over my tank now, thus more growth than the old lighting setup, so it wasn't that bad of a decision.

SunnyX
02/15/2006, 09:02 AM
I just remembered that I switched out 2 daylight VHO's for Actinics.
That is most likely why the tank appears dimmer.
I'm going to put those VHO's back in today and see the difference.

want2reef
02/15/2006, 09:52 AM
SunnyX

Did you notice the temp of your tank go up any, since going over to SE's.

Thanks

Creetin
02/15/2006, 09:52 AM
Oh i thought you are running 400 watters. I never like the 250's.
I am in mich if you want to check out what 400's would look like you are welcome to stop by.
I am about a 45 minute drive from you, and you could make a day of iyt and visit lfs in the area.
400's rule in the luminarcs. You dropped your wattage over 125 watts by going with the 250's. 400's are much better in spread and light they throw out. I have a 5 hr period because they are too bright. I am switching back to a AB12k or xm 20k.

ThunderousTalon
02/15/2006, 11:55 AM
no change in color with bulb adjustments? they are a far cry from pee yellow. i do have both bulbs, ph14 150 over my 17 cube, and xm10k 250 over my 75

SunnyX
02/15/2006, 12:00 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6746140#post6746140 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by want2reef
SunnyX

Did you notice the temp of your tank go up any, since going over to SE's.

Thanks

Actually the temp of my tank has gone down by 1.5 degrees, I have had to add a second heater.

SunnyX
02/15/2006, 12:03 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6746142#post6746142 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Creetin
Oh i thought you are running 400 watters. I never like the 250's.
I am in mich if you want to check out what 400's would look like you are welcome to stop by.
I am about a 45 minute drive from you, and you could make a day of iyt and visit lfs in the area.
400's rule in the luminarcs. You dropped your wattage over 125 watts by going with the 250's. 400's are much better in spread and light they throw out. I have a 5 hr period because they are too bright. I am switching back to a AB12k or xm 20k.

Could I use the same sockets and cord for the Lumenarc if I go the 400W route?

CRO22O
02/15/2006, 12:41 PM
for what it is worth i switched from 250 phoenix in roIII in my 120 to luminarc mini's with reeflux 10k and i was un sure at first, but it is growing on me.

all you would have to do is change bulb and ballast to 400 if that's what you decide

chris

SunnyX
02/15/2006, 01:09 PM
XM 10K 250W- 137 PAR M58
XM 10K 400W- 172 PAR M59

Coralvue ReefLux 10K 250W- 70 PAR M58
- 86 PAR on Ice cap ballast electronic

Phoenix 14K 250W- 73 PAR on Ice cap ballast electronic
Phoenix 14K 250W- 88 PAR On HQI ballast

Iwasaki 140K 175W- 86 PAR on Ice cap ballast electronic

I really cant wait until they come out with the Iwasaki 14 in 250W, The PAR on that bulb should be great. From what I hear it should be out sometime in june.

Creetin
02/15/2006, 01:25 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6747129#post6747129 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SunnyX
Could I use the same sockets and cord for the Lumenarc if I go the 400W route?

Yep. Just change the ballast.
The overall lighting area a 400 watter throws out is better. IMO
I had spots in my tank where it was dim, and when i switched the 400's light up all the area's that were dim from the 250's.

SunnyX
02/15/2006, 01:31 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6747768#post6747768 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Creetin
Yep. Just change the ballast.
The overall lighting area a 400 watter throws out is better. IMO
I had spots in my tank where it was dim, and when i switched the 400's light up all the area's that were dim from the 250's.

It all depends on the bulb.
There are some 250W that put out more PAR than the 400W.
I think im just going to add another VHO and see what happens.

Chip Douglas
02/15/2006, 01:33 PM
I'm not sure if this has been said yet or not, but if you switch to the Lumenarc reflectors, I would cut your lighting back to just a few hours a day and build it back up to whatever light cycle you're running now...slowly. Lumenarcs direct pretty much all the light straight down into the tank, whereas the 'spider' reflectors have a lot of light that escapes out. This new intensity can be potentially damaging to corals that aren't used to it, and you could end up with some bleaching SPS. That's just my $0.02

SunnyX
02/15/2006, 01:45 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6747842#post6747842 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Chip Douglas
I'm not sure if this has been said yet or not, but if you switch to the Lumenarc reflectors, I would cut your lighting back to just a few hours a day and build it back up to whatever light cycle you're running now...slowly. Lumenarcs direct pretty much all the light straight down into the tank, whereas the 'spider' reflectors have a lot of light that escapes out. This new intensity can be potentially damaging to corals that aren't used to it, and you could end up with some bleaching SPS. That's just my $0.02

I was actually running ROIII's, which have a much hotter spot than the Lumeracs. I am running the lighting the same photoperiod as before, with no noticable difference in coral health.

Chip Douglas
02/15/2006, 01:55 PM
Well I'm a Lumenarc Mini user, so I chimed in with my experience with them, and a friend that also used the large Lumenarcs. If you're sticking with the ROIII then disregard what I said :p

SunnyX
02/15/2006, 02:01 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6748016#post6748016 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Chip Douglas
Well I'm a Lumenarc Mini user, so I chimed in with my experience with them, and a friend that also used the large Lumenarcs. If you're sticking with the ROIII then disregard what I said :p

I said I WAS(past tense) running the ROIII and am now running the LMIII's.


One thing that sucks about the XM 10k is it is so low in the 440-460nm range. Thats what made the Pheonix so good.

Chip Douglas
02/15/2006, 02:13 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6748065#post6748065 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SunnyX
I said I WAS(past tense) running the ROIII and am now running the LMIII's.


One thing that sucks about the XM 10k is it is so low in the 440-460nm range. Thats what made the Pheonix so good.

My mistake, I read that all wrong. I thought you were using basic reflectors and trying to decide between ROIII or Lumenarcs.

Yeah, I really do not like our XM 10k's...I think we're going to switch to Coralvue Reeflux 10k's. I talked to a guy yesterday who said we should have no problem running them on our PFO standard ballasts. Even with twho VHO actinics running, the XM 10k's wash out the tank.

SunnyX
02/16/2006, 12:45 PM
Something strange happened today, one of the XM bulbs appears much whiter and brighter. The other bulb is yellowed out and a new bulb with a extra slot for my VHO's should be here tomorrow.

Hopefully once the new bulb is installed it will appear as it should.

SunnyX
02/18/2006, 11:00 AM
Ok, after adding the extra VHO and replacing the bad XM bulb, I can now say that the tank is at least twice and bright and has better color than the oid ROIII setup/Pheonix 14K.

Pics to follow soon.

Creetin
02/18/2006, 11:26 AM
Glad you are happy with them. They helped me alot, I was using spider reflectors before. After i replaced the reflectors there was a noticable difference.

want2reef
02/18/2006, 04:05 PM
Wow twice as bright. Are your corals popping out more now?

SunnyX
02/18/2006, 05:10 PM
The lighting support was made with aluminum stair edging(thanks PK1 for the idea).


http://home.comcast.net/~sunnyx/DSCN2889.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/~sunnyx/dscn2905.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/~sunnyx/DSCN2906.jpg

SunnyX
02/18/2006, 05:13 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6772245#post6772245 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by want2reef
Wow twice as bright. Are your corals popping out more now?

Everything looks much better now.
Colors look good and the tank looks as if it outside under the sun.

I'm happy :smokin:

SunnyX
02/23/2006, 03:24 PM
Anyone else notice that the XM10K are so bright that they kinda wash some colors out?

mwood
02/23/2006, 03:37 PM
That may be a sign your lights are too bright for your system. I had 400w Iwasaki's on a smaller system and they looked white. When I moved to a larger system, they started to look very yellow. Move to dimmer lights, like 15 or 20k's and it should look better.

Chip Douglas
02/23/2006, 04:27 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6810307#post6810307 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SunnyX
Anyone else notice that the XM10K are so bright that they kinda wash some colors out?

That is the exact reason we want to get rid of ours on our 180, they are way too bright. Algaeman was actually having issues with them burning some corals in his system and swapped two out for Reeflux 10k's.