Large Reflector Choices for 400w MH

[jonboyb]

Now that my lighting has switched gears I've got to find a reflector QUICK so I can finish my canopy. I am lighting a 93 cube that's 30" x 30" x 24" deep and plan to use a single 400w MH. I'm looking at one of the following reflectors:

Lumen Bright Large
Lumenarc III Large
Lumenmax Large
Lumenmax Elite

Ironically I stumbled upon this article that compares the 4 but I'm not reef-savy enough to actually apply the findings to choose the best for my setup. It does appear the LumenArc III and LumenMax Large are the bottom 2.

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2009/1/review/view?searchterm=reflector">http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2009/1/review/view?searchterm=reflector</a>

Also, do I really need a glass shield for a Mogul type SE metal halide? Any opinions would be appreciated ALOT!!!!:D

 

[krb]

you don't need a glass shield for SE bulbs. it is built into the bulb itself

 

[jonboyb]

Thanks....I've only had DE

 

[krb]

looking at the article you referenced. I would go with the lumenmax elite.

 

[oz]

I heard that the mirror finished reflectors push more focused light into the tank and the hammered finish spreads the light more evenly but with not as much intensity. Since your tank is only 24", I agree the lumenmax elite would be a nice choice.

I'd like to hear other people's thoughts that have the reflectors though.

 

[mockery]

Jon I'm researching this too right now and from what I've found the is that the lumenbright more or less focus light and that the lumenmax (which is what i'm going with) spreads the light yet keeps the intensity up. And they are great for lighting square areas like yours. Hope that helps.

 

[acroholic]

Get a glass splash guard if you can, especially with mirror polish reflectors. This reflector material (hammered and mirror polish) is wafer thin, and bends very easily. Better to have the glass, then you never have to worry about cleaning the reflector or the bulb. I have 4 LB minis (Coralvue) and one Reef Optix 4 (aka SunGro). The Reef Optix is over my 30 x 30 chalice tank.

You will get salt spray either on the bulb/reflector or a glass splash guard guaranteed, especially with an open top tank.

I personally prefer the LumenBright Large in reflectors if you are planning on keeping SPS. But for good coverage of your 30 x 30 area I would also look at the Reef Optix 4 reflector, also made by Sunlight Supply (makes Lumenmax).

The Reef Optix 4 was the largest reflector at 22" x 21" that also had an adjustable mogul socket, so you can center the bulb over the tank. And it is available with a glass splash guard that slides right into the fixture.

Here is an ebay link with some information on the RO4:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Reef-Optix-4-(Sun-Gro-reflector)_W0QQitemZ120251421759QQcmdZViewItem">http://cgi.ebay.com/Reef-Optix-4-(Sun-Gro-reflector)_W0QQitemZ120251421759QQcmdZViewItem</a>

Dave

 

[oz]

Acroholic;389261 wrote: Get a glass splash guard if you can, especially with mirror polish reflectors. This reflector material (hammered and mirror polish) is wafer thin, and bends very easily. Better to have the glass, then you never have to worry about cleaning the reflector or the bulb. I have 4 LB minis (Coralvue) and one Reef Optix 4 (aka SunGro). The Reef Optix is over my 30 x 30 chalice tank.

You will get salt spray either on the bulb/reflector or a glass splash guard guaranteed, especially with an open top tank.

I personally prefer the LumenBright Large in reflectors if you are planning on keeping SPS. But for good coverage of your 30 x 30 area I would also look at the Reef Optix 4 reflector, also made by Sunlight Supply (makes Lumenmax).

The Reef Optix 4 was the largest reflector at 22" x 21" that also had an adjustable mogul socket, so you can center the bulb over the tank. And it is available with a glass splash guard that slides right into the fixture.

Here is an ebay link with some information on the RO4:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Reef-Optix-4-(Sun-Gro-reflector)_W0QQitemZ120251421759QQcmdZViewItem">http://cgi.ebay.com/Reef-Optix-4-(Sun-Gro-reflector)_W0QQitemZ120251421759QQcmdZViewItem</a>

Dave[/QUOTE]

Hey Dave,

Do you know if the Lumenbright Large will accept a glass shield?

That's the reflector I am leaning towards.

 

[acroholic]

The LB Large finished pendants come with a glass splash guard. The reflectors don't. The black pendant outer metal is what holds the glass in place. I don't think there would be enough structural strength in just the reflector to hold the glass, but with some mods I'm sure you could fit it to just the reflector. If you want just the glass splash guards, I'd contact Reef Specialty (Mike). The owner of Reef Specialty is buddy buddy with David, owner of CoralVue.

But the guards are nothing special, just 1/8" tempered glass. You could do just as well getting them cut at a local glass shop in square form.

 

[oz]

That makes sense and justifies the additional $30 per setup. Probably makes mounting a bit easier as well. thanks.

 

[skriz]

The lumenmax is better than the lumenarc. The lumenbright & lumenmax elite are similar. The LME has a more even spread than the LB. The LB has a more intense hot spot.

You'll be happy with whichever one you choose thoug, so don't kill yourself over the decision.

 

[grouper therapy]

Skriz;389362 wrote: The lumenmax is better than the lumenarc. The lumenbright & lumenmax elite are similar. The LME has a more even spread than the LB. The LB has a more intense hot spot.

You'll be happy with whichever one you choose thoug, so don't kill yourself over the decision.

+1 All are good reflectors

 

[drnecropolis]

I have the LME over my tank and love them.. Nice spread of light and 10x better quality than the old reflectors..