ReeferMan September 28, 2007 September 28, 2007 Thinking about this for awhile now but i have a 36x24 custom tank. Right now i run 2x 250w MH with spyder reflectors. I was wondering if I should go with a single Luminarc III reflector with a single 250w bulb. Since my tank is in wall i only have room for one reflector unless i go with the minis. Anyone go any recommendations?
Brian Ward September 28, 2007 September 28, 2007 Thinking about this for awhile now but i have a 36x24 custom tank. Right now i run 2x 250w MH with spyder reflectors. I was wondering if I should go with a single Luminarc III reflector with a single 250w bulb. Since my tank is in wall i only have room for one reflector unless i go with the minis. Anyone go any recommendations? I'd go with 2 minis.
ReeferMan September 28, 2007 Author September 28, 2007 I dont have the money for two minis at the moment.
Brian Ward September 28, 2007 September 28, 2007 I dont have the money for two minis at the moment. Then check out Sanjay's analysis of the III. I think 36" is the max spread, so see if you can mount the reflector high enough to get the full spread and if the PAR rating on the edges is sufficient for you.
Brian Ward September 28, 2007 September 28, 2007 got a link? Links to multiple articles about everything: http://www.reeflightinginfo.arvixe.com/articles.htm This one analyzes the Luminarc III: http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/mar2003/feature.htm Part 2: http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/july2003/feature.htm Part 3: http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/mar2004/feature.htm If anyone else has better articles, please chime in.
Brian Ward September 28, 2007 September 28, 2007 doesnt make alot of sense to me really Figures 16 and 17 are the relevant ones for you. They basically show that you will get OK coverage at either 9" or 12" height. 6" provides much higher PAR rating, but only covers an 18"x18" square. At 12", you will get decent intensity in a 12"x12" square, with the light degrading as you get farther away from the center. You will need to remember this depending on what you're keeping, as softies will probably keep best around the perimeter of the tank, while SPS will need to be concentrated in the middle. Your other option, I believe, would be to buy 1 of the Luminarc minis and continue using the spyder reflector on the other half of the tank until you can afford the 2nd Luminarc. Everything depends on your goals for the tank. ~Brian
jamesbuf September 28, 2007 September 28, 2007 I just read through the articles myself, and it was very helpful. Basically you'd be fine with just one reflector, just make sure to put your SPS in the middle of the tank and your sps and softies around the periphery. Instead of two 250 watt halides, you might even be better off upgrading to one 400watt with one lumenarc. Would probably give you plenty of light and that way you only have to replace one bulb too. You're just lucky that you have room for the lumenarc. I'm stuck with using the mini lumenarc or a different reflector altogether.
jason the filter freak September 28, 2007 September 28, 2007 36 x 24? sounds like a 65 gallon standard aga
jamesbuf September 28, 2007 September 28, 2007 I haven't been over there since you first setup that tank. Its close to being square shaped wasn't it?
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