Lighting Dilema--72" Maristar or 3 lumenarc mini's

mpoletti · 02/02/2008, 09:25 AM

Just like the title says. I am at a crossroads for my lighting options on my new tank.

Do I want a Maristar or lumenacr minis. I have a 48 maristar and I have pretty good coloration in my current tank, but I have been playing around with the idea of switching to lumenarcs and VHO's. Either way, 6 months down the road I will think, HMMM, should I have done the other.

Oh well. The price I am getting things for is really similar so that is really not a factor.

fishdave739 · 02/02/2008, 09:35 AM

I run 3 400's with the minis. You're not going to beat the coverage with these reflectors. Recently switched to the mini's from spiders. Was like adding another bulb! Highly recommend.

mpoletti · 02/02/2008, 10:48 AM

I have thought of running a 400 on the center lumenarc if I go that way, but I guess it still comes down my personal choice. That is where things get dicey

Paulairduck · 02/02/2008, 02:11 PM

The Lumenarc give you the option of running SE or DE, The maristar is only DE, but that decision is up to you??

I vote lumenarc!!!

mpoletti · 02/02/2008, 03:02 PM

I believe that you would have to purchase a different LA as the bases are not interchangeable. That is why they created the lumenarc stealth I believe.

gabe3d · 02/02/2008, 05:39 PM

Sounds like if you get the Stealth and a ballast that is close to the one used in the Maristar, it will solve your dilemma. You'll get the coverage advantage and the color you are used to.

mpoletti · 02/02/2008, 06:01 PM

That is my problem Gabe. If I go DE I will do the maristar and if I do SE, I will do the LA mini's. The major decision is SE or DE.

02/02/2008, 09:25 AM	#1
mpoletti You'll never walk alone Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Sacramento, Ca Posts: 18,245	Lighting Dilema--72" Maristar or 3 lumenarc mini's Just like the title says. I am at a crossroads for my lighting options on my new tank. Do I want a Maristar or lumenacr minis. I have a 48 maristar and I have pretty good coloration in my current tank, but I have been playing around with the idea of switching to lumenarcs and VHO's. Either way, 6 months down the road I will think, HMMM, should I have done the other. Oh well. The price I am getting things for is really similar so that is really not a factor. __________________ -Mark a.) I believe... The curse is a reality b.) Fish poop is your friend c.) Why chase numbers? #CoralsLiketoDisco #ReefSerenity

02/02/2008, 10:48 AM	#3
mpoletti You'll never walk alone Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Sacramento, Ca Posts: 18,245	I have thought of running a 400 on the center lumenarc if I go that way, but I guess it still comes down my personal choice. That is where things get dicey __________________ -Mark a.) I believe... The curse is a reality b.) Fish poop is your friend c.) Why chase numbers? #CoralsLiketoDisco #ReefSerenity

02/02/2008, 03:02 PM	#5
mpoletti You'll never walk alone Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Sacramento, Ca Posts: 18,245	I believe that you would have to purchase a different LA as the bases are not interchangeable. That is why they created the lumenarc stealth I believe. __________________ -Mark a.) I believe... The curse is a reality b.) Fish poop is your friend c.) Why chase numbers? #CoralsLiketoDisco #ReefSerenity

02/02/2008, 06:01 PM	#7
mpoletti You'll never walk alone Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Sacramento, Ca Posts: 18,245	That is my problem Gabe. If I go DE I will do the maristar and if I do SE, I will do the LA mini's. The major decision is SE or DE. __________________ -Mark a.) I believe... The curse is a reality b.) Fish poop is your friend c.) Why chase numbers? #CoralsLiketoDisco #ReefSerenity

02/02/2008, 09:35 AM	#2
fishdave739 Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Lee's Summit, MO Posts: 152	I run 3 400's with the minis. You're not going to beat the coverage with these reflectors. Recently switched to the mini's from spiders. Was like adding another bulb! Highly recommend.

02/02/2008, 02:11 PM	#4
Paulairduck I LOVE FREE FRAGS!!! Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Chino Hills Posts: 2,909	The Lumenarc give you the option of running SE or DE, The maristar is only DE, but that decision is up to you?? I vote lumenarc!!!

02/02/2008, 05:39 PM	#6
gabe3d Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Elk Grove/Sunnyvale/Shibuya Posts: 1,605	Sounds like if you get the Stealth and a ballast that is close to the one used in the Maristar, it will solve your dilemma. You'll get the coverage advantage and the color you are used to.