Are Quality Reflectors Needed If Mounted In a Canopy

[Tigé21v]

I'm planning on building a canopy for a 60"x30"x23" deep tank. I'll be using a combination of 250 watt SE MH's (probably three bulbs), and either VHO's or T5's (maybe both).
If I paint the inside of the canopy white (or line it with white acrylic), do I need to spend the money on quality MH reflectors ( Lumen Max, Lumenarc), or will spider reflectors be equivalent?

[westmoorenerd]

"NEED" good reflectors....probably not, but you and your corals will notice a difference with good reflectors.

[rbnice1]

I upgraded from spider to "Good" reflectors and there is a huge difference. Just make sure you get the right reflectors. Mine required about 16 inches from the water to the reflector so I had to modify my hood.


BTW great dimensions on the tank. I had a custom 60x30x20 made and I love it.

[Tigé21v]

Originally Posted by rbnice1

I upgraded from spider to "Good" reflectors and there is a huge difference.

Is the inside of your hood painted white? Does it sit on the top of your tank? Is there a big difference in the way a bulb looks between being reflected off a white background and mirrored aluminum?

Just make sure you get the right reflectors. Mine required about 16 inches from the water to the reflector so I had to modify my hood.

Which reflectors did you go with? If I choose to add reflectors, I'm leaning towards the LumenMax Elite. Seems they can be mounted pretty close to the water surface with great coverage.

BTW great dimensions on the tank. I had a custom 60x30x20 made and I love it.

Ya, I am excited. Will be moving out of a 90, so twice the floor space. Also twice the room above to have more lighting options. Really want to try to do it right. Don't know if 3-250 or 2-400 MH would be better. I know 2 5 foot VHO's front and back for sure, but thinking about either adding some 24" VHO's or T5's between the MH fixtures also. Either to try to create a more natural light cycle, or maybe if I go with T5's, play with some bulb combinations (a red or something) to try to get the corals to show off more of their color.

[rbnice1]

1. My hood color wouldnt have made any difference. My hood does sit on top of my tank. And the difference between the spider and the "good" ones is huge........


2. I am using lumenmax elites. They have a spread of about 17x17 inches at 5 inch off the water, vs about 25x25 at 16 inches. The are super directional no light goes anyware but down.

Here are a couple pics.

Original reflectors:



New reflectors with the same camera settings:



Modified hood:

[Tigé21v]

Wow. What a difference. Do you have the bulbs 16" above the water, or the bottom of the reflector?