lumenarc 3 150W vs 250W

rottface4 · 12/05/2007, 10:08 AM

I'm looking to light a tank that is 30lx24wx15h. I have a 30x24x8 lit by a 150W in a cheap DE reflector from hellolights. It works pretty good for my SPS, but I get shadow effects on the corals, so I'm looking at getting a lumenarc to help with this. I'm really partial to the phoenix at this point, so thats why I like DE.

Now I know that there are no 150W lumenarc reflectors, but is it possible to cut the bracket for the 250 and fit a 150 double ended bulb into this reflector? Is it worth the effort to do this, over getting the 150W lumen max 3 which is smaller? (14.5x14.5 vs 11x11)

I know I could do a 250W, and it is not out of the question, but here is my issues with the 250w. The main issue is heat. The tank will be open top, but I think the 250W will still produce a lot of heat which I don't really care to have. Also I don't feel there is really a need to waste the extra electricity, because I think a 150W should be adequate to light the tank.

Whats everyone's opinion on this?

salmon alley · 12/05/2007, 11:09 AM

I looked at this exact issue myself. With a little ingenuity you could retrofit 150w de sockets into the Lumenarc III mini relectors, and if your tank is only 15" tall, the 150w should be fine.
(IMHO)

salmon alley · 12/05/2007, 03:27 PM

As a matter of fact, your thread motivated me and I retrofitted my 150w de sockets into my mini lumenarc this afternoon. Cost me $7 in parts at the hardware store.

rottface4 · 12/05/2007, 08:39 PM

Do you have any pictures of the mod?

12/05/2007, 10:08 AM	#1
rottface4 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: West Melbourne, Fl Posts: 192	lumenarc 3 150W vs 250W I'm looking to light a tank that is 30lx24wx15h. I have a 30x24x8 lit by a 150W in a cheap DE reflector from hellolights. It works pretty good for my SPS, but I get shadow effects on the corals, so I'm looking at getting a lumenarc to help with this. I'm really partial to the phoenix at this point, so thats why I like DE. Now I know that there are no 150W lumenarc reflectors, but is it possible to cut the bracket for the 250 and fit a 150 double ended bulb into this reflector? Is it worth the effort to do this, over getting the 150W lumen max 3 which is smaller? (14.5x14.5 vs 11x11) I know I could do a 250W, and it is not out of the question, but here is my issues with the 250w. The main issue is heat. The tank will be open top, but I think the 250W will still produce a lot of heat which I don't really care to have. Also I don't feel there is really a need to waste the extra electricity, because I think a 150W should be adequate to light the tank. Whats everyone's opinion on this? __________________ -Shawn- Current Tank Info: 45 g (30"x24"x15"), 250 w 12k reeflux in a lumenarc, 2 6025 streams, etc

12/05/2007, 11:09 AM	#2
salmon alley Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Balto/Washington Area Posts: 716	I looked at this exact issue myself. With a little ingenuity you could retrofit 150w de sockets into the Lumenarc III mini relectors, and if your tank is only 15" tall, the 150w should be fine. (IMHO) __________________ "will spay for frags..." Current Tank Info: None currently, but researching for a new system

12/05/2007, 03:27 PM	#3
salmon alley Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Balto/Washington Area Posts: 716	As a matter of fact, your thread motivated me and I retrofitted my 150w de sockets into my mini lumenarc this afternoon. Cost me $7 in parts at the hardware store. __________________ "will spay for frags..." Current Tank Info: None currently, but researching for a new system

12/05/2007, 08:39 PM	#4
rottface4 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: West Melbourne, Fl Posts: 192	Do you have any pictures of the mod? __________________ -Shawn- Current Tank Info: 45 g (30"x24"x15"), 250 w 12k reeflux in a lumenarc, 2 6025 streams, etc