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Unread 07/14/2008, 02:20 PM   #351
elvn
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Ah sorry.. I read many pages but I guess I blurred through some of it. Thanks


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Unread 07/14/2008, 03:09 PM   #352
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My canopy is 3/8" thick on top, and the tank lip/euorbracing to where I think the water level will be in relation to the overflow teeth is only about 1/2" down. So I'm still only playing with around 18" max of height.

This results in around 9" to the bottom of the relector and 13" to the bulb on the large SE (mogul) pendant, and 11" to the bottom of the reflector (15" to the bulb?) on the DE pendants.

I just got off the phone with Mike though and he recommended that I go with the mini's on all three reflectors for the height/spread ratio. He also recommended that I might use this change over opportunity to switch from my two 250w DE pendants and bulbs to two SE/moguls since my Bluewave VII dual 250w ballast can run moguls just as well, and since my canopy is going to be enclosed + slideaway he steered me away from more expensive finished pendants. He was very helpful and took his time listening and giving solid suggestions as to what would be best for me both in effect and economically in the long run rather than his bottom line sale. +++++

Thanks for the info and suggestions JR and melev.


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Unread 07/14/2008, 10:04 PM   #353
EvMiBo
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hey there. I'm still considering my options for lighting in my 90g. 48"x24"x18" (LHW). What kind of setup would you all recommend? I didn't read it all, so sorry if a similar question has come up. From what I saw though these setups are nice!

btw, ill be having SPS for sure, LPS and softies as well.


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Unread 07/14/2008, 10:16 PM   #354
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two LB mini's. You could do 250W at 16" off water.


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Unread 07/14/2008, 10:32 PM   #355
EvMiBo
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Quote:
Originally posted by glxtrix
two LB mini's. You could do 250W at 16" off water.
I was thinking about the reeflux 12k's (reefspecialty.com) to be added. I like the thought of them being a bit bluer. What makes the reeflux more expensive than the coralvalue bulbs? Should I just go with the coralvalue 14ks? I realize this is mostly an opinion type question but i'm just curious. thanks for the help!

-Evan


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Unread 07/16/2008, 06:21 AM   #356
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coralvalue? not sure what those are? If you're talking about coralvue, they makje the reeflux bulbs. Not really sure about the diff between the 14K or the reeflux 12K's. You could do a spectral plot on Sanjays site to see for sure. I do know that a lot of people are running those bulbs and absolutely love them! I do know typically, when it comes to lights and light bulbs, you get what you pay for. My Iwasaki's are very expensive! But they are worth every penny to me. Cheaper bulbs tend to shift hue or lose PAR faster. The same could happen with the more expensive ones too, but far and less between. When you start to get a lot of money in corals, its best not to skimp in this area.


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Unread 07/16/2008, 08:10 AM   #357
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Coralvue bulbs are made in china
Reeflux are made in Japan (better Quality)

Coralvue own Reflux..


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Unread 07/16/2008, 08:26 AM   #358
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The way I look at it is the CorlVue Bulbs are for those that have magnetic ballasts and can't fire/burn the Reeflux bulbs.
Reeflux Bulbs are for electronic ballast and recommended or the two for color and output.


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Unread 07/18/2008, 11:46 AM   #359
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Thanks to Mike at RS, I was able to get my canopy built specifically to house the LBs. I thought I would share some pictures for others to better understand how to build one and be able to move the lights up or down. Thanks Mike!!!








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Unread 07/18/2008, 12:40 PM   #360
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WOW, that really turned out nice.


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Unread 07/18/2008, 12:53 PM   #361
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I must agree with JRaquatics. Christina the canopy and stand look awesome and very well built.

Mike


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Unread 07/18/2008, 01:36 PM   #362
IRISSERVICE
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I like the different levels...you mat want to add some more higher ones...just a thought


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Skimmer- H&S A200-1250
MRC Sump Refugium---Circulation Tunze Wave Box---Main Pump - Seq3200 3phase W/ VFD
Cooling

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Unread 07/18/2008, 01:37 PM   #363
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Very nice!! We are getting ready to rebuild a canopy for the LB's and this will help so a big thanks. Can I ask why you have made it to move the lights up and down (looks like just a couple of inches??)


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Unread 07/18/2008, 02:50 PM   #364
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Well done!


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Unread 07/18/2008, 07:28 PM   #365
anomie
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Quote:
Originally posted by RobynT
Very nice!! We are getting ready to rebuild a canopy for the LB's and this will help so a big thanks. Can I ask why you have made it to move the lights up and down (looks like just a couple of inches??)
Thanks everyone for the kind words and suggestions. The stand and canopy came out very nice but not due to my skills. A local carpenter built if for me. Thanks Scott!

I'm not exactly 100% sure (feel free to correct me if I am wrong) but I think it is for two different reasons. The first being that these reflectors concentrate the lighting area so being able to raise or lower them will allow each user to customize the lighting so that it is both visually appealing to them and lighting all areas of the tank...different dimensions and all that. The second reason is that these lights penetrate the water more than other reflectors so as corals grow out and reach towards the surface of the water these rails will allow users to raise the lights.


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Unread 07/18/2008, 08:55 PM   #366
melev
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Quote:
Originally posted by anomie
Thanks everyone for the kind words and suggestions. The stand and canopy came out very nice but not due to my skills. A local carpenter built if for me. Thanks Scott!

I'm not exactly 100% sure (feel free to correct me if I am wrong) but I think it is for two different reasons. The first being that these reflectors concentrate the lighting area so being able to raise or lower them will allow each user to customize the lighting so that it is both visually appealing to them and lighting all areas of the tank...different dimensions and all that. The second reason is that these lights penetrate the water more than other reflectors so as corals grow out and reach towards the surface of the water these rails will allow users to raise the lights.
Or as your bulbs age, you can lower them.

Or when you install new bulbs, raise them up higher to avoid cooking the livestock for the first couple of weeks. Then move them down one notch lower.




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Unread 07/18/2008, 09:06 PM   #367
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I am biulding a 60 cube 24"x24"x24". Do you think this would be a good choice for me? http://phishybusiness.com/store/prod...roducts_id=846

Lumen Bright HQI-mini
Thanks Chris


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Unread 07/19/2008, 01:21 AM   #368
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I've read quite a few pages of this thread and haven't found the answer to my specific situation yet so here goes...I've got a standard 120g (4x2x2). I run 400w se 20k bulbs (10 inches from water surface) and would like to upgrade from my standard reflectors to something better. I was originally looking at the LB's but my problem is that the inside of my canopy is only 13" tall. So if I went with the mini's (and I'm doing the math right), that would put the bottom of the bulb only 10-11 inches off the water correct? If that's correct would I be better off with the LA's, LA mini's, or lumenmax reflectors? I like the LB's but am afraid that they won't work for me due to my need to have the bulb closer to the surface. TIA.


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Unread 07/19/2008, 01:29 AM   #369
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Yes, you have it right. Your canopy is too shallow unfortunately.


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Unread 07/19/2008, 08:04 AM   #370
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Quote:
Originally posted by hobbzz
I've read quite a few pages of this thread and haven't found the answer to my specific situation yet so here goes...I've got a standard 120g (4x2x2). I run 400w se 20k bulbs (10 inches from water surface) and would like to upgrade from my standard reflectors to something better. I was originally looking at the LB's but my problem is that the inside of my canopy is only 13" tall. So if I went with the mini's (and I'm doing the math right), that would put the bottom of the bulb only 10-11 inches off the water correct? If that's correct would I be better off with the LA's, LA mini's, or lumenmax reflectors? I like the LB's but am afraid that they won't work for me due to my need to have the bulb closer to the surface. TIA.
Is there any possibility of working with your canopy? A 16" cutout might enable raising the lights enough, while still leaving the bulb part under the canopy. What's that famous saying, "When there's a will, there's a way." LOL


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Unread 07/19/2008, 09:06 AM   #371
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Here is what Laud is talking about:





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Unread 07/19/2008, 09:33 AM   #372
hobbzz
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I don't have the tools to modify it. I could probably find some from a friend, but I work 60-70 hours a week so I'd rather just pick up some reflectors that are designed to be closer to the water. I've just been having a hard time finding a direct comparison between these 3 reflectors.


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Unread 07/19/2008, 09:48 AM   #373
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Comparison is the the LBs direct the light strait down and at an increased light intensity but need to be mounted higher (less heat, more working space. etc) to get the desired spread. The LA & LumenMax spread the light out more and should be mounted closer to the water surface. All these modern reflector (LA, LB, LM, etc) are light years ahead of what we had a few years back and will make a large difference to your reef. Every ones reef set up is different and need to find what you think will work best for your set up. If you are unable to raise the pendents then I suggest looking into the lumen maxs.


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Unread 07/19/2008, 09:48 AM   #374
IRISSERVICE
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then check out LUMENMAX® ELITE
http://sunlightsupply.com/product.cf...s%3D%26pgi%3D1
get the glass as well if your close to the water


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Tank-125G Starphire
Lighting- 4x 60" Reefbrites
Skimmer- H&S A200-1250
MRC Sump Refugium---Circulation Tunze Wave Box---Main Pump - Seq3200 3phase W/ VFD
Cooling

Current Tank Info: 125 gallon Starphire euro braced
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Unread 07/19/2008, 10:02 AM   #375
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Thanks guys. This thread has definitely shed light on the LA's and LB's, I'm just not sure where the lumenmax's fall into the category of dispersion. Ya know, a single LB mini would do well over my 45g Tech since no one is buying it...it's almost like the shallowness/height of the tank was made for them, and it's just sitting dry right now.


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