New Lumen Bright Reflector. ... any info on them - Page 16

Reeferon · 07/19/2008, 10:13 AM

I am planning on putting two or three LBs on my new 6' 125:

I was thinking about doing either two LB raised at 16" with 400 watt lamps.

Or: three lumenbrights raised at about 12-13" with 250 and/or 175 watt halides.

Any comments on either one of these setups?

JRaquatics · 07/19/2008, 10:26 AM

I would go with three LB minis with 250s at 15" off the water surface.

martinphillip03 · 07/19/2008, 06:41 PM

I agree

Marty

Quote:

Originally posted by JRaquatics
I would go with three LB minis with 250s at 15" off the water surface.

cmm1970 · 07/20/2008, 02:55 PM

Quick question on dimensions...How far, in inches, does the socket assembly protrude from the side of the LB reflector? I am trying to plan a hood for installation of two of the mini's.

Thanks...I could not find the info at coralvue or in retailer product pages.

Mike

bigmatt · 07/21/2008, 03:02 PM

I just recieved my lumenbright hqi reflector, Whats the easiest way to install the bulb? removing 3 parts of the pendant to slide the glass out?

melev · 07/21/2008, 03:44 PM

You will see a metal section that is held on with 4 screws right along the end where the glass slides in. Remove those screws carefully and you'll be able to slide the glass out.

bigmatt · 07/21/2008, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by melev
You will see a metal section that is held on with 4 screws right along the end where the glass slides in. Remove those screws carefully and you'll be able to slide the glass out.

Had to take 3 sections out to slide the glass out. There is no metal section along the end to remove. Its an awesome reflector though, Corals seem happy with the 14k pheonix

melev · 07/21/2008, 09:13 PM

Perhaps the minis are assembled differently. I figured they would be identically built.

mpdharley · 07/22/2008, 08:37 AM

I raised my lumenbrights, 400watt Reeflux 12k on CV electronic ballasts, to ~ 13" above the tank. Now, my acros that were purple and light blue are starting to fade.

I suppose this could be related to water quality (I don't think my ASM G4+ is doing the job and I have a new Octo Xtreme on order) or the age of the bulbs, which are probably 9 months old.

But, the timing of the color change does coincide with the raising of the bulbs. So, should older bulbs be less than 13" or is something else going on?

Mike

bubbletip2 · 07/22/2008, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mpdharley
I raised my lumenbrights, 400watt Reeflux 12k on CV electronic ballasts, to ~ 13" above the tank. Now, my acros that were purple and light blue are starting to fade.

I suppose this could be related to water quality (I don't think my ASM G4+ is doing the job and I have a new Octo Xtreme on order) or the age of the bulbs, which are probably 9 months old.

But, the timing of the color change does coincide with the raising of the bulbs. So, should older bulbs be less than 13" or is something else going on?

Mike

13" is low in my opinion for 400w 12K's. You were lower than 13" prior to the change?

I hope you mean 13" from the botom of the reflector to the water. If yu mean bulb to water, do yourself a favor and leave them minimally at 13" and your color will return in good time. I have mine at 17.5" and I have plenty of light throughout the tank after testing with a PAR meter. It could be the cause, but if your water quality is not up to PAR, water clarity can reduce light transmission as well. So it could have been a double wammy.

The one thing I notice is if I am not feeding my "coral" as much my coral will fade. Have you ben feeding coral food?

You could have a triple wammy going on here.

mpdharley · 07/22/2008, 09:04 AM

The bulbs used to be ~11" from the water and I raised them (the bulbs) to 13" above the water. Nothing else has changed and the corals had great color. I started to notice a subtle change about 1 - 2 weeks after the bulbs were raised. The change has been more pronounced since then with one of my deep purple Acros fading to brown.

Since the coral has looked great up until the lights being raised and I haven't changed my feeding habits, I don't think it is a feeding issue.

However, since I don't think my skimmer is doing all it can for the tank (I have had some gh algae issues), I'm wondering if it isn't a water quality issue instead and the timing was coincidental.

I'm hoping to have my new skimmer this week and will add it in before I make any other changes.

AcroporAddict · 07/22/2008, 09:36 AM

Ok guys,
I just set up my new 210 gallon reef. 72" x 24" x 29" deep. I have three 400 watt dimmable CV ballasts, 12 K Reeflux SE bulbs, and I have two LB Minis and am waiting on the third when Mike gets them back in stock. So this reef will have three 400 watt dimmable ballsts with LB minis.

The contents of my 120 went into this, and the corals have had about 5 weeks of 250 watt Reeflux 12k lighting with my two minis.

Right now I have the two minis with CV 250 watt ballast and 12K Reeflux bulbs on the left/right and a Sunpod 250 watt pendant in the middle until I get the other Mini.

How far from the water to the bottom of the LB Mini do I want to start with these 400 watt bulbs, and should I use the dimmer right now? Tank is all SPS with some zoas on the bottom.

Thanks.
Dave

Kshack · 07/22/2008, 09:37 AM

I have read several pages and I am very interested in these reflectors. My tank is 68X36X25. I currently have 2X60" Solaris LED, but they want to charge $4,200 to upgrade to the new I series.
I have a PFO 250 HQI X 2. (only using half for my frag tank)
I am thinking of going with 3 of the large Lumen bright to cover the 36" width.
I am thinking of single end to get more bulb options (overdrive)
What do you think of that set up?
What bulb would you recommend? (20K radium?) (?DE bulb?)
If I go with 20K I would not need Actinic, or would you recommend something else?

Thanks,
Ken

cmm1970 · 07/22/2008, 09:37 AM

I would be led to believe by your narrative that the 2"change in reflector light is probably not the cause of your coloration change. The two inch change would not decrease PAR or PPFD values that dramatically. Change them slightly...yes, change them drastically or to the point of altering photosynthesis with the zooanthelle, doubtful. Look to the water quality, kH, Ca, and Mag relationships for the answer.

bubbletip2 · 07/22/2008, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by cmm1970
I would be led to believe by your narrative that the 2"change in reflector light is probably not the cause of your coloration change. The two inch change would not decrease PAR or PPFD values that dramatically. Change them slightly...yes, change them drastically or to the point of altering photosynthesis with the zooanthelle, doubtful. Look to the water quality, kH, Ca, and Mag relationships for the answer.

agreed. Purple acros depending upon the species can be very sensitive to water quality changes. Many times I choose coral liek this in my tank a s a guage to see how my water quality is doing.

bubbletip2 · 07/22/2008, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by AcroporAddict
Ok guys,
I just set up my new 210 gallon reef. 72" x 24" x 29" deep. I have three 400 watt dimmable CV ballasts, 12 K Reeflux SE bulbs, and I have two LB Minis and am waiting on the third when Mike gets them back in stock. So this reef will have three 400 watt dimmable ballsts with LB minis.

The contents of my 120 went into this, and the corals have had about 5 weeks of 250 watt Reeflux 12k lighting with my two minis.

Right now I have the two minis with CV 250 watt ballast and 12K Reeflux bulbs on the left/right and a Sunpod 250 watt pendant in the middle until I get the other Mini.

How far from the water to the bottom of the LB Mini do I want to start with these 400 watt bulbs, and should I use the dimmer right now? Tank is all SPS with some zoas on the bottom.

Thanks.
Dave

I would start at 12" from bottom of the reflector to the water's surface. That will give you 16" from bulb to water. You have dimmables so you can raise or lower your light intensity this way as well. You will get the best spread at 16" and with 400w bulbs will reduce heat as well. You could do 14" but you do have 400w bulbs and should be careful. I would suggest the purchase of a PAR meter if you have the means especially with the dimmables.

your coral will be stressed from the move so take it easy on them regarding lighting for a few weeks. no need to hit them with too much too fast. let them settle before ramping everything up.

bubbletip2 · 07/22/2008, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Kshack
I have read several pages and I am very interested in these reflectors. My tank is 68X36X25. I currently have 2X60" Solaris LED, but they want to charge $4,200 to upgrade to the new I series.
I have a PFO 250 HQI X 2. (only using half for my frag tank)
I am thinking of going with 3 of the large Lumen bright to cover the 36" width.
I am thinking of single end to get more bulb options (overdrive)
What do you think of that set up?
What bulb would you recommend? (20K radium?) (?DE bulb?)
If I go with 20K I would not need Actinic, or would you recommend something else?

Thanks,
Ken

3 large LB's would work out fine for your system. If you are planning on keepign the 250 watt HQI's then radiums may be a good idea. If you want to save electricity and have your bulbs last longer - the Reflux 12K's are very popular because you get your blue and whit light in one bulb.

mpdharley · 07/22/2008, 10:15 AM

cmm1970 & bubbletip2 Thanks, that's what I was figured, just wanted to double check.

AcroporAddict · 07/22/2008, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bubbletip2
I would start at 12" from bottom of the reflector to the water's surface. That will give you 16" from bulb to water. You have dimmables so you can raise or lower your light intensity this way as well. You will get the best spread at 16" and with 400w bulbs will reduce heat as well. You could do 14" but you do have 400w bulbs and should be careful. I would suggest the purchase of a PAR meter if you have the means especially with the dimmables.

your coral will be stressed from the move so take it easy on them regarding lighting for a few weeks. no need to hit them with too much too fast. let them settle before ramping everything up.

I've been thinking of buying a PAR meter.

All my SPS corals are small, having been frags themselves, so I basically fragged them all and they are on discs on the sand bottom of the reef now, on the left and right side under the LB Mini-250 watt bulbs.

I don't think they will be getting enough light at the very bottom of a 29" deep tank, so now is a great time to hook up the 400 watt ballsts/bulbs to the Minis so I make sure they get enough light at the very bottom of this even deeper tank. This might be a good way to acclimate them to the 400 watt combo.
Dave

tinnghe · 07/22/2008, 05:21 PM

how much par would 83000 lux translate into?

deeznuts · 07/23/2008, 03:05 AM

I have been thinking about the LB minis for my 150 tank.

my tank is 40x24x40 high

Right now i'm running 2 400w reeflux 12k with lumenarc mini reflectors and Coralvue 400 elec ballasts.

The Lumenarcs are sitting 10" from water to bulb.

Do you think I should change to the LB minis insted?

cmm1970 · 07/23/2008, 06:41 AM

If you are running the Lumenarcs at the height off the water specified by the manufactor, then I don't see a tremendous benefit in changing your reflectors as far as increasing PAR in your tank is concerned.

Based on some observing a few of the before and after pictures found in some of the earlier pages of this behemoth string, you might enjoy better focusing of the light into the tank and less light spilling out into the room by switching. I think the Lumenarcs are designed to throw something closer to a 36" spread of light and the LB mini's are designed for a 24" throw. So if you wanted to focus the light into your 40" long tank a little more exactly, changing reflectors might be a good move. If you want to catalyze more growth, you might be disappointed because you are already enjoying a pretty good reflector with your current setup.

Mike

JRaquatics · 07/23/2008, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by cmm1970
If you are running the Lumenarcs at the height off the water specified by the manufactor, then I don't see a tremendous benefit in changing your reflectors as far as increasing PAR in your tank is concerned.

Based on some observing a few of the before and after pictures found in some of the earlier pages of this behemoth string, you might enjoy better focusing of the light into the tank and less light spilling out into the room by switching. I think the Lumenarcs are designed to throw something closer to a 36" spread of light and the LB mini's are designed for a 24" throw. So if you wanted to focus the light into your 40" long tank a little more exactly, changing reflectors might be a good move. If you want to catalyze more growth, you might be disappointed because you are already enjoying a pretty good reflector with your current setup.

Mike

Very well put but I suggest if you wanted to increase par, you may want to look see what your getting currently with your set up with par readings and go from there. It is really up to what you are trying to achieve with your lights.

bubbletip2 · 07/23/2008, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by deeznuts
I have been thinking about the LB minis for my 150 tank.

my tank is 40x24x40 high

Right now i'm running 2 400w reeflux 12k with lumenarc mini reflectors and Coralvue 400 elec ballasts.

The Lumenarcs are sitting 10" from water to bulb.

Do you think I should change to the LB minis insted?

Well first if you went with the LB's you will get more PAR. sorry but this is a fact. And if you went with LB's you will have problems if you are 10" with a 400w bulb especially 12K's. That is a lot of light. Personally I fell 10" with any 400w bulb can be stressful to coral. Lots of UV, excessive heat at the water's surface, etc.

The benefit of using the LB's is to raise them to 16" and get the same or increased PAR and better crossover light. Reducing the issues that old reflector designs have caused is the main purpose for them. Lumenarcs have a place in the industry but have their drawbacks as well. With your 40" long tank and 40" high two LumenBrights would be ideal as you have to penetrate a pretty deep tank. If I measured your PAR at the bottom with LumenArcs, I think you would be disappointed with the numbers. I would estimate you are receiving less than 100 on the Apogee meter at that depth.

And your bulb and ballast combo is right on, exactly what I am using on a 24" deep tank.

cmm1970 · 07/23/2008, 09:31 AM

bubbletip2 is dead on about the 10" reflector height with the lumenarcs being too low for LB minis. If you retrofit, deeznuts, you must move the LB mini reflector up to where you have 16" of distance from water to bulb to have any hopes of the reflector performing properly. If you can't move it up and away, then seriously consider not retrofitting.

07/19/2008, 10:13 AM	#376
Reeferon Moved On Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Gainesville Posts: 748	I am planning on putting two or three LBs on my new 6' 125: I was thinking about doing either two LB raised at 16" with 400 watt lamps. Or: three lumenbrights raised at about 12-13" with 250 and/or 175 watt halides. Any comments on either one of these setups?

07/19/2008, 10:26 AM	#377
JRaquatics Awaiting Email Confirmation Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: On RC Posts: 3,609	I would go with three LB minis with 250s at 15" off the water surface.

07/20/2008, 02:55 PM	#379
cmm1970 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 426	Quick question on dimensions...How far, in inches, does the socket assembly protrude from the side of the LB reflector? I am trying to plan a hood for installation of two of the mini's. Thanks...I could not find the info at coralvue or in retailer product pages. Mike

07/21/2008, 03:02 PM	#380
bigmatt Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: upstate ny Posts: 193	I just recieved my lumenbright hqi reflector, Whats the easiest way to install the bulb? removing 3 parts of the pendant to slide the glass out?

07/21/2008, 03:44 PM	#381
melev Moved On Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Ft Worth, Tx Posts: 43,217	You will see a metal section that is held on with 4 screws right along the end where the glass slides in. Remove those screws carefully and you'll be able to slide the glass out.

07/21/2008, 09:13 PM	#383
melev Moved On Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Ft Worth, Tx Posts: 43,217	Perhaps the minis are assembled differently. I figured they would be identically built.

07/22/2008, 08:37 AM	#384
mpdharley Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 1,021	I raised my lumenbrights, 400watt Reeflux 12k on CV electronic ballasts, to ~ 13" above the tank. Now, my acros that were purple and light blue are starting to fade. I suppose this could be related to water quality (I don't think my ASM G4+ is doing the job and I have a new Octo Xtreme on order) or the age of the bulbs, which are probably 9 months old. But, the timing of the color change does coincide with the raising of the bulbs. So, should older bulbs be less than 13" or is something else going on? Mike

07/22/2008, 09:04 AM	#386
mpdharley Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 1,021	The bulbs used to be ~11" from the water and I raised them (the bulbs) to 13" above the water. Nothing else has changed and the corals had great color. I started to notice a subtle change about 1 - 2 weeks after the bulbs were raised. The change has been more pronounced since then with one of my deep purple Acros fading to brown. Since the coral has looked great up until the lights being raised and I haven't changed my feeding habits, I don't think it is a feeding issue. However, since I don't think my skimmer is doing all it can for the tank (I have had some gh algae issues), I'm wondering if it isn't a water quality issue instead and the timing was coincidental. I'm hoping to have my new skimmer this week and will add it in before I make any other changes.

07/22/2008, 09:36 AM	#387
AcroporAddict There is no substitute. Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Southeast Posts: 2,269	Ok guys, I just set up my new 210 gallon reef. 72" x 24" x 29" deep. I have three 400 watt dimmable CV ballasts, 12 K Reeflux SE bulbs, and I have two LB Minis and am waiting on the third when Mike gets them back in stock. So this reef will have three 400 watt dimmable ballsts with LB minis. The contents of my 120 went into this, and the corals have had about 5 weeks of 250 watt Reeflux 12k lighting with my two minis. Right now I have the two minis with CV 250 watt ballast and 12K Reeflux bulbs on the left/right and a Sunpod 250 watt pendant in the middle until I get the other Mini. How far from the water to the bottom of the LB Mini do I want to start with these 400 watt bulbs, and should I use the dimmer right now? Tank is all SPS with some zoas on the bottom. Thanks. Dave

07/22/2008, 09:37 AM	#388
Kshack Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Ridgefield, WA Posts: 202	I have read several pages and I am very interested in these reflectors. My tank is 68X36X25. I currently have 2X60" Solaris LED, but they want to charge $4,200 to upgrade to the new I series. I have a PFO 250 HQI X 2. (only using half for my frag tank) I am thinking of going with 3 of the large Lumen bright to cover the 36" width. I am thinking of single end to get more bulb options (overdrive) What do you think of that set up? What bulb would you recommend? (20K radium?) (?DE bulb?) If I go with 20K I would not need Actinic, or would you recommend something else? Thanks, Ken

07/22/2008, 09:37 AM	#389
cmm1970 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 426	I would be led to believe by your narrative that the 2"change in reflector light is probably not the cause of your coloration change. The two inch change would not decrease PAR or PPFD values that dramatically. Change them slightly...yes, change them drastically or to the point of altering photosynthesis with the zooanthelle, doubtful. Look to the water quality, kH, Ca, and Mag relationships for the answer.

07/22/2008, 10:15 AM	#393
mpdharley Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 1,021	cmm1970 & bubbletip2 Thanks, that's what I was figured, just wanted to double check.

07/22/2008, 05:21 PM	#395
tinnghe Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 800	how much par would 83000 lux translate into?

07/23/2008, 03:05 AM	#396
deeznuts Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Israel Posts: 153	I have been thinking about the LB minis for my 150 tank. my tank is 40x24x40 high Right now i'm running 2 400w reeflux 12k with lumenarc mini reflectors and Coralvue 400 elec ballasts. The Lumenarcs are sitting 10" from water to bulb. Do you think I should change to the LB minis insted?

07/23/2008, 06:41 AM	#397
cmm1970 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 426	If you are running the Lumenarcs at the height off the water specified by the manufactor, then I don't see a tremendous benefit in changing your reflectors as far as increasing PAR in your tank is concerned. Based on some observing a few of the before and after pictures found in some of the earlier pages of this behemoth string, you might enjoy better focusing of the light into the tank and less light spilling out into the room by switching. I think the Lumenarcs are designed to throw something closer to a 36" spread of light and the LB mini's are designed for a 24" throw. So if you wanted to focus the light into your 40" long tank a little more exactly, changing reflectors might be a good move. If you want to catalyze more growth, you might be disappointed because you are already enjoying a pretty good reflector with your current setup. Mike

07/23/2008, 09:31 AM	#400
cmm1970 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 426	bubbletip2 is dead on about the 10" reflector height with the lumenarcs being too low for LB minis. If you retrofit, deeznuts, you must move the LB mini reflector up to where you have 16" of distance from water to bulb to have any hopes of the reflector performing properly. If you can't move it up and away, then seriously consider not retrofitting.