New Lumen Bright Reflector. ... any info on them - Page 23

bubbletip2 · 08/13/2008, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by reefyguy
No t5's.....wouldnt even know how to mount em!

My wife is not happy with the current setup.

At some point i am going to have the guys that built the stand build a canopy.....must please wife

I saw T5's in your user information and thought you were hooking them up. I did not know until I saw your tank that that would be difficult to do.

reefyguy · 08/13/2008, 09:51 AM

yeah that was the old setup.....need to update

I also resigned as President of the Lawn Darts Association.

I am now Vice President of the Professional Slip and Slide Association

RobynT · 08/13/2008, 10:00 AM

My husband is getting ready to build the canopy for my 6 ft tank (210 gallons) and I had a few questions so that hopefully, it will be right the first time!

Do I understand correctly that ideally the LB reflector is to be 14" off the water (bottom edge) and the bulb to be 18" from the water?
How many rails would you suggest he put on the outside to be able to raise and lower the lights? What spacing?
We have some fans to install (6 in all). Would you put two on each outside wall and one on either side of the center LB?

Any suggestions are appreciated!!

reefyguy · 08/13/2008, 10:18 AM

i was told to keep the bottom of the reflector 12 inches from the surface of the water....that keeps the bulb 16 inches from the surface of the water.

i think alot depends on tank depth and what you are keeping as well

RobynT · 08/13/2008, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by reefyguy
i was told to keep the bottom of the reflector 12 inches from the surface of the water....that keeps the bulb 16 inches from the surface of the water.

i think alot depends on tank depth and what you are keeping as well

210 gallon, planning on a mixed reef with mostly LPS and SPS.

bubbletip2 · 08/13/2008, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by RobynT
My husband is getting ready to build the canopy for my 6 ft tank (210 gallons) and I had a few questions so that hopefully, it will be right the first time!

Do I understand correctly that ideally the LB reflector is to be 14" off the water (bottom edge) and the bulb to be 18" from the water?
How many rails would you suggest he put on the outside to be able to raise and lower the lights? What spacing?
We have some fans to install (6 in all). Would you put two on each outside wall and one on either side of the center LB?

Any suggestions are appreciated!!

you may want to read this article to give you more information as every set up is diffeent:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2008-06/review/index.php

If you are using 400w bulbs I would say 14" or 18" from bulb to water would be fine. You could bring that down to 16" bulb to water if you have 3 LB's for your canopy. You can go down to 14" bulb to water as a starting point for 250w bulbs. Again these are just starting points and you will need to see what works out best for you. Just make sure you make a tall enough canopy to accommodate coral growth and the need to raise the reflectors.

Ziggy953 · 08/27/2008, 11:21 AM

Whew!! I've been reading for hours. I talked with Marc a day or two ago about upgrading to the LBs on my 120. With all the reading I have done in the past few days I believe it is the way to go. Currently I'm running a very dated style of reflector (turns head down) but am looking at upgrading to the LBs. Because I have a 120 that is 48x24x24 I will probably go with the LB minis to save space. I have dual 175s on the tank now and will probably keep them considering the amazing results I have seen with the LBs and 175w bulbs. I'm really getting sold on the Reflux bulb too. I have XMs right now but have no problem changing them out.

I have to do some figuring and redesign my canopy but I think a ceiling mounted setup will work out well and reduce the amount of light spilling out from the back side of the canopy.

Thanks for all the information gang and the test results! Amazing product!

laud · 08/27/2008, 12:18 PM

I sure am glad this didn't die off.

I love mine. They really whitened since the original blue.

A water change and I am gettin corals.

VaderWS6 · 08/27/2008, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ziggy953
Currently I'm running a very dated style of reflector (turns head down)

You should be ashamed...

Anyway, I can't wait to get my LB mini's. I wonder how bright my overdriven XM 10k's will be with these things?

tubsy3 · 08/29/2008, 01:06 PM

Hi I read most of the tread but didnt seem to really find the answer I was looking for. I have a 120g (48x24x24) for lighting I have the following above the tank:

large LB SE w/ 400W 20k radium & icecap ballast
luminarc DE pendant w/ 250w 14k phoenix & icecap ballast

Right now the LB is 16in from the bottom of the large reflector to the water surface. The luminarc is about 10in from the surface. I want to get another LB to match but did I totally mess up when I got the large pendant? Should I use it at a different height to get max coverage? Was contemplating getting 2 minis but figured Id ask to see if what I have is still workable.

Also I love the color of the corals I get with the radium but was thinking of switching to the 250 reeflux 12k's. I have no actinic supp. Put my flower petal cap under the radium and it developed a nice color rim, moved it under the phoenix 14k and it lost the edge color and is jsut the yellow/brown color now. Interested in the reefluxes tho...
Any help??

JRaquatics · 08/29/2008, 01:28 PM

I would think that two LB minis would be ideal for your tank. Nice thing about your setup (ice cap ballasts) is that you can run the Reeflux bulb on them if you wanted to. But if your happy with the Radiums, why change?

melev · 08/29/2008, 02:36 PM

If you already own a large and plan to buy another, I'd but another large so the lighting matches. Your reflector is a bit higher than necessary. Having the bulb at 16" to 18" off the water, the LB reflector's edge would be 12" to 14" off the water. Currently, your bulb is 20" off the water.

JRaquatics · 08/29/2008, 04:50 PM

IMO I would get the minis so you can raise them up to optimal spread levels and disperse the heat that the 400 watters put out. I am afraid that you will cook your corals if you place them at 16-18" off of the water surface with the 400watters in LBS. If it were me I would sell the reflectors you currently have and get what is right for your tank. It shouldn't be hard to sell a used LB reflector.

gary faulkner · 08/29/2008, 05:02 PM

I know this has probably already been asked, but what should I use to mount three of the minis on a seven foot tank? I think that 2x2 wood would bow. Should I use steel angle and paint it well or spring for some aluminum angle or channel?

TIA

cmm1970 · 09/02/2008, 09:46 AM

I just finished my hood fabrication and install for 2 LB mini's this weekend. First let me say, I am impressed with the color and output of the 400W Coralvue and Reeflux 12K combination. It is the bomb!

As for how to install three reflectors, I made a rack out of 3/4" aluminum square tubing. Since I don't own a MIG welder, I used threaded rod to bolt the frame together. I then used small brackets made from aluminum angle to mount the reflectors into the frame. I intend to post photos of the construction soon. I would have gotten to it yesterday, but bird season opened here in Texas and I spent the day with my two labs hunting dove in Central Texas. We had a great time, but nothing was left for photography and the reef tank when we got home last night.

The aluminum frame fabrication took a little time and a few tools. If you have a table saw and a drill press, you can make a nice aluminum rack and it won't sag like wood will.

Like I said, I'll try and get pics up soon for you all to see.

Regards,
Mike M

glxtrix · 09/02/2008, 01:49 PM

Lil update here. Sorry the tank is dirty as all can be, but thought I'd show nice growth comparison. Still have the 3xIwasaki 175's.

This pic was in Jan:

And the dirty tank middle of last month:

melev · 09/02/2008, 02:21 PM

Time to clean the glass, maybe.

glxtrix · 09/02/2008, 02:56 PM

Yes Marc, it definitely is...however it's acrylic, so cleaning isn't as fast or easy as I'd like it to be. I've been neglecting the tank recently, I've found myself to be looking for another job so sadly the tank is taking a hit.

cmm1970 · 09/04/2008, 06:19 PM

I am happy to share the 48" long hood I built. It is equipped with two LB reflectors, Reeflux 12K 400W lamps, and two 36" T5 actinics. I built an aluminum rack to clip the reflectors into and to provide a framework for the actinic bulbs. This rack is then slid into one of two notches that place the bulbs 16 and 18" from the water's surface. All wiring is routed out the back of the hood in neat bundles. The hood is equipped with 5 SilenX 120mm fans with plans to add two additional units in the rear of the hood.

At this time, I am running only a 90 minute light interval to begin acclimating my tank to the very intense lighting. I previously ran twin 250W DE bulbs in PFO mini pendants. Anyway, at this interval, the chiller is only operating about 15 mins or one cycle during the operation of the MH bulbs. I feel like I can get that down even more with two additional 150 CFM fans that will be mounted in the rear of the hood.

So far, I really like this rig. It does, however, require a very tall hood.

Mike

RobynT · 09/04/2008, 07:19 PM

Really nice build Cmm. What fans did you use and are they quiet? I'm looking for quiet, efficient fans to complete my canopy.

Rickyrooz1 · 09/04/2008, 07:40 PM

cmm1970, love your rockscape!

glxtrix · 09/04/2008, 07:40 PM

Looks really good Mike!! Yes they do require a tall hood...but there is nothing sweeter than to open it up and see those bad mamma jammas in there!

cmm1970 · 09/04/2008, 07:47 PM

I am happy with the noise levels of the five SilenX fans. There is a mild hum when they operate. I purchased them at frozencpu.com and with 3 days operation on them, I can recommend them(tongue in cheek of course). I powered them off a 2amp 12 V DC power supply. I bolted them to the hood with a silicone vibration dampner beneath the chassis and a neoprene coated washer at the bolt head. The fans are held by only two bolts which seems adequate. So far it appears to handle the heat well. I'll provide more info when I increase the lighting interval.

Thanks for the compliments!
Mike

squin · 09/04/2008, 07:58 PM

Fantastic build Mike! Any chance you would share details on building the light rack, material, dimensions, etc.?

cmm1970 · 09/05/2008, 05:35 AM

Since dimensions will be dependent on your hood size, I'll summarize the construction of the rack leaving out specific measurements. The rack is constructed of 3/4" aluminum square tubing. It is bolted together using threaded rod. I drilled the cross members and ran the threaded rod through the pieces so I could bolt the rack together. I then used 1/2"x3/4" angle aluminum stock to clip the reflectors to the rack. The T5 sockets are bolted to 2" aluminum strap that is bolted to the square tubing frame. Here is a shot of the T5 brackets and the clips holding the reflectors:

08/27/2008, 11:21 AM	#557
Ziggy953 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Owings Mills, Maryland Posts: 690	Whew!! I've been reading for hours. I talked with Marc a day or two ago about upgrading to the LBs on my 120. With all the reading I have done in the past few days I believe it is the way to go. Currently I'm running a very dated style of reflector (turns head down) but am looking at upgrading to the LBs. Because I have a 120 that is 48x24x24 I will probably go with the LB minis to save space. I have dual 175s on the tank now and will probably keep them considering the amazing results I have seen with the LBs and 175w bulbs. I'm really getting sold on the Reflux bulb too. I have XMs right now but have no problem changing them out. I have to do some figuring and redesign my canopy but I think a ceiling mounted setup will work out well and reduce the amount of light spilling out from the back side of the canopy. Thanks for all the information gang and the test results! Amazing product! __________________ If you want to see my tank click on the little red house. Current Tank Info: 40g Breeder - RKE - LEDs the works...

08/27/2008, 12:18 PM	#558
laud Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: fort lauderdale Posts: 1,225	I sure am glad this didn't die off. I love mine. They really whitened since the original blue. A water change and I am gettin corals. __________________ Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny. —Lao-Tze Current Tank Info: 210, 75 sump/refugium, AquaC EV-240, 3LB's Radium 20k, vho supplement and now a Korallin 1502 CR and a phosban reactor.

09/04/2008, 07:40 PM	#571
Rickyrooz1 Acropora Nut Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Newtown, PA Posts: 2,453	cmm1970, love your rockscape! __________________ 120 Gallon Acropora dominated tank, barebottom, APEX Controller, ATI Sunpower 8x54w, Skimz SM163, Jebao DCT 6000 return pump & two Jebao OW-40. Current Tank Info: SPS Dominated

08/13/2008, 09:51 AM	#552
reefyguy Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 393	yeah that was the old setup.....need to update I also resigned as President of the Lawn Darts Association. I am now Vice President of the Professional Slip and Slide Association

08/13/2008, 10:00 AM	#553
RobynT Moved On Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Galva IL (aka Mayberry) Posts: 590	My husband is getting ready to build the canopy for my 6 ft tank (210 gallons) and I had a few questions so that hopefully, it will be right the first time! Do I understand correctly that ideally the LB reflector is to be 14" off the water (bottom edge) and the bulb to be 18" from the water? How many rails would you suggest he put on the outside to be able to raise and lower the lights? What spacing? We have some fans to install (6 in all). Would you put two on each outside wall and one on either side of the center LB? Any suggestions are appreciated!!

08/13/2008, 10:18 AM	#554
reefyguy Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 393	i was told to keep the bottom of the reflector 12 inches from the surface of the water....that keeps the bulb 16 inches from the surface of the water. i think alot depends on tank depth and what you are keeping as well

08/29/2008, 01:06 PM	#560
tubsy3 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 49	Hi I read most of the tread but didnt seem to really find the answer I was looking for. I have a 120g (48x24x24) for lighting I have the following above the tank: large LB SE w/ 400W 20k radium & icecap ballast luminarc DE pendant w/ 250w 14k phoenix & icecap ballast Right now the LB is 16in from the bottom of the large reflector to the water surface. The luminarc is about 10in from the surface. I want to get another LB to match but did I totally mess up when I got the large pendant? Should I use it at a different height to get max coverage? Was contemplating getting 2 minis but figured Id ask to see if what I have is still workable. Also I love the color of the corals I get with the radium but was thinking of switching to the 250 reeflux 12k's. I have no actinic supp. Put my flower petal cap under the radium and it developed a nice color rim, moved it under the phoenix 14k and it lost the edge color and is jsut the yellow/brown color now. Interested in the reefluxes tho... Any help??

08/29/2008, 01:28 PM	#561
JRaquatics Awaiting Email Confirmation Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: On RC Posts: 3,609	I would think that two LB minis would be ideal for your tank. Nice thing about your setup (ice cap ballasts) is that you can run the Reeflux bulb on them if you wanted to. But if your happy with the Radiums, why change?

08/29/2008, 02:36 PM	#562
melev Moved On Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Ft Worth, Tx Posts: 43,217	If you already own a large and plan to buy another, I'd but another large so the lighting matches. Your reflector is a bit higher than necessary. Having the bulb at 16" to 18" off the water, the LB reflector's edge would be 12" to 14" off the water. Currently, your bulb is 20" off the water.

08/29/2008, 04:50 PM	#563
JRaquatics Awaiting Email Confirmation Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: On RC Posts: 3,609	IMO I would get the minis so you can raise them up to optimal spread levels and disperse the heat that the 400 watters put out. I am afraid that you will cook your corals if you place them at 16-18" off of the water surface with the 400watters in LBS. If it were me I would sell the reflectors you currently have and get what is right for your tank. It shouldn't be hard to sell a used LB reflector.

08/29/2008, 05:02 PM	#564
gary faulkner Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,468	I know this has probably already been asked, but what should I use to mount three of the minis on a seven foot tank? I think that 2x2 wood would bow. Should I use steel angle and paint it well or spring for some aluminum angle or channel? TIA

09/02/2008, 09:46 AM	#565
cmm1970 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 426	I just finished my hood fabrication and install for 2 LB mini's this weekend. First let me say, I am impressed with the color and output of the 400W Coralvue and Reeflux 12K combination. It is the bomb! As for how to install three reflectors, I made a rack out of 3/4" aluminum square tubing. Since I don't own a MIG welder, I used threaded rod to bolt the frame together. I then used small brackets made from aluminum angle to mount the reflectors into the frame. I intend to post photos of the construction soon. I would have gotten to it yesterday, but bird season opened here in Texas and I spent the day with my two labs hunting dove in Central Texas. We had a great time, but nothing was left for photography and the reef tank when we got home last night. The aluminum frame fabrication took a little time and a few tools. If you have a table saw and a drill press, you can make a nice aluminum rack and it won't sag like wood will. Like I said, I'll try and get pics up soon for you all to see. Regards, Mike M

09/02/2008, 01:49 PM	#566
glxtrix Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: ATL, GA Posts: 882	Lil update here. Sorry the tank is dirty as all can be, but thought I'd show nice growth comparison. Still have the 3xIwasaki 175's. This pic was in Jan: And the dirty tank middle of last month:

09/02/2008, 02:21 PM	#567
melev Moved On Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Ft Worth, Tx Posts: 43,217	Time to clean the glass, maybe.

09/02/2008, 02:56 PM	#568
glxtrix Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: ATL, GA Posts: 882	Yes Marc, it definitely is...however it's acrylic, so cleaning isn't as fast or easy as I'd like it to be. I've been neglecting the tank recently, I've found myself to be looking for another job so sadly the tank is taking a hit.

09/04/2008, 06:19 PM	#569
cmm1970 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 426	I am happy to share the 48" long hood I built. It is equipped with two LB reflectors, Reeflux 12K 400W lamps, and two 36" T5 actinics. I built an aluminum rack to clip the reflectors into and to provide a framework for the actinic bulbs. This rack is then slid into one of two notches that place the bulbs 16 and 18" from the water's surface. All wiring is routed out the back of the hood in neat bundles. The hood is equipped with 5 SilenX 120mm fans with plans to add two additional units in the rear of the hood. At this time, I am running only a 90 minute light interval to begin acclimating my tank to the very intense lighting. I previously ran twin 250W DE bulbs in PFO mini pendants. Anyway, at this interval, the chiller is only operating about 15 mins or one cycle during the operation of the MH bulbs. I feel like I can get that down even more with two additional 150 CFM fans that will be mounted in the rear of the hood. So far, I really like this rig. It does, however, require a very tall hood. Mike

09/04/2008, 07:19 PM	#570
RobynT Moved On Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Galva IL (aka Mayberry) Posts: 590	Really nice build Cmm. What fans did you use and are they quiet? I'm looking for quiet, efficient fans to complete my canopy.

09/04/2008, 07:40 PM	#572
glxtrix Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: ATL, GA Posts: 882	Looks really good Mike!! Yes they do require a tall hood...but there is nothing sweeter than to open it up and see those bad mamma jammas in there!

09/04/2008, 07:47 PM	#573
cmm1970 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 426	I am happy with the noise levels of the five SilenX fans. There is a mild hum when they operate. I purchased them at frozencpu.com and with 3 days operation on them, I can recommend them(tongue in cheek of course). I powered them off a 2amp 12 V DC power supply. I bolted them to the hood with a silicone vibration dampner beneath the chassis and a neoprene coated washer at the bolt head. The fans are held by only two bolts which seems adequate. So far it appears to handle the heat well. I'll provide more info when I increase the lighting interval. Thanks for the compliments! Mike

09/04/2008, 07:58 PM	#574
squin Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: St. Petersburg, FL Posts: 143	Fantastic build Mike! Any chance you would share details on building the light rack, material, dimensions, etc.?

09/05/2008, 05:35 AM	#575
cmm1970 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 426	Since dimensions will be dependent on your hood size, I'll summarize the construction of the rack leaving out specific measurements. The rack is constructed of 3/4" aluminum square tubing. It is bolted together using threaded rod. I drilled the cross members and ran the threaded rod through the pieces so I could bolt the rack together. I then used 1/2"x3/4" angle aluminum stock to clip the reflectors to the rack. The T5 sockets are bolted to 2" aluminum strap that is bolted to the square tubing frame. Here is a shot of the T5 brackets and the clips holding the reflectors: