New Lumen Bright Reflector. ... any info on them - Page 6

bubbletip2 · 06/09/2008, 08:46 PM

I am not sure how they do on Icecaps as I have never tried them. I have used Icecaps PC/T5 ballasts and they are great. They stick behind their product just as much as Coralvue. I don't think you can go wrong either way. I have run them off of EVC ballasts and they measured pretty high numbers as well. I did notice that the bulb looks more blue under the EVC ballast. You never know what you get out of each ballast that come from a manufacturer. This particular ballast could be underdriving it a bit causing a blue cast on the bulb. Who knows. The EVC ballasts come with like 30ft cords too so that may play a role. I have measured very different numbers off of the three of the same ballast. I have two ballasts now that when using the exact same bulb, one measures 200 PAR higher than the other. If Iwas to guess, Icecaps are electronic and so are Coralvues, so you will probably get similar results.

melev · 06/09/2008, 09:10 PM

I'm using IceCaps but can't state the difference since I've never run Coralvue ballasts.

30 feet cords?

bubbletip2 · 06/10/2008, 06:01 AM

30ft might be a bit of an exaggeration, but they are long...

glxtrix · 06/10/2008, 07:12 AM

I love watching corals completely change colors. I've experienced this as well with my Iwasakis

I've wanted to change to the Reeflux bulbs, but that would mean I'd have to redo my setup to 2x400's because my Iwasakis put out a higher PAR than the Reeflux 250's. Then I'd have to raise my canopy that I custom built and all that would be a mess. All in all i love the Iwasakis with these reflectors, so as you stated some people go a long time with the same set ups...this in my case may be true.......well, at least until I get a larger tank, lol.

bubbletip2 · 06/10/2008, 09:31 AM

glixtrix,

What I meant o say if it did not come out correctly is not to switch out bulbs and ballasts but to adjust the lighting through the dimmable ballast to create different lighting environments. I am actually thinking of going your route and stacking up 3-250w 12K Reeflux.

glxtrix · 06/10/2008, 10:02 AM

Oh yeah, I understood what you meant by dimming them. I wonder how/if that actually works and how that effects the bulb life seeing how its a gas and not filaments in the bulb.

bubbletip2 · 06/10/2008, 10:27 AM

I am not talking about major adjustments. You would be surprised how much blue you can get out of the bulb by turning it down just a tad. Very little loss in PAR but much bluer spectrum visible. This is what want to test out is a possibly different spectrum from the same bulb with small adjustments to PAR.

Oh by the way Lee, the article was updated with the pic of the 175's at 11". Thanks Marc!

glxtrix · 06/10/2008, 10:53 AM

I'm looking forward to seeing those tests too! Awesome on the update on the article....glad we were able to have both pics in there showing the difference in PAR from 11-14" with those bulbs

Thanks Marc and Jim for the update! back to the dimmable ballasts, I wonder how those would treat other bulbs.....oh i don't know, lets say Iwasakis, lol

melev · 06/10/2008, 11:08 AM

No problem. I was updating something else and got this done at the same time.

glxtrix · 06/10/2008, 11:14 AM

You're the man! Curious Marc and sorry if you mentioned this before (I forget easily) but did you ever do a PAR test on your lights with and without the glass shield? I'm kind of interested in seeing what kind of PAR loss there would be. Granted I'm sure its nothing major on 400's....that would be an interesting test for my 175's...hmmmmm. I could get any glass too really, not like it needs to be special UV or anything.

melev · 06/10/2008, 03:46 PM

I have a whole page on my site about my PAR tests, which you can easily find from the front page. I did test without glass, with 1/4" glass and with 1/4" acrylic.

However, when I got my new Lumenbrights (I hate the new spelling - I've been typing Luminbrites all this time), they came with glass installed. All those tests were done with the glass and I really don't see the point and doing them again without. The hassle factor of taking apart the reflectors is enough of a reason not to do that test.

Tbone675 · 06/10/2008, 07:57 PM

what are the negitives to using the mini lumenbight?

JRaquatics · 06/10/2008, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tbone675
what are the negitives to using the mini lumenbight?

hmmmm. none that I can think of.
nice concentrated light more par for the $
hangs high= less heat issues and more room under the lights
super water penetration/deeper
less light bleed
encompases more anges of the coral

I know I forgot something, I am sure glad there is a well written article on them now.

Really the only drawback is the spread issue with cube or super large tanks. Otherwise perfect IMO

melev · 06/10/2008, 09:22 PM

JR, explain to me what I'm seeing in your avatar.

JRaquatics · 06/10/2008, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by melev
JR, explain to me what I'm seeing in your avatar.

An xray of a suitcase full of frags.

melev · 06/11/2008, 12:50 AM

That part I got. It's the hand and the part behind it that confuses me. The hand looks like its from Terminator, and I don't know what is behind it.

glxtrix · 06/11/2008, 06:52 AM

Its the side shot of a hip....took me a bit to realize what it was too, lol. Tbone, there are no negatives that I can think of.....other than they won't work so well if you have a deeeeep tank. But I run 3 on my 140 and I love them!

JRaquatics · 06/11/2008, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by melev
That part I got. It's the hand and the part behind it that confuses me. The hand looks like its from Terminator, and I don't know what is behind it.

I can see how it can be deceiving.

tony varrell · 06/11/2008, 08:13 AM

Neptune Luner Simulator
For all you engineering minds out there I need some help. I am installing my lighting system for my new display and I need a simple solution to mound the LED diods for the Neptune Luner simulator. My canopy is an empty shell with only 3 lg lumenbright reflectors. the canopy dims are 24X30 inches. Can someone sketch me a simple solution. No pictures available because I will not install the reflectors until I have an idea where to put the LED'S. Thanks..

glxtrix · 06/11/2008, 08:39 AM

For my lunar lights....granted I only have 1, but I have it facing up into the LB. This way it reflects in the LB and casts a good amount of light into my tank. Maybe this might be an option for you?

JRaquatics · 06/11/2008, 08:45 AM

I am wondering if you can drill a small hole in the reflector for the diod to slip through and mount the housing outside the reflector.

glxtrix · 06/11/2008, 08:59 AM

I'm sure you could, but you'd have to make sure its facing up into the reflector in order for it to spread the light. I've also seen other people just mount the moonlights on the side of the reflectors and point the light down into the tank....however that gives you more beams of light rather than a nice diffused spread. All depends on what look you're going for.

tony varrell · 06/11/2008, 09:35 AM

Thanks glxtrix. I am not sure I understand what you are explaining. You put them in the reflector? how? what about the extreme heat from the 400watt bulb? Does the intrusion in the reflector cause any issues with the light spread of the MH bulb?Please explain a little further.

glxtrix · 06/11/2008, 09:52 AM

You can see in this pic how I have mine set up. Just a simple moon light pointing up into the reflector. Sure it's not the sleekest setup, but it works

chrissreef · 06/11/2008, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by JRaquatics
I can see how it can be deceiving.

I really wanted to see the xray of his head

06/09/2008, 08:46 PM	#126
bubbletip2 Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Illinois Posts: 736	I am not sure how they do on Icecaps as I have never tried them. I have used Icecaps PC/T5 ballasts and they are great. They stick behind their product just as much as Coralvue. I don't think you can go wrong either way. I have run them off of EVC ballasts and they measured pretty high numbers as well. I did notice that the bulb looks more blue under the EVC ballast. You never know what you get out of each ballast that come from a manufacturer. This particular ballast could be underdriving it a bit causing a blue cast on the bulb. Who knows. The EVC ballasts come with like 30ft cords too so that may play a role. I have measured very different numbers off of the three of the same ballast. I have two ballasts now that when using the exact same bulb, one measures 200 PAR higher than the other. If Iwas to guess, Icecaps are electronic and so are Coralvues, so you will probably get similar results. __________________ 3-250W 12K Reeflux-CV Bllsts-3 Mini LB's,2 54w T5's,Advncd. ballast,2 - VTech MP40Ws,Reeflo Dart & Orca 200,Eshopps 37gsump, Ltrmtr + 1 - top off/alk-ca,RK 2 & AC JR,2 TLF Phosban Rctors,4 Orion fans Current Tank Info: 156G Oceanic SPS Dominant Reef System(L60.5 x W24.5 x H25) - 30g Cube plmbed into DT - 1 LG LB Pndt. - 250w EVC 14K(EVC Ballast) - Panworld(790gph feed)

06/10/2008, 06:01 AM	#128
bubbletip2 Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Illinois Posts: 736	30ft might be a bit of an exaggeration, but they are long... __________________ 3-250W 12K Reeflux-CV Bllsts-3 Mini LB's,2 54w T5's,Advncd. ballast,2 - VTech MP40Ws,Reeflo Dart & Orca 200,Eshopps 37gsump, Ltrmtr + 1 - top off/alk-ca,RK 2 & AC JR,2 TLF Phosban Rctors,4 Orion fans Current Tank Info: 156G Oceanic SPS Dominant Reef System(L60.5 x W24.5 x H25) - 30g Cube plmbed into DT - 1 LG LB Pndt. - 250w EVC 14K(EVC Ballast) - Panworld(790gph feed)

06/10/2008, 09:31 AM	#130
bubbletip2 Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Illinois Posts: 736	glixtrix, What I meant o say if it did not come out correctly is not to switch out bulbs and ballasts but to adjust the lighting through the dimmable ballast to create different lighting environments. I am actually thinking of going your route and stacking up 3-250w 12K Reeflux. __________________ 3-250W 12K Reeflux-CV Bllsts-3 Mini LB's,2 54w T5's,Advncd. ballast,2 - VTech MP40Ws,Reeflo Dart & Orca 200,Eshopps 37gsump, Ltrmtr + 1 - top off/alk-ca,RK 2 & AC JR,2 TLF Phosban Rctors,4 Orion fans Current Tank Info: 156G Oceanic SPS Dominant Reef System(L60.5 x W24.5 x H25) - 30g Cube plmbed into DT - 1 LG LB Pndt. - 250w EVC 14K(EVC Ballast) - Panworld(790gph feed)

06/10/2008, 10:27 AM	#132
bubbletip2 Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Illinois Posts: 736	I am not talking about major adjustments. You would be surprised how much blue you can get out of the bulb by turning it down just a tad. Very little loss in PAR but much bluer spectrum visible. This is what want to test out is a possibly different spectrum from the same bulb with small adjustments to PAR. Oh by the way Lee, the article was updated with the pic of the 175's at 11". Thanks Marc! __________________ 3-250W 12K Reeflux-CV Bllsts-3 Mini LB's,2 54w T5's,Advncd. ballast,2 - VTech MP40Ws,Reeflo Dart & Orca 200,Eshopps 37gsump, Ltrmtr + 1 - top off/alk-ca,RK 2 & AC JR,2 TLF Phosban Rctors,4 Orion fans Current Tank Info: 156G Oceanic SPS Dominant Reef System(L60.5 x W24.5 x H25) - 30g Cube plmbed into DT - 1 LG LB Pndt. - 250w EVC 14K(EVC Ballast) - Panworld(790gph feed)

06/09/2008, 09:10 PM	#127
melev Moved On Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Ft Worth, Tx Posts: 43,217	I'm using IceCaps but can't state the difference since I've never run Coralvue ballasts. 30 feet cords?

06/10/2008, 07:12 AM	#129
glxtrix Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: ATL, GA Posts: 882	I love watching corals completely change colors. I've experienced this as well with my Iwasakis I've wanted to change to the Reeflux bulbs, but that would mean I'd have to redo my setup to 2x400's because my Iwasakis put out a higher PAR than the Reeflux 250's. Then I'd have to raise my canopy that I custom built and all that would be a mess. All in all i love the Iwasakis with these reflectors, so as you stated some people go a long time with the same set ups...this in my case may be true.......well, at least until I get a larger tank, lol.

06/10/2008, 10:02 AM	#131
glxtrix Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: ATL, GA Posts: 882	Oh yeah, I understood what you meant by dimming them. I wonder how/if that actually works and how that effects the bulb life seeing how its a gas and not filaments in the bulb.

06/10/2008, 10:53 AM	#133
glxtrix Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: ATL, GA Posts: 882	I'm looking forward to seeing those tests too! Awesome on the update on the article....glad we were able to have both pics in there showing the difference in PAR from 11-14" with those bulbs Thanks Marc and Jim for the update! back to the dimmable ballasts, I wonder how those would treat other bulbs.....oh i don't know, lets say Iwasakis, lol

06/10/2008, 11:08 AM	#134
melev Moved On Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Ft Worth, Tx Posts: 43,217	No problem. I was updating something else and got this done at the same time.

06/10/2008, 11:14 AM	#135
glxtrix Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: ATL, GA Posts: 882	You're the man! Curious Marc and sorry if you mentioned this before (I forget easily) but did you ever do a PAR test on your lights with and without the glass shield? I'm kind of interested in seeing what kind of PAR loss there would be. Granted I'm sure its nothing major on 400's....that would be an interesting test for my 175's...hmmmmm. I could get any glass too really, not like it needs to be special UV or anything.

06/10/2008, 03:46 PM	#136
melev Moved On Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Ft Worth, Tx Posts: 43,217	I have a whole page on my site about my PAR tests, which you can easily find from the front page. I did test without glass, with 1/4" glass and with 1/4" acrylic. However, when I got my new Lumenbrights (I hate the new spelling - I've been typing Luminbrites all this time), they came with glass installed. All those tests were done with the glass and I really don't see the point and doing them again without. The hassle factor of taking apart the reflectors is enough of a reason not to do that test.

06/10/2008, 07:57 PM	#137
Tbone675 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 86	what are the negitives to using the mini lumenbight?

06/10/2008, 09:22 PM	#139
melev Moved On Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Ft Worth, Tx Posts: 43,217	JR, explain to me what I'm seeing in your avatar.

06/11/2008, 12:50 AM	#141
melev Moved On Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Ft Worth, Tx Posts: 43,217	That part I got. It's the hand and the part behind it that confuses me. The hand looks like its from Terminator, and I don't know what is behind it.

06/11/2008, 06:52 AM	#142
glxtrix Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: ATL, GA Posts: 882	Its the side shot of a hip....took me a bit to realize what it was too, lol. Tbone, there are no negatives that I can think of.....other than they won't work so well if you have a deeeeep tank. But I run 3 on my 140 and I love them!

06/11/2008, 08:13 AM	#144
tony varrell Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Ft. lauderdale,fl Posts: 772	Neptune Luner Simulator For all you engineering minds out there I need some help. I am installing my lighting system for my new display and I need a simple solution to mound the LED diods for the Neptune Luner simulator. My canopy is an empty shell with only 3 lg lumenbright reflectors. the canopy dims are 24X30 inches. Can someone sketch me a simple solution. No pictures available because I will not install the reflectors until I have an idea where to put the LED'S. Thanks..

06/11/2008, 08:39 AM	#145
glxtrix Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: ATL, GA Posts: 882	For my lunar lights....granted I only have 1, but I have it facing up into the LB. This way it reflects in the LB and casts a good amount of light into my tank. Maybe this might be an option for you?

06/11/2008, 08:45 AM	#146
JRaquatics Awaiting Email Confirmation Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: On RC Posts: 3,609	I am wondering if you can drill a small hole in the reflector for the diod to slip through and mount the housing outside the reflector.

06/11/2008, 08:59 AM	#147
glxtrix Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: ATL, GA Posts: 882	I'm sure you could, but you'd have to make sure its facing up into the reflector in order for it to spread the light. I've also seen other people just mount the moonlights on the side of the reflectors and point the light down into the tank....however that gives you more beams of light rather than a nice diffused spread. All depends on what look you're going for.

06/11/2008, 09:35 AM	#148
tony varrell Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Ft. lauderdale,fl Posts: 772	Thanks glxtrix. I am not sure I understand what you are explaining. You put them in the reflector? how? what about the extreme heat from the 400watt bulb? Does the intrusion in the reflector cause any issues with the light spread of the MH bulb?Please explain a little further.

06/11/2008, 09:52 AM	#149
glxtrix Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: ATL, GA Posts: 882	You can see in this pic how I have mine set up. Just a simple moon light pointing up into the reflector. Sure it's not the sleekest setup, but it works