New Lumen Bright Reflector. ... any info on them - Page 40

dja1980 · 05/02/2008, 12:38 PM

That's not a bad idea!

In an ideal world, you'd have 2.5 minis across the front (to cover the front 60" x 24"), and 2.08 minis across the back (to cover the rear 60" x 20"), but unfortunately they don't make them in fractional sizes.

I like Marc's idea... I forget, isn't each large supposed to cover a 30" x 30" area? If so, 2 larges in the front would take care of the front 60" x 30" area, leaving 60" x 14" along the back to be lit... maybe 3 minis along the back if that's where the majority of the corals will be?

melev · 05/02/2008, 12:40 PM

Additionally, I would suggest adding an extra layer of acrylic with a tiny 1/2" spacer between the light and the centerbrace. That way if the light cooks the acrylic, it damaged only the faux-piece that can easily be replaced and the main piece is intact, maintaining tank integrity. You only need it where the light is directly over the acrylic. And if the lights are up high enough, this might not even be an issue.

glxtrix · 05/02/2008, 01:09 PM

I'm just not so sold on the large ones yet. I havnt heard too much on them and am wondering if they act in the same manor as the minis (and I could be totally wrong on this) Honestly the bracing on those tanks really isnt much of a concern. My Iwasaki 175's punch right thu it....as do other reefers on here who have the 400's. Somewhere back in this thread someone showed a ridiculous number thu their thick dirty acrylic. Oh well, isn't lighting fun! lol.

melev · 05/02/2008, 01:13 PM

With the tank being so large, it seems logical to go with the larger ones and purchase less reflectors, bulbs and ballasts.

stunreefer · 05/02/2008, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by melev
I don't know. Six seems like a lot to me. However, I don't know if combining large ones with minis might be a good option. Like two larges in front and two minis in the back...

Hmmmm, not a bad idea. I'll have to ponder that one this weekend. Keep in mind, I want this to be as open-topped as possible, so I can view down into the tank relatively easy. Hence my initial reasoning for the minis.

Quote:

Originally posted by melev
That is a rough shape to light because of the cross bracing.

Tell me about it! Already an intial regret from buying this tank, however I'm never worried about any seems giving way thats for sure! (geez....I hope - never say never). The whole tank is 3/4" acrylic. And I got a great deal on it.

stunreefer · 05/02/2008, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by glxtrix
You might be able to get away with 4, but I would think they would need to be raised to at least the 16" mark in order to get the spread even throughout the whole tank and that might even be pushing it.

Thanks for the compliment, I'm SUPER excited about the tank size too...... besides lighting it

I really have no problem raisnig them up to 16", for they will be either "oendents" or in a "floating" canopy. I do want to keep light spillage to an absolute minimum though.

JRaquatics · 05/02/2008, 01:28 PM

If the LB are hung at the recomended height I would not worry about the cross braces. As far as light penetration, I was supprised on how much light penetrated through Mikes 1" dirty acrylic. I agree with Marc, Larger would make more sense for your application. IMO

tony varrell · 05/02/2008, 01:29 PM

Thanks for all this interesting information.So My question is my new display will be 300 gallons 78X30X30 with a 24" canopy I would like to stay with 250w bulbs which reflector should I use and how many? LB or LA??

stunreefer · 05/02/2008, 01:36 PM

Something else I should probably add regarding my lighting experience, corals I keep, and planned aquascape:

In the past I have used Hamilton Reefstar reflectors. I have never used a LA or LB sytle before. I'm pretty convinced that the LB would have very little spillover compared to the reefstars I'm used to running, and obviously better direction and intensity for the light too.

Coral wise, I keep about 80% SPS, but man I LOVE my 20% LPS, and dont want to fry them. I have an awesome elegance, a giant cynaria, fair share of acans, dendros, tubastrea and rhizos, so I will shade most of the latter non-photo corals, but I'm thinking my acans and elegance wont be the biggest fan of the LBs, therefore I'd be placing them towards the center braces, or outer edges. I also plan on a few nice Scolymia sp.

For aquascaping, I was thinking two pillar "ish" style rock formations under the front two holes, and a reef wall crawling up the back side of the tank, with the high points of the wall being under the two holes.

Maybe that'll help narrow down the lighting situation.

Thanks again for all the help!

JRaquatics · 05/02/2008, 02:04 PM

Stunreefer click my red house and see my build. I have brains, elegance and other LPS all in my lower half and doing great.

glxtrix · 05/02/2008, 02:28 PM

I too have some LPS and no issues here

STH53 · 05/02/2008, 03:05 PM

I got all 'fired up' about these reflectors after reading this monster thread. Had the same situation in regards to not really being sure which size and how many lights to put on my tank. I e-mailed acropora nut my 'dilemma' and he quickly responded and asked that we talk on the phone about the set-up. He spent along time on the phone and helped come up with what would be a suitable lighting arrangement. I've ordered and chomping at the bit to get these new puppies installed. I highly recommend talking to acropora nut if you are unsure of what type of set up to go with. Really outstanding customer service.

melev · 05/02/2008, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tony varrell
Thanks for all this interesting information.So My question is my new display will be 300 gallons 78X30X30 with a 24" canopy I would like to stay with 250w bulbs which reflector should I use and how many? LB or LA??

Three large luminbrites is what I would suggest. My tank is 72 x 30 x 30, with SPS, LPS, anemones, leathers, clams, zoas, etc.

tony varrell · 05/02/2008, 04:51 PM

Thanks. do you use 250 or 400watt.

melev · 05/02/2008, 06:32 PM

I'm running 250w - 400w - 250w. This was the old lighting, which hasn't changed much other than the reflectors.

lilmonkey · 05/03/2008, 07:07 PM

Just thought I would weigh in from my unscientific findings on the LuminBright fixtures. Last night, Mike from Reef Specialty stopped by to drop off a Vortech pump. He immediately gravitated to my 250w Aquactinic fixture and wondered if I was happy with the current state of my 3 month old aquarium...and to be honest, I had started on working on growing various varieties of brownish corals, so the answer was--not really. We discussed the LuminBrights with new bulbs and ballasts. We installed them this morning and the difference is amazing. The penetration of this over my old fixture isn't even close. The ballasts run cooler, are much smaller and the install was a piece of cake...no hanging fixture, more room in the canopy and the light is penetrating my 90 like I've never seen before.

In the coming days, I'll make sure to post a before and after photos.

Thanks Mike! Fantastic stuff!

Macimage · 05/03/2008, 07:21 PM

lilmonkey-Which bulbs did you get? The reeflux 12K?

Joyce

anomie · 05/03/2008, 08:59 PM

I was hoping someone could check my math out...

28 inch tall acylic tank with lumen bright minis so...

1 inch from water level to top of acrylic tank...

If I have a a canopy made that is 22 inches tall and I subtract 1.5 inches for the lip of the canopy and attach the LB mini to the top of the canopy, my LB mini bulb should be sitting 16.5 inches above the water line which is the optimal height for 250 SE's?

STH53 · 05/04/2008, 07:26 AM

My tank is also 28 inches deep and using 3 250w SE fixtures over a 72 inch long tank. Mike recommended a starting height of 14 inches from the bottom of the fixture to the top. He said he might need to be adjust up to 16 inches. HTH

PatrickG 78 · 05/04/2008, 08:40 AM

does anyone know whats up with the reef specialty website its not letting me checkout. Whats another good place to get this setup for cheap?

bubbletip2 · 05/04/2008, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by PatrickG 78
does anyone know whats up with the reef specialty website its not letting me checkout. Whats another good place to get this setup for cheap?

Hey Patrick,

It looks like you live in Chicago. Why don't you just give Mike at Reef Specialty a call. I think he even has hours on Sunday. And you may not even have to pay shipping. I don't think he would have a problem, hoooking up with you somewhere in the neigborhood. I know he is done this for other customers in the past.

BreadmanMike · 05/04/2008, 09:31 AM

Pat, Call Mike. I've dealt with him several times and his CS is second to none.

chrissreef · 05/04/2008, 10:20 AM

100% agree with the above posters, excellent customer service at reef specialty - great packaging, response times etc. I've heard other people going elsewhere and getting 0 support - not worth it imo.

site seems to be working for me right now... if it's not working for you, give him a call =)

anomie · 05/04/2008, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by STH53
My tank is also 28 inches deep and using 3 250w SE fixtures over a 72 inch long tank. Mike recommended a starting height of 14 inches from the bottom of the fixture to the top. He said he might need to be adjust up to 16 inches. HTH

Thanks.

I had read many of the pages of this thread and while trying to absorb the info, my head started protesting. ha ha.

My tank is 72 long too and I am also planning on using three of the LB minis with the reeflux 12k's. I can't wait to get this baby up and running. Thanks again.

JohnL · 05/04/2008, 02:15 PM

This thread was automatically split due to performance issues. You can find the rest of the thread here: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...readid=1384067

05/03/2008, 08:59 PM	#993
anomie Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Virginia Posts: 193	I was hoping someone could check my math out... 28 inch tall acylic tank with lumen bright minis so... 1 inch from water level to top of acrylic tank... If I have a a canopy made that is 22 inches tall and I subtract 1.5 inches for the lip of the canopy and attach the LB mini to the top of the canopy, my LB mini bulb should be sitting 16.5 inches above the water line which is the optimal height for 250 SE's? __________________ Christina

05/04/2008, 10:20 AM	#998
chrissreef Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Dallas Posts: 1,252	100% agree with the above posters, excellent customer service at reef specialty - great packaging, response times etc. I've heard other people going elsewhere and getting 0 support - not worth it imo. site seems to be working for me right now... if it's not working for you, give him a call =) __________________ One's standard of living is determined by the size of their reef Learn and you continue to adapt, stop learning and you become obsolete We live with each other, not for ourselves, protect our planet Current Tank Info: 300g Starfire/Starboard A.G.E. mixed reef

05/02/2008, 12:38 PM	#976
dja1980 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Sycamore, IL Posts: 1,375	That's not a bad idea! In an ideal world, you'd have 2.5 minis across the front (to cover the front 60" x 24"), and 2.08 minis across the back (to cover the rear 60" x 20"), but unfortunately they don't make them in fractional sizes. I like Marc's idea... I forget, isn't each large supposed to cover a 30" x 30" area? If so, 2 larges in the front would take care of the front 60" x 30" area, leaving 60" x 14" along the back to be lit... maybe 3 minis along the back if that's where the majority of the corals will be?

05/02/2008, 12:40 PM	#977
melev Moved On Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Ft Worth, Tx Posts: 43,217	Additionally, I would suggest adding an extra layer of acrylic with a tiny 1/2" spacer between the light and the centerbrace. That way if the light cooks the acrylic, it damaged only the faux-piece that can easily be replaced and the main piece is intact, maintaining tank integrity. You only need it where the light is directly over the acrylic. And if the lights are up high enough, this might not even be an issue.

05/02/2008, 01:09 PM	#978
glxtrix Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: ATL, GA Posts: 882	I'm just not so sold on the large ones yet. I havnt heard too much on them and am wondering if they act in the same manor as the minis (and I could be totally wrong on this) Honestly the bracing on those tanks really isnt much of a concern. My Iwasaki 175's punch right thu it....as do other reefers on here who have the 400's. Somewhere back in this thread someone showed a ridiculous number thu their thick dirty acrylic. Oh well, isn't lighting fun! lol.

05/02/2008, 01:13 PM	#979
melev Moved On Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Ft Worth, Tx Posts: 43,217	With the tank being so large, it seems logical to go with the larger ones and purchase less reflectors, bulbs and ballasts.

05/02/2008, 01:28 PM	#982
JRaquatics Awaiting Email Confirmation Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: On RC Posts: 3,609	If the LB are hung at the recomended height I would not worry about the cross braces. As far as light penetration, I was supprised on how much light penetrated through Mikes 1" dirty acrylic. I agree with Marc, Larger would make more sense for your application. IMO

05/02/2008, 01:29 PM	#983
tony varrell Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Ft. lauderdale,fl Posts: 772	Thanks for all this interesting information.So My question is my new display will be 300 gallons 78X30X30 with a 24" canopy I would like to stay with 250w bulbs which reflector should I use and how many? LB or LA??

05/02/2008, 01:36 PM	#984
stunreefer Reef Hugger Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Submerged Posts: 3,253	Something else I should probably add regarding my lighting experience, corals I keep, and planned aquascape: In the past I have used Hamilton Reefstar reflectors. I have never used a LA or LB sytle before. I'm pretty convinced that the LB would have very little spillover compared to the reefstars I'm used to running, and obviously better direction and intensity for the light too. Coral wise, I keep about 80% SPS, but man I LOVE my 20% LPS, and dont want to fry them. I have an awesome elegance, a giant cynaria, fair share of acans, dendros, tubastrea and rhizos, so I will shade most of the latter non-photo corals, but I'm thinking my acans and elegance wont be the biggest fan of the LBs, therefore I'd be placing them towards the center braces, or outer edges. I also plan on a few nice Scolymia sp. For aquascaping, I was thinking two pillar "ish" style rock formations under the front two holes, and a reef wall crawling up the back side of the tank, with the high points of the wall being under the two holes. Maybe that'll help narrow down the lighting situation. Thanks again for all the help!

05/02/2008, 02:04 PM	#985
JRaquatics Awaiting Email Confirmation Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: On RC Posts: 3,609	Stunreefer click my red house and see my build. I have brains, elegance and other LPS all in my lower half and doing great.

05/02/2008, 02:28 PM	#986
glxtrix Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: ATL, GA Posts: 882	I too have some LPS and no issues here

05/02/2008, 03:05 PM	#987
STH53 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 86	I got all 'fired up' about these reflectors after reading this monster thread. Had the same situation in regards to not really being sure which size and how many lights to put on my tank. I e-mailed acropora nut my 'dilemma' and he quickly responded and asked that we talk on the phone about the set-up. He spent along time on the phone and helped come up with what would be a suitable lighting arrangement. I've ordered and chomping at the bit to get these new puppies installed. I highly recommend talking to acropora nut if you are unsure of what type of set up to go with. Really outstanding customer service.

05/02/2008, 04:51 PM	#989
tony varrell Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Ft. lauderdale,fl Posts: 772	Thanks. do you use 250 or 400watt.

05/02/2008, 06:32 PM	#990
melev Moved On Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Ft Worth, Tx Posts: 43,217	I'm running 250w - 400w - 250w. This was the old lighting, which hasn't changed much other than the reflectors.

05/03/2008, 07:07 PM	#991
lilmonkey Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: chicago Posts: 52	Just thought I would weigh in from my unscientific findings on the LuminBright fixtures. Last night, Mike from Reef Specialty stopped by to drop off a Vortech pump. He immediately gravitated to my 250w Aquactinic fixture and wondered if I was happy with the current state of my 3 month old aquarium...and to be honest, I had started on working on growing various varieties of brownish corals, so the answer was--not really. We discussed the LuminBrights with new bulbs and ballasts. We installed them this morning and the difference is amazing. The penetration of this over my old fixture isn't even close. The ballasts run cooler, are much smaller and the install was a piece of cake...no hanging fixture, more room in the canopy and the light is penetrating my 90 like I've never seen before. In the coming days, I'll make sure to post a before and after photos. Thanks Mike! Fantastic stuff!

05/03/2008, 07:21 PM	#992
Macimage Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Quartz Hill Posts: 4,078	lilmonkey-Which bulbs did you get? The reeflux 12K? Joyce

05/04/2008, 07:26 AM	#994
STH53 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 86	My tank is also 28 inches deep and using 3 250w SE fixtures over a 72 inch long tank. Mike recommended a starting height of 14 inches from the bottom of the fixture to the top. He said he might need to be adjust up to 16 inches. HTH

05/04/2008, 08:40 AM	#995
PatrickG 78 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Chicago south burbs Posts: 93	does anyone know whats up with the reef specialty website its not letting me checkout. Whats another good place to get this setup for cheap?

05/04/2008, 09:31 AM	#997
BreadmanMike Moved On Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 4,886	Pat, Call Mike. I've dealt with him several times and his CS is second to none.

05/04/2008, 02:15 PM	#1000
JohnL RC Staff Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 14,431	This thread was automatically split due to performance issues. You can find the rest of the thread here: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...readid=1384067