ReefLux Bulbs-Pics?

happyclam · 08/13/2008, 04:26 PM

Anyone have any pics of there tank with 250w 12K SE ReefLux bulbs?
I plan on having:
2) 250w 12K SE ReefLux bulbs
1) dual electronic CoralVue ballast
2) LumenBright Reflectors
2) 4" CoralVue Smart fans
I am curious, can CoralVue ballasts power Radiums? Does this look like enough light for a 135 gal SPS reef? Is everything I mentioned good quality stuff?

happyclam · 08/14/2008, 07:12 AM

Are the bulbs, reflectors, & ballasts I mentioned good quality? with 250w MH & Lumen Bright reflectors, can I keep SPS on the bottom of my 24" tall tank?

laud · 08/14/2008, 07:18 AM

lumenbright info and pics

There is enough info there to satisfy all your questions. Enough so that I ended up getting the same setup.

Rysam · 08/14/2008, 07:51 AM

here are some reeflux 12k's on lumatek ballasts and spider reflectors. actinics are on too.

JRaquatics · 08/14/2008, 08:10 AM

Here's a semi recent pics of my almost 9 month old 180gal mixed reef. This is with 3 Reeflux 250s in lumenbright reflectors and powered by CoralVue electronic ballasts. This is a great lighting set up and couldn't be happier.

I am going to try to get some newer pics of the tank this weekend. You can click on the red house and view the progression and light setup.

cmm1970 · 08/14/2008, 10:22 AM

You can run Radiums off the coralvue ballast, but the output will not be what you hope for. The Radiums like to run on a magnetic ballast most of all and the electronic ballasts don't drive them like a magnetic ballast does. Your best bet with the Coralvue ballast is to stick with the Reeflux 12K bulb or Coralvue 20K bulb. You will get the greatest PPFD values out of these combinations.

You really must match bulbs to ballasts. If you are in love with Radiums, then look at the magnetic ballasts instead of the Coralvue.

shelburn61 · 08/14/2008, 10:49 AM

IME and according to Sanjay's data the 250w Reeflux 12k has pretty low PAR. I like the 400w version though...

JRaquatics · 08/14/2008, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by shelburn61
IME and according to Sanjay's data the 250w Reeflux 12k has pretty low PAR. I like the 400w version though...

Yea but if you look at par readings here on RC you will see great par # from the 12k reeflux. I get 180-277 par on my sand bed. and this is with my lights 14.5" off the water surface. I ended up moving them up another inch since the photo was taken.

skippy2 · 08/14/2008, 11:53 AM

So what you guys are saying is if I would use coralvue ballasts on my reeflux 12k I would like the color better? I've been running RF 12k on magnetic ballasts for a couple of yrs. now but am starting to think maybe I should get the coralvue ballasts instead. I don't want to spend money on something that ain't broke if you now what I mean.

TwistedTiger · 08/14/2008, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by happyclam
Are the bulbs, reflectors, & ballasts I mentioned good quality? with 250w MH & Lumen Bright reflectors, can I keep SPS on the bottom of my 24" tall tank?

Without a doubt you can keep SPS on the sand bed with that combo of light, reflector and ballast in a 24" deep tank. The Reeflux 250w 12k will look much brighter and whiter with the lumenbrights instead of a spider reflector and IMO they look the best on coralvue ballasts. I also agree with a previous poster that Sanjay's numbers are off on the 250w reeflux 12k. Not sure what happened but IMO he needs to test them again.

BigJay · 08/14/2008, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by TwistedTiger
Without a doubt you can keep SPS on the sand bed with that combo of light, reflector and ballast in a 24" deep tank. The Reeflux 250w 12k will look much brighter and whiter with the lumenbrights instead of a spider reflector and IMO they look the best on coralvue ballasts. I also agree with a previous poster that Sanjay's numbers are off on the 250w reeflux 12k. Not sure what happened but IMO he needs to test them again.

I think Sanjay's numbers were right, but face it. We're using these bulbs on $130.00+ lumen*whatever reflectors. I've got three 250 watt 12K Reeflux on LumenMax2 reflectors here.

What we're doing is the equivalent of putting a set of T5s on individual ATI reflectors. We're probably getting 2-3 times as much PAR penetration as opposed to measuring the bulb alone in a mogul ballast or spider reflector.

JRaquatics · 08/14/2008, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BigJay
I think Sanjay's numbers were right, but face it. We're using these bulbs on $130.00+ lumen*whatever reflectors. I've got three 250 watt 12K Reeflux on LumenMax2 reflectors here.

What we're doing is the equivalent of putting a set of T5s on individual ATI reflectors. We're probably getting 2-3 times as much PAR penetration as opposed to measuring the bulb alone in a mogul ballast or spider reflector.

I do agree that good reflectors do make a huge difference at getting the most out of your lighting. But I feel the Reeflux 12 bulbs put out more par than reported by Sanjay.

As you can see below are 3 different bulbs on the same tank, in the same reflector and being fired by the same ballast. Hands down the Reeflux not only looked brighter but also gave higher par readings.

I understand there are alot of variables when it comes to lighting like bulb and ballast combo, age of both, reflector, water clarity etc. but I just feel that these bulbs are putting out more par than previously documented.

reefcolors · 08/14/2008, 05:53 PM

IMO I agree that the 12k reeflux gives out more par than stated. My corals colored up nicely and growth was good. I've used the 12k and the 10k reeflux for about 10 months now.

happyclam · 08/15/2008, 09:20 AM

Looks good! I'll definately get this MH set-up when I have enough $. Thanks for the pics everyone! Oh, & JRaquatics, beautiful tank.

lil_cheeks · 08/15/2008, 09:40 AM

Reeflux all the way!! Luv mine!

deeznuts · 08/15/2008, 09:44 AM

Quote:

[i]<
[IMG]I understand there are alot of variables when it comes to lighting like bulb and ballast combo, age of both, reflector, water clarity etc. but I just feel that these bulbs are putting out more par than previously documented. [/B]

How often do you think the Coralvue ballasts should be changed?

JRaquatics · 08/15/2008, 10:11 AM

Happy clam, thanks.

deeznuts, Why would you have to change the ballast?

LooseHip · 08/15/2008, 10:21 AM

JR,

Have you done any testing with the DE version of the 12k reeflux bulb? It looks like you have the SE version, but I am wondering if the SE version has a bluer tint then the DE version. Currently I am running a single DE 250w 12 reeflux bulb in a LB. I have been very happy so far but wish there was just a little more blue in the bulb. I am thinking I should of went with with the SE instead of the DE....

JRaquatics · 08/15/2008, 10:27 AM

Sorry, I haven't. I don't know any one locally that runs DE bulbs. I have never been a fan of DE bulbs and I have heard that the Reeflux DE and the SE look very different but don't know which produces a better par output.

LooseHip · 08/15/2008, 10:42 AM

Well...... It seems there are more bulb choices with the SE, I may just have to bite the bullet and buy the SE pendant!

happyclam · 08/15/2008, 11:28 AM

Do you get really good SPS growth from this light combo? For a while (before this thread) I thought I would do 20K XM, but after seeing JRaquatics tank, I just love the intensness of the ReefLux, and how the corals have beautiful color rendition. Colors seem to be all washed out blue under 20K. Also, do you get shimmer lines from it? Does more surface aggitation increase the amount of shimmer lines? Also, would 2 CoralVue 4" Smart Fans be enough air circulation? Also, the back of my wood canopy is open, so I think that'll help? Also, JR, how much light comes out of your canopy? Could you post a pic? My tank is in are family/TV room and I don't like it when alot of light comes out the back.

gigiba · 08/15/2008, 01:02 PM

how long does reeflux 12k bulb last ? if i run it 8 hours a day.

tia

JRaquatics · 08/15/2008, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gigiba
how long does reeflux 12k bulb last ? if i run it 8 hours a day.

tia

No matter what bulb I use I change mine every 8 months with photo periods between 6-9 hours a day. So I am not too sure how much they degrade as I never see it happen.

BigJay · 08/15/2008, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by JRaquatics
No matter what bulb I use I change mine every 8 months with photo periods between 6-9 hours a day. So I am not too sure how much they degrade as I never see it happen.

Do you replace them all at once or stagger it?

I have three, and with a 6 to 6.5 hour photoperiod it takes them at least a month to break in properly. I'm planning on cycling through and replacing them individually at 10, 11, and 12 months.

Will this work out or am I worrying about it too much?

JRaquatics · 08/15/2008, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by happyclam
Do you get really good SPS growth from this light combo? For a while (before this thread) I thought I would do 20K XM, but after seeing JRaquatics tank, I just love the intensness of the ReefLux, and how the corals have beautiful color rendition. Colors seem to be all washed out blue under 20K. Also, do you get shimmer lines from it? Does more surface aggitation increase the amount of shimmer lines? Also, would 2 CoralVue 4" Smart Fans be enough air circulation? Also, the back of my wood canopy is open, so I think that'll help? Also, JR, how much light comes out of your canopy? Could you post a pic? My tank is in are family/TV room and I don't like it when alot of light comes out the back.

I think I get awesome growth with this lighting combo.

Added corals from my 90gal to the 180 in late December

February of 2008

March of 2008

May of 2008

I will try to get an updated pic up on Sunday to show the growth till now.

You will get shimmer lines from any MH bulb and surface agitation does visually appear to increase the amount of shimmer lines.

I would suggest a total of 4 fans. It is always a good idea to keep the canopy as ventilated as possible.

There is very VERY little light that bleeds out of the canopy. My tank is also located were we watch tv and spend the majority of out time. Due to the reflector the light is directed into the tank rather than spill outside the tank environment.

Not the greatest pic but can see the light dispersed outside the canopy.

08/13/2008, 04:26 PM	#1
happyclam Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 1,012	ReefLux Bulbs-Pics? Anyone have any pics of there tank with 250w 12K SE ReefLux bulbs? I plan on having: 2) 250w 12K SE ReefLux bulbs 1) dual electronic CoralVue ballast 2) LumenBright Reflectors 2) 4" CoralVue Smart fans I am curious, can CoralVue ballasts power Radiums? Does this look like enough light for a 135 gal SPS reef? Is everything I mentioned good quality stuff?

08/14/2008, 07:18 AM	#3
laud Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: fort lauderdale Posts: 1,225	lumenbright info and pics There is enough info there to satisfy all your questions. Enough so that I ended up getting the same setup. __________________ 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.

08/14/2008, 07:51 AM	#4
Rysam Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: paradise california Posts: 1,000	here are some reeflux 12k's on lumatek ballasts and spider reflectors. actinics are on too. __________________ Josh “Seek advice but use your own common sense” Yiddish Proverb quote “Being ignorant is not so much a shame, as being unwilling to learn.” Benjamin Franklin Current Tank Info: 135 reef

08/14/2008, 11:53 AM	#9
skippy2 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: S.W. Michigan Posts: 3,205	So what you guys are saying is if I would use coralvue ballasts on my reeflux 12k I would like the color better? I've been running RF 12k on magnetic ballasts for a couple of yrs. now but am starting to think maybe I should get the coralvue ballasts instead. I don't want to spend money on something that ain't broke if you now what I mean. __________________ Peggy Current Tank Info: no tank

08/14/2008, 07:12 AM	#2
happyclam Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 1,012	Are the bulbs, reflectors, & ballasts I mentioned good quality? with 250w MH & Lumen Bright reflectors, can I keep SPS on the bottom of my 24" tall tank?

08/14/2008, 08:10 AM	#5
JRaquatics Awaiting Email Confirmation Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: On RC Posts: 3,609	Here's a semi recent pics of my almost 9 month old 180gal mixed reef. This is with 3 Reeflux 250s in lumenbright reflectors and powered by CoralVue electronic ballasts. This is a great lighting set up and couldn't be happier. I am going to try to get some newer pics of the tank this weekend. You can click on the red house and view the progression and light setup.

08/14/2008, 10:22 AM	#6
cmm1970 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 426	You can run Radiums off the coralvue ballast, but the output will not be what you hope for. The Radiums like to run on a magnetic ballast most of all and the electronic ballasts don't drive them like a magnetic ballast does. Your best bet with the Coralvue ballast is to stick with the Reeflux 12K bulb or Coralvue 20K bulb. You will get the greatest PPFD values out of these combinations. You really must match bulbs to ballasts. If you are in love with Radiums, then look at the magnetic ballasts instead of the Coralvue.

08/14/2008, 10:49 AM	#7
shelburn61 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Charlotte Posts: 2,094	IME and according to Sanjay's data the 250w Reeflux 12k has pretty low PAR. I like the 400w version though...

08/14/2008, 05:53 PM	#13
reefcolors Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: PA, US Posts: 93	IMO I agree that the 12k reeflux gives out more par than stated. My corals colored up nicely and growth was good. I've used the 12k and the 10k reeflux for about 10 months now.

08/15/2008, 09:20 AM	#14
happyclam Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 1,012	Looks good! I'll definately get this MH set-up when I have enough $. Thanks for the pics everyone! Oh, & JRaquatics, beautiful tank.

08/15/2008, 09:40 AM	#15
lil_cheeks Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Michigan Posts: 79	Reeflux all the way!! Luv mine!

08/15/2008, 10:11 AM	#17
JRaquatics Awaiting Email Confirmation Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: On RC Posts: 3,609	Happy clam, thanks. deeznuts, Why would you have to change the ballast?

08/15/2008, 10:21 AM	#18
LooseHip Foaming Conehead Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: CO Posts: 1,002	JR, Have you done any testing with the DE version of the 12k reeflux bulb? It looks like you have the SE version, but I am wondering if the SE version has a bluer tint then the DE version. Currently I am running a single DE 250w 12 reeflux bulb in a LB. I have been very happy so far but wish there was just a little more blue in the bulb. I am thinking I should of went with with the SE instead of the DE....

08/15/2008, 10:27 AM	#19
JRaquatics Awaiting Email Confirmation Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: On RC Posts: 3,609	Sorry, I haven't. I don't know any one locally that runs DE bulbs. I have never been a fan of DE bulbs and I have heard that the Reeflux DE and the SE look very different but don't know which produces a better par output.

08/15/2008, 10:42 AM	#20
LooseHip Foaming Conehead Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: CO Posts: 1,002	Well...... It seems there are more bulb choices with the SE, I may just have to bite the bullet and buy the SE pendant!

08/15/2008, 11:28 AM	#21
happyclam Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 1,012	Do you get really good SPS growth from this light combo? For a while (before this thread) I thought I would do 20K XM, but after seeing JRaquatics tank, I just love the intensness of the ReefLux, and how the corals have beautiful color rendition. Colors seem to be all washed out blue under 20K. Also, do you get shimmer lines from it? Does more surface aggitation increase the amount of shimmer lines? Also, would 2 CoralVue 4" Smart Fans be enough air circulation? Also, the back of my wood canopy is open, so I think that'll help? Also, JR, how much light comes out of your canopy? Could you post a pic? My tank is in are family/TV room and I don't like it when alot of light comes out the back.

08/15/2008, 01:02 PM	#22
gigiba Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: SoCal Posts: 265	how long does reeflux 12k bulb last ? if i run it 8 hours a day. tia