New Lumen Bright Reflector. ... any info on them - Page 25

reefguard · 09/10/2008, 07:35 AM

HI all,
I just received my Lumen bright minis yestrerday and hoping to get tem installed this weekend as i need to modify my hood to bring the reflectors higher. My question is this, do I need to re acclimate my tank once I installed these reflectors? Also these reflectors give MINI a different meaning. I am glad I didn't order the small or large version. tHnas in advance.

Noel

bubbletip2 · 09/10/2008, 07:38 AM

Due to the number of facets and bends in the reflector, it is as sturdy as can be expected. To make them any sturdier you would probably have to use twice as much metal. Besides it is not like they have to withstand impact or anything. After they are mounted, you won't even think about it. Glixtrix is right in saying the pendants are much sturdier but at the added weight of the surrounding chassis.

bubbletip2 · 09/10/2008, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by reefguard
HI all,
I just received my Lumen bright minis yestrerday and hoping to get tem installed this weekend as i need to modify my hood to bring the reflectors higher. My question is this, do I need to re acclimate my tank once I installed these reflectors? Also these reflectors give MINI a different meaning. I am glad I didn't order the small or large version. tHnas in advance.

Noel

You will definitely need to acclimate. What size tank, what species of coral do you have(SPS,LPS,Softies), how many bulbs, what wattage, what type of bulb and ballast, and how high will the bulb be to the water based on how you raise them?

RobynT · 09/10/2008, 09:56 AM

I have the Lumen Bright/Coralvue Ballast/Reeflux 12,000 k combination and I love it!! Beautiful color in the tank.
I am now up to 4 hrs a day photo period on each of the three lights and was wondering what most people run daily on each bulb?

bubbletip2 · 09/10/2008, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by RobynT
I have the Lumen Bright/Coralvue Ballast/Reeflux 12,000 k combination and I love it!! Beautiful color in the tank.
I am now up to 4 hrs a day photo period on each of the three lights and was wondering what most people run daily on each bulb?

Bring it up an hour each week until you are at 7-8 hours. I run mine for 8 hours right now but I have 250's. When I had only the 2-400w bulbs I ran them for 7 hours. I now have 2-54w T5's that I run an hour before and an hour after my MH cycle.

RobynT · 09/10/2008, 11:03 AM

Thanks bubbletip! I also have 250w on mine and am quite pleased!

Another question: I'm thinking about putting this same combo on my frag tank but going with the finished reflector for sturdiness and to have the glass cover. My frag tank is actually one half of my 100 rubbermaid stock tank so I need a spread of about 24 x 24". The frags sit under about 6"to 8" of water( I can adjust that both ways). Would you go ahead and get the 250w or go with 175?

bubbletip2 · 09/10/2008, 12:12 PM

Your welcome. If it was me I would go with a 250 dimmable. That way if you have too much light you can turn down the ballast and if for some reason you need a back up for your other 250's you have one. You would be fine to use a 175w but then if you make changes to anything in the future or upgrade you are possibly left with a 175w that you may not use. One thing to keep in mind is to hang your pendant at 18" to 20" because your coral will sit 6" or higher in the water column so they would get a lot of light at 14". Hopefully that helps...

RobynT · 09/10/2008, 12:37 PM

Very helpful I was also thinking that the 250 would give me more options. The really nice thing about hanging these LB 's is that by hanging them high it gives you more room underneath and with this recommendation, it will give me plenty of room to work!

laud · 09/10/2008, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by VaderWS6
I just got my Lumen Bright mini's today, and I'm surprised how flimsy they are! Even though I haven't installed them in my hood yet, I really don't think they were worth the $110/each price tag as far as build quality goes. They aren't as perfect as I expected them to be..

I looked at the LumenMax Elites and I think they were like $164, so pound for pound, I think the LB's are worth the $99 - $115.

melev · 09/10/2008, 01:42 PM

I'm still running my lights 6 hours per day, staggered over a 8.5 hour cycle. "High Noon" is from 3:30pm to 7:00pm.

My actinic VHOs are on from 11am to 10pm. The first MH is on by 1pm, and the last one is is off by 9:30pm.

bubbletip2 · 09/10/2008, 01:49 PM

Hey Marc, you can certainly run them at 6 hours a day. I did for several months without supplementation and did not notice any ill effects from it. But lately I have wanted to see my tank more so I have increased my hours.

But I am sure with the T5's that I will go back to a 6-7 hour cycle on the halides and let the T5's burn in...

mfin77 · 09/10/2008, 09:34 PM

what kinds of bulbs can you use with the lumenbrights besides coralvue. This is with the coralvue ballast. For example, Can I put on 14k phoenix, 20k xm, or ushio bulbs. I am going to go with 12k reeflux in the begiining but I just want to know what I can use in the future.
Thanks

IRISSERVICE · 09/10/2008, 09:40 PM

yep, but remember the phoenix is DE...

reefguard · 09/10/2008, 10:39 PM

Quote:

You will definitely need to acclimate. What size tank, what species of coral do you have(SPS,LPS,Softies), how many bulbs, what wattage, what type of bulb and ballast, and how high will the bulb be to the water based on how you raise them?

It is a 100 gallon mix reef with dual 175 and 2 actinic PC. Itis a very old PFO ballast with 10K Ushio (2 weeks old). My Canopy is only 15" tall. How much should I raise the top of the canopy to accomodate these reflectors. what would be the minimum distance from my water to the bulb?

Noel

glxtrix · 09/10/2008, 11:43 PM

I believe I have my 3x175's running for 7hrs and the 2xVHO actinics for 10? I love those actinics! I think I may drop my light cycle down to 6 for a few months and see how things go....I mean, I know its not going to hurt anything, the corals are getting enough light from these reflectors!

gws3 · 09/11/2008, 07:00 AM

does anyone know the actual dimensions of a lumenbright mini se pendant? I have seen both 15" x 15" x 10" and 16" x 16" x 7" listed on websites and would like to know which one is correct.

brshriver · 09/11/2008, 09:17 AM

Also, what are the drawbacks of the mini's over the regular? Do they have a smaller spread?

LooseHip · 09/11/2008, 12:47 PM

alright I have kind of a newby question..

I am switching from the 250w DE lumenbright to the 250 SE lumenbright setup.I received my new setup yesterday, and I was wondering the following:

1.) How long should total cord length be.. I thought I remember reading 10 Feet max, but I want to double check..

2.) As far as the bulb and socket installation goes, how far should I insert the bulb/socket into the reflector?

3.) My DE ballast that purchased in feb of 08 has a removalble power cable. On the ballast that I just purchased the power cable is not removable. I am assuming that this is a design change, can I use either ballast to fire the SE lamp, or are they in fact different?

TIA

LooseHip · 09/11/2008, 09:15 PM

I figured everything out.... but just incase someone else has similar questions in the future. Here is what I was told by Mike at RS.

1.) The cord length should not exceed 10 feet
2.) The SE bulb should be installed so that the nipple lines up with the middle of the reflector.

Differences I noticed with the SE bulb (granted it isn't broken in yet) is that it is bluer then the DE version. Even new my DE bulb was never this blue. The color of the SE version is perfect IMO.

AcroporAddict · 09/12/2008, 11:01 PM

Hey guys,
Right now I am running 400 watt SE Reeflux 12k/CV Ballast/LB Mini.
I posted this as a stand alone thread, but this may have been a better place: if I wanted to try a 20K bulb with the CV 400 watt/LB Mini setup I have in the future, what would be a good 400 watt 20K bulb with decent par. I like the XM 20K, but was wondering what type of PAR sacrifice I'd make going to 20K.
Dave

reefguard · 09/13/2008, 08:43 AM

Good morning,
I just installed my LB minis last night, turned it on for 3 hours and really like it. Ihave 10k Ushio. Is that a good starting point for photoperiod? I am planning to increse it 1 hr every a couple of days until i reach 8 hours. How did you guys do your acclimation/

Noel

AcroporAddict · 09/13/2008, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by reefguard
Good morning,
I just installed my LB minis last night, turned it on for 3 hours and really like it. Ihave 10k Ushio. Is that a good starting point for photoperiod? I am planning to increse it 1 hr every a couple of days until i reach 8 hours. How did you guys do your acclimation/

Noel

A one hour increase every day is too fast. When I had mine, Mike at reef specialty had me start at 4 hrs/day, then increase by 1/2 hr once a week. If you are going from flourescents to halides, you might want to start at 3.5 hours instead of 4. Also, make sure the bottom of your Mini is 12 inches from the water surface.
Dave

reefguard · 09/13/2008, 10:32 AM

Half hour every week huh? I have had the tank lit by halides since set up 7 years ago. I just upgraded the reflectors. These reflector really that good? I am also raising my hood today. I am also in the process of upgrading to 180 and thinking of buying a 250 to add. If these refelector will allow me to use 175's all the way accross the new tank and be able to keep light loving SPS then i will just go with another 175. What do you guys think?

Thanks,
Noel

AcroporAddict · 09/13/2008, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by reefguard
Half hour every week huh? I have had the tank lit by halides since set up 7 years ago. I just upgraded the reflectors. These reflector really that good? I am also raising my hood today. I am also in the process of upgrading to 180 and thinking of buying a 250 to add. If these refelector will allow me to use 175's all the way accross the new tank and be able to keep light loving SPS then i will just go with another 175. What do you guys think?

Thanks,
Noel

Read this thread. That is the usual recommendation given, extending the photoperiod 1/2 hour a week.
Dave

laud · 09/13/2008, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by reefguard
Half hour every week huh? I have had the tank lit by halides since set up 7 years ago. I just upgraded the reflectors. These reflector really that good? I am also raising my hood today. I am also in the process of upgrading to 180 and thinking of buying a 250 to add. If these refelector will allow me to use 175's all the way accross the new tank and be able to keep light loving SPS then i will just go with another 175. What do you guys think?

Thanks,
Noel

I think 175 would be satisfactory for a 24" deep tank. I imagine you could do 250 for even better penetration, depending on what you are going to light up.

Just for reference, I am using 250's for a 30" deep tank.

09/10/2008, 07:38 AM	#602
bubbletip2 Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Illinois Posts: 736	Due to the number of facets and bends in the reflector, it is as sturdy as can be expected. To make them any sturdier you would probably have to use twice as much metal. Besides it is not like they have to withstand impact or anything. After they are mounted, you won't even think about it. Glixtrix is right in saying the pendants are much sturdier but at the added weight of the surrounding chassis. __________________ 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)

09/10/2008, 12:12 PM	#607
bubbletip2 Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Illinois Posts: 736	Your welcome. If it was me I would go with a 250 dimmable. That way if you have too much light you can turn down the ballast and if for some reason you need a back up for your other 250's you have one. You would be fine to use a 175w but then if you make changes to anything in the future or upgrade you are possibly left with a 175w that you may not use. One thing to keep in mind is to hang your pendant at 18" to 20" because your coral will sit 6" or higher in the water column so they would get a lot of light at 14". Hopefully that helps... __________________ 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)

09/10/2008, 01:49 PM	#611
bubbletip2 Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Illinois Posts: 736	Hey Marc, you can certainly run them at 6 hours a day. I did for several months without supplementation and did not notice any ill effects from it. But lately I have wanted to see my tank more so I have increased my hours. But I am sure with the T5's that I will go back to a 6-7 hour cycle on the halides and let the T5's burn in... __________________ 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)

09/10/2008, 09:40 PM	#613
IRISSERVICE Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Beechhurst,New York Posts: 620	yep, but remember the phoenix is DE... __________________ Tank-125G Starphire Lighting- 4x 60" Reefbrites Skimmer- H&S A200-1250 MRC Sump Refugium---Circulation Tunze Wave Box---Main Pump - Seq3200 3phase W/ VFD Cooling Current Tank Info: 125 gallon Starphire euro braced

09/11/2008, 07:00 AM	#616
gws3 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Towson, MD Posts: 86	dimensions does anyone know the actual dimensions of a lumenbright mini se pendant? I have seen both 15" x 15" x 10" and 16" x 16" x 7" listed on websites and would like to know which one is correct.

09/10/2008, 07:35 AM	#601
reefguard Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Fairfield California Posts: 240	HI all, I just received my Lumen bright minis yestrerday and hoping to get tem installed this weekend as i need to modify my hood to bring the reflectors higher. My question is this, do I need to re acclimate my tank once I installed these reflectors? Also these reflectors give MINI a different meaning. I am glad I didn't order the small or large version. tHnas in advance. Noel

09/10/2008, 09:56 AM	#604
RobynT Moved On Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Galva IL (aka Mayberry) Posts: 590	I have the Lumen Bright/Coralvue Ballast/Reeflux 12,000 k combination and I love it!! Beautiful color in the tank. I am now up to 4 hrs a day photo period on each of the three lights and was wondering what most people run daily on each bulb?

09/10/2008, 11:03 AM	#606
RobynT Moved On Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Galva IL (aka Mayberry) Posts: 590	Thanks bubbletip! I also have 250w on mine and am quite pleased! Another question: I'm thinking about putting this same combo on my frag tank but going with the finished reflector for sturdiness and to have the glass cover. My frag tank is actually one half of my 100 rubbermaid stock tank so I need a spread of about 24 x 24". The frags sit under about 6"to 8" of water( I can adjust that both ways). Would you go ahead and get the 250w or go with 175?

09/10/2008, 12:37 PM	#608
RobynT Moved On Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Galva IL (aka Mayberry) Posts: 590	Very helpful I was also thinking that the 250 would give me more options. The really nice thing about hanging these LB 's is that by hanging them high it gives you more room underneath and with this recommendation, it will give me plenty of room to work!

09/10/2008, 01:42 PM	#610
melev Moved On Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Ft Worth, Tx Posts: 43,217	I'm still running my lights 6 hours per day, staggered over a 8.5 hour cycle. "High Noon" is from 3:30pm to 7:00pm. My actinic VHOs are on from 11am to 10pm. The first MH is on by 1pm, and the last one is is off by 9:30pm.

09/10/2008, 09:34 PM	#612
mfin77 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 109	what kinds of bulbs can you use with the lumenbrights besides coralvue. This is with the coralvue ballast. For example, Can I put on 14k phoenix, 20k xm, or ushio bulbs. I am going to go with 12k reeflux in the begiining but I just want to know what I can use in the future. Thanks

09/10/2008, 11:43 PM	#615
glxtrix Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: ATL, GA Posts: 882	I believe I have my 3x175's running for 7hrs and the 2xVHO actinics for 10? I love those actinics! I think I may drop my light cycle down to 6 for a few months and see how things go....I mean, I know its not going to hurt anything, the corals are getting enough light from these reflectors!

09/11/2008, 09:17 AM	#617
brshriver Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Sykesville, MD Posts: 213	Also, what are the drawbacks of the mini's over the regular? Do they have a smaller spread?

09/11/2008, 12:47 PM	#618
LooseHip Foaming Conehead Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: CO Posts: 1,002	alright I have kind of a newby question.. I am switching from the 250w DE lumenbright to the 250 SE lumenbright setup.I received my new setup yesterday, and I was wondering the following: 1.) How long should total cord length be.. I thought I remember reading 10 Feet max, but I want to double check.. 2.) As far as the bulb and socket installation goes, how far should I insert the bulb/socket into the reflector? 3.) My DE ballast that purchased in feb of 08 has a removalble power cable. On the ballast that I just purchased the power cable is not removable. I am assuming that this is a design change, can I use either ballast to fire the SE lamp, or are they in fact different? TIA

09/11/2008, 09:15 PM	#619
LooseHip Foaming Conehead Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: CO Posts: 1,002	I figured everything out.... but just incase someone else has similar questions in the future. Here is what I was told by Mike at RS. 1.) The cord length should not exceed 10 feet 2.) The SE bulb should be installed so that the nipple lines up with the middle of the reflector. Differences I noticed with the SE bulb (granted it isn't broken in yet) is that it is bluer then the DE version. Even new my DE bulb was never this blue. The color of the SE version is perfect IMO.

09/12/2008, 11:01 PM	#620
AcroporAddict There is no substitute. Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Southeast Posts: 2,269	Hey guys, Right now I am running 400 watt SE Reeflux 12k/CV Ballast/LB Mini. I posted this as a stand alone thread, but this may have been a better place: if I wanted to try a 20K bulb with the CV 400 watt/LB Mini setup I have in the future, what would be a good 400 watt 20K bulb with decent par. I like the XM 20K, but was wondering what type of PAR sacrifice I'd make going to 20K. Dave

09/13/2008, 08:43 AM	#621
reefguard Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Fairfield California Posts: 240	Good morning, I just installed my LB minis last night, turned it on for 3 hours and really like it. Ihave 10k Ushio. Is that a good starting point for photoperiod? I am planning to increse it 1 hr every a couple of days until i reach 8 hours. How did you guys do your acclimation/ Noel

09/13/2008, 10:32 AM	#623
reefguard Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Fairfield California Posts: 240	Half hour every week huh? I have had the tank lit by halides since set up 7 years ago. I just upgraded the reflectors. These reflector really that good? I am also raising my hood today. I am also in the process of upgrading to 180 and thinking of buying a 250 to add. If these refelector will allow me to use 175's all the way accross the new tank and be able to keep light loving SPS then i will just go with another 175. What do you guys think? Thanks, Noel