New Lumen Bright Reflector. ... any info on them

[Fuzznutz]

I just did it in Killz...I really don't think it needs to be flame retardant. BTW, I built mine as a "floating" canopy.

[ryshark]

I plan on having VHOs in the canopy too and with the plastic endcaps, I dont think it would be a bad idea to have flame retardant, if possible. I just noticed your canopy was black but underneath was white. Is the white paint just to help with more light reflection?

[Fuzznutz]

I figured it would help reflect. The danger with the endcaps would be salt creep, other than that you should be fine.

[melev]

Originally posted by giants4pc
I have the Reeflux 12k's - great growth but too white. Given the size of the reflectors, I don't have room for actinics as these reflectors are essentially the area of each side of the 90. Both domes hang over each side of the center brace. Where would actinics fit? I would love to put 2 110watt VHO actinics, but they wouldn't even be over the tank. Here is a pic.

Your next choice might be 14,000K bulbs, but I think VHO or T5 bulbs would work. I'd run one on the front and one on the back, secured to the pony wall and the aquarium.

[melev]

Originally posted by ryshark
I plan on having VHOs in the canopy too and with the plastic endcaps, I dont think it would be a bad idea to have flame retardant, if possible. I just noticed your canopy was black but underneath was white. Is the white paint just to help with more light reflection?

If you have a fire in your canopy, you've got bigger issues than what color paint you should have used. Seriously, as long as everything is wired and secured properly, it should be safe. However, it is your job to check everything out daily, always looking at how the equipment is doing as time erodes away at your system. Salt creep is something to be aware of, and cleaning everything well periodically will definitely assist in discovery of potential hazards.

Kilz is fine for inside the canopy. Flat white paint is good too. You'd think glossy would be better, but flat paint reflects better believe it or not. Note most homes have flat white ceilings for a reason.

[giants4pc]

Originally posted by melev
Your next choice might be 14,000K bulbs, but I think VHO or T5 bulbs would work. I'd run one on the front and one on the back, secured to the pony wall and the aquarium.

The issue is that since it is an in-wall and the 2x4's are cut, I lose about 3-4" of width away from the standard 18" width of a 90. So, I agree that it should work, but I am actually losing space in this instance because of the in-wall.

[melev]

I can totally relate. Because of my pony wall, my lights are on the back side of my reef, rather than centered over the tank. Take a look at this end shot:

[ddevlin]

I just recieved my new "wide" minis. Mike @ Reef Specialty helped me out with the purchase. I am upgrading from T-5 and PC lighting. I told my wife that with the halides I will only need to replace 3 bulbs vs 4 PC and 8 T-5's.

I reduced my light schedule to 2 hrs total for now and will increase every week.

I turned them on after I was finished hanging them to see the coverage and they look great!

[tas5tas]

ddevlin....

They look like they are hanging a little low. How far are the bulbs from the water?? You definately don't want to burn up your corals. I know with the regular mini's most people are anywhere from 15-18" from the bulb to the water.

[brshriver]

Where did you get those hangers? Are they udjustable?

[Cove Beach]

I can't remember if i posted here when i first got my lights but here is the setup and how it looks after about 5 months of burning.

[obiwanthegoby]

Has anybody had a chance to try out the new "wide" style pendants? Still looking at lighting for my current project, and need something that will cover a 84" X 36" X 30"T tank.
Looking into about 400 - 500 watts of T-5 plus 3 MH (250 - 400 W) Pendants to be on 4-6 hrs a day. Like the Lumen Brights but wondering if I'll get the coverage I need without sacrificing the PAR values at the sand bed. (1 - 2" sandbed)

Obi

[melev]

Originally posted by ddevlin
I reduced my light schedule to 2 hrs total for now and will increase every week.

I turned them on after I was finished hanging them to see the coverage and they look great!

I'd like to see how you have those connected on top. Is that a rod or a wire? At first I thought you ran the wire up and out of the top and had your ballasts in the ceiling, which would have been a major mod.

Let's see more of how you did it! Give us all the details, because that is one clean install.

[ddevlin]

Originally posted by tas5tas
ddevlin....

They look like they are hanging a little low. How far are the bulbs from the water?? You definately don't want to burn up your corals. I know with the regular mini's most people are anywhere from 15-18" from the bulb to the water.

My tank is 24" deep. The center of the bulb is about 14" off the water. I have a huge center brace so that is part of the reason I am on the low end. I have dimmable balast and have the center on max and the outside two turned down just a bit.

[ddevlin]

Originally posted by melev
I'd like to see how you have those connected on top. Is that a rod or a wire? At first I thought you ran the wire up and out of the top and had your ballasts in the ceiling, which would have been a major mod.

Let's see more of how you did it! Give us all the details, because that is one clean install.

After speaking with Mike and discussing the weight the first step (after measuring where I wanted the lights) I had to do was crawl into the attic and instal 2x4 supports for the fixtures to screw into.

I went to Lowes and purchased 3 pendant light fixtures.
Lowes Pendants
The cord can be adjusted to the height needed (compression fitting in the base). I had to remove the top plate from the LB's and cut a hole for the socket to hold on to. The socked is ceramic so it will withstand any heat.

Because of the LB socket the weight is not balanced so your hole needs to be cut further back to compensate.

I'm pleased with the final result.

[brshriver]

Looks great! Thanks for the details!

[melev]

Originally posted by ddevlin
After speaking with Mike and discussing the weight the first step (after measuring where I wanted the lights) I had to do was crawl into the attic and instal 2x4 supports for the fixtures to screw into.

I went to Lowes and purchased 3 pendant light fixtures.
Lowes Pendants
The cord can be adjusted to the height needed (compression fitting in the base). I had to remove the top plate from the LB's and cut a hole for the socket to hold on to. The socked is ceramic so it will withstand any heat.

Because of the LB socket the weight is not balanced so your hole needs to be cut further back to compensate.

I'm pleased with the final result.

That is SO neat! Huge I don't really like nor trust the little screwed in eyelets.

Nice job.

[johnny313]

here is the hood I built. the doors and fans arent in yet. the bulb is 20" from the water, is that ok? I know my hood isn't as elaborate as the ones I see in here but it works!
also, how many and what size fans should I use in here since the back is going to have egg crate?

[johnny313]

this is the first canopy I ever built

[JRaquatics]

Originally posted by johnny313
this is the first canopy I ever built

As long as the canopy if functional, that is all that really matters. I would move the reflectors in so that they are side by side and possibly move them down to about 18 inches. If those are mushrooms on the top I would suggest moving them down too. Looks good though.

As for fans I like the 4" variable speed ones by coralvue and or the 4" Ice Cap fans. I would place one on either side and have them both blow inward.

[obiwanthegoby]

Has anyone done any PAR testing with these on a deeper tank, say 30"? with 250 or 400W? HQI?

[johnny313]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by JRaquatics
[B]As long as the canopy if functional, that is all that really matters. I would move the reflectors in so that they are side by side and possibly move them down to about 18 inches. If those are mushrooms on the top I would suggest moving them down too. Looks good though.

Thank you. I kept them a lil apart because I have that middle bracket. do you think too much light is hitting the sides of the canopy this way? will the bulbs 2" higher really matter that much?
I moved the shrooms down already.

[JRaquatics]

2" will make a difference and so will moving the reflectors closer together. You will get less light bleed from the sides and a stronger crossover light inside the tank. It is just a suggestion but if your satisfied with the results by all means leave well enough alone.

[johnny313]

im moving them! I trust your judgement! all i need is a 2x4 to run across the top and hang the lights on the 2x4. how far apart should the reflectors be?

[johnny313]

They are 2 1/2" apart now. its only a 36" tank