Lumenmax or Aquamedic for my new250 gal.

finrod2 · 04/29/2006, 05:04 PM

Need some help deciding on what I will use for my 250 gal (60"x34"x25"D). I'm going back in forth between using 3 of the new Lumenmax 2 pendents with 250 HQI MH's or one of the Aquamedic ocean pendants with 3 250's as well. I have also considered going with 4 of the Lumenmax's running on 2 bluewave VI dual ballasts which would give me a greater ability to gradually increase the light each day. I don't plan to have any FLuorescents at all. The tank will eventually house some sps but not too intense.

The only reason I'm even thinking about the aquamedic is that it will allow me to have an open top tank which I kinda like for both looks and for keeping the temp down. If I go with the LM I will have a open top hood with the pendents suspended so it will be better that a completely closed hood. The tank will go in a basement so I don't believe heating will be a huge issue.

Key questions:
Is 750W on this tank enough?
Is MH only feasible?
Any other lighting options that you would recommend?

Thanks for your help,
Mike

bertoni · 04/29/2006, 06:38 PM

1. Most likely yes.

2. Lots of people run without supplements to their MH. I do.

3. The LumenMax is very good, but Sunlight Supply is coming out with a new pendant, same basic design, but possibly a better coverage pattern with your system. Check their vendor forum here for details.

4. I would pick the ballasts in combination with the bulbs. Sanjay's web site has very useful data for this choice.

finrod2 · 04/29/2006, 07:55 PM

Jonathan,
Thanks for the advise. The Lumenmax 2's were the pendants that I was planning on going with. How do you work the photo period of your MH's?
Thanks,
Mike

sagitariuscbc · 04/29/2006, 07:58 PM

check out the luminarcs made by pacific garden supply. they are the reflector that sanjay used for his tests. in my book the one you mentioned does not even come close and yes i've seen them side by side.

shawn!~)

sagitariuscbc · 04/29/2006, 07:59 PM

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/fo...s=&forumid=358
their forum here on rc

sagitariuscbc · 04/29/2006, 08:01 PM

their website....
http://www.pacificgardensupply.com/products.asp?cat=2

bertoni · 04/29/2006, 10:36 PM

I just run about 9 hours a day. I have them turn on after sun-up so there isn't a sudden pop in lighting, although MH take a bit to get going anyway. I think the Lumenarc reflectors did get good comments. Sanjay's reviews should be useful.

04/29/2006, 05:04 PM	#1
finrod2 Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Cary, IL Posts: 408	Lumenmax or Aquamedic for my new250 gal. Need some help deciding on what I will use for my 250 gal (60"x34"x25"D). I'm going back in forth between using 3 of the new Lumenmax 2 pendents with 250 HQI MH's or one of the Aquamedic ocean pendants with 3 250's as well. I have also considered going with 4 of the Lumenmax's running on 2 bluewave VI dual ballasts which would give me a greater ability to gradually increase the light each day. I don't plan to have any FLuorescents at all. The tank will eventually house some sps but not too intense. The only reason I'm even thinking about the aquamedic is that it will allow me to have an open top tank which I kinda like for both looks and for keeping the temp down. If I go with the LM I will have a open top hood with the pendents suspended so it will be better that a completely closed hood. The tank will go in a basement so I don't believe heating will be a huge issue. Key questions: Is 750W on this tank enough? Is MH only feasible? Any other lighting options that you would recommend? Thanks for your help, Mike

04/29/2006, 06:38 PM	#2
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	1. Most likely yes. 2. Lots of people run without supplements to their MH. I do. 3. The LumenMax is very good, but Sunlight Supply is coming out with a new pendant, same basic design, but possibly a better coverage pattern with your system. Check their vendor forum here for details. 4. I would pick the ballasts in combination with the bulbs. Sanjay's web site has very useful data for this choice. __________________ Jonathan Bertoni

04/29/2006, 07:55 PM	#3
finrod2 Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Cary, IL Posts: 408	Jonathan, Thanks for the advise. The Lumenmax 2's were the pendants that I was planning on going with. How do you work the photo period of your MH's? Thanks, Mike __________________ New 375G 84"x42"x27", ~100g sump/refugium, 4 x EcoTech Radion XR30G4 Pro + T5, Reef Dynamics XRC1000.5 skimmer, GEO 181 Calc Reactor Current Tank Info: 375G 84"x42"x27" SPS/Fish

04/29/2006, 07:58 PM	#4
sagitariuscbc Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: New Helvetia Posts: 2,290	check out the luminarcs made by pacific garden supply. they are the reflector that sanjay used for his tests. in my book the one you mentioned does not even come close and yes i've seen them side by side. shawn!~) __________________ How to get rid of worry wrinkles, get your faith lifted!-)

04/29/2006, 07:59 PM	#5
sagitariuscbc Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: New Helvetia Posts: 2,290	http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/fo...s=&forumid=358 their forum here on rc __________________ How to get rid of worry wrinkles, get your faith lifted!-)

04/29/2006, 08:01 PM	#6
sagitariuscbc Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: New Helvetia Posts: 2,290	their website.... http://www.pacificgardensupply.com/products.asp?cat=2 __________________ How to get rid of worry wrinkles, get your faith lifted!-)

04/29/2006, 10:36 PM	#7
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	I just run about 9 hours a day. I have them turn on after sun-up so there isn't a sudden pop in lighting, although MH take a bit to get going anyway. I think the Lumenarc reflectors did get good comments. Sanjay's reviews should be useful. __________________ Jonathan Bertoni