halide reflectors opinions

Discussion in 'Metal Halide Aquarium Lighting' started by newguy420, Mar 10, 2011.

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  1. newguy420

    newguy420 Skunk Shrimp

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    I'm thinking about upgrading my halide reflectors and I'm wondering which ones to look at. I have 2x 250w de halide system on my current setup. It was a "bargain" fixture and my first entry into the halide world. Im upgrading my tank from 24" depth to 30". I know a lot of people will say to go to 400w but I think that thats excessive since with my 250w it seems I can only place things on the lower half of the tank. My theory is that some good reflectors will help with the additional depth. Looking forward to hearing peoples opinions and experiences.. Thanks
     
    newguy420, Mar 10, 2011
    newguy420, Mar 10, 2011
    #1

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  2. gcarroll

    gcarroll Zoanthid

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    will the new tank be 48L x 30W x 24T or 48L x 24W x 30T
     
    gcarroll, Mar 10, 2011
    gcarroll, Mar 10, 2011
    #2
  3. newguy420

    newguy420 Skunk Shrimp

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    The new tank is 72" x 24" x 30". the plan it to cover the center 48" with the 250w halides and finish off the ending 12" on each side with LED. Partially to experiment with LED growth and performance, and partially to keep long term cost down.
     
    newguy420, Mar 10, 2011
    newguy420, Mar 10, 2011
    #3
  4. gcarroll

    gcarroll Zoanthid

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    If 30" tall I would recommend the Sunlight Supply Lumenmax Elite. Personally I would run 3. and forget the LED but I would run the 250 watt Radium with Galaxy ballasts and call it a day. You could color up sps beautifully with that system.
     
    gcarroll, Mar 10, 2011
    gcarroll, Mar 10, 2011
    #4
  5. jonjonwells

    jonjonwells Great Blue Whale

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    Dead on recommendation. If i had the ceiling height above my tank, this is what I would have.
     
    jonjonwells, Mar 10, 2011
    jonjonwells, Mar 10, 2011
    #5
  6. newguy420

    newguy420 Skunk Shrimp

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    So you don't think it's worth it to dabble with some LEDs? I use 14k Phoenix now. Haven't tried radiums because I thought I read that theyre not too good for growth
     
    newguy420, Mar 11, 2011
    newguy420, Mar 11, 2011
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  7. gcarroll

    gcarroll Zoanthid

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    LED may be a good choice but I hate that you are stuck with the spectrum they give you. DIY is nice to custom taylor your look but it just looks tacky to me. I would only consider LED if Energy costs are substantial in your area. If so, the payback for choosing LED would come quick.

    In 250 watt, I like both Phoenix for DE and Radiums for SE. However now that Phoenix is available in SE, I like that choice. How could I not when my tank was featured on the box. Growth issues may be due in part to running them on the wrong ballast. Keep in mind that all 250 watt Radiums and Phoenix run best on an HQI ballast.

    I just got a call 30 mins ago about Radiums. I was told that supplies should dry up because they are having trouble meeting US Customs regulations.
     
    gcarroll, Mar 11, 2011
    gcarroll, Mar 11, 2011
    #7
  8. newguy420

    newguy420 Skunk Shrimp

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    newguy420, Mar 11, 2011
    newguy420, Mar 11, 2011
    #8
  9. gcarroll

    gcarroll Zoanthid

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    gcarroll, Mar 11, 2011
    gcarroll, Mar 11, 2011
    #9
  10. RNO CORALS

    RNO CORALS Bristle Worm

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    I am running the Lumen Max 3 and love them.
     
    RNO CORALS, Mar 11, 2011
    RNO CORALS, Mar 11, 2011
    #10
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