Lumen Max 3 vs. Lumen Max Elite

Replacing my old Halides with either a Lumen Max 3 or a Lumen Max Elite.I have 2 x 250 watt Ice Cap ballasts. 1st question, These pendants will just plug right in to my ballasts right? I am hanging these on a 75 gallon. Some of the things I read said the Elite was better for a deeper tank. The more I read the more confused I get so any comments or suggestions would be great. I am just getting in to SPS and my old fixture is ready to up grade. Basically is the Elite overkill for a standard 75 and if I get the 3 will I wish I had gone with the larger pendant? Thanks friends.

 

Lumen Bright I haven't used the lumen max's, but my understanding is they give you a wider spread, which you don't need/want on a 18" wide tank.

The lumenbright mini is more focused and you can hang it higher, (up to) 16"+ so, that there is no heat issue and you'll get better PAR. (Also note there is a "mini-wide" this gives a wider dispersion pattern though, which you shouldn't need on a 75g - I think the mini would be better).

Just my .02

Here is a good reflector comparison.
Lumenbright Reflector comparisons - Reef Central Online Community

 

That is some great info. K+ I was looking for a double ended pendant. The mini looks like it is a socket type only? I liked the Lumen Maxes because of the plug and play compatibility. Would I have to wire the Lumenbright Mini?

 

I don't recall if it is plug and play with icecaps. If you need to wire it, there are just three wires. Strip off the ends, twist them together with a wire nut and you good to go. I had to with my galaxy ballast, but it's really quite easy.

I believe There is a DE "HQI" version.


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I don't like messing with electricity but that doesn't sound to hard, I will check for the DE HQI version.

 

Okay, just found these any comments?
Mogul Base Single Ended Pendant by IceCap - AquaCave

 

Lumen Max Elite

Hello,

I have the Lumen Max Elite 250s for my build along with two 120 watt LEDs. They go well with my system 300 gallon - lots of black color. I looked at your Aqua Cave light, i think it nice with a good price too.

Good Luck!

 

I don't know about that fixture. Icecap is great but has out of business, for some time, for one. I still have not figured out why Aquacave is listing their products. I tried to order a Icecap ballast from Aquacave 6 months ago and they told me icecap was no more and they would not be getting any more, yet they still list it! Aquacave has good prices and shipping and such, but they are seriously disorganized or something, I have no idea what they are thinking sometimes.

Also, the fixture looks like a parabolic "spider" fixture inside. So, you may want to check on this. If Aquacave does have some (which I doubt) spider reflectors are not even close to the same league as a Lumen Max or LumenBright for example. However, I am not familiar with that fixture, other than what I can see in the picture.

 

llumenmax 3 will be fine for your 75, the lumenmax elites are good reflectors and yes they will project a larger light footprint than you will need, however that just means the next time you upgrade you won't have to buy new lights...;D

 

LumenMax Elite refpectors have a more focused and intense spread than the LumenMax 3's dispersed spread. Another option could be the SLS Reef Optix 3 if they are still in production as the light spread would work best on a 75 gallon.