Best metal halide reflector for light spread and intensity

[SaltwaterAdict]

I want to optimize my par and brighten the tank a bit. What type of reflector would you guys recommend for 250W radium bulb run on an ARO ballast?

 

[chefzif]

Re: lighting

Re: lighting

We have had this discussion before, I would go Luminark Elites with the 20k Radiums and galaxy select Ballast. IMO:thumbsup: Great spread and crisp look!

I want to optimize my par and brighten the tank a bit. What type of reflector would you guys recommend for 250W radium bulb run on an ARO ballast?

 

[ariffle11]

+1... radiums on galaxy w/ lumenarks

 

[SaltwaterAdict]

We have had this discussion before, I would go Luminark Elites with the 20k Radiums and galaxy select Ballast. IMO:thumbsup: Great spread and crisp look!

Upgraded my lights and have different output. thanks

Also, raised my canopy so now I can go with basically any reflector, I was limited to only a spider at the time given the height of my canopy..

Do you mean lumenmax elites? I never heard of lumenarc elites..don't think they exist.

 

[SaltwaterAdict]

+1... radiums on galaxy w/ lumenarks

Thanks for the suggestion. I think the lumenarcs seem like the best spread and great penetration. As far as ballast are concerned. My buddy has a galaxy, ARO, and icecap 250w and can't really tell any major difference. They look almost identical he said.

 

[ariffle11]

i ran a radium 250 on an icecap before over my cube and loved it.... now im running 2, 250s on a galaxy dual ballast (icecap doesnt make a dual)... the only thing i can say about the ice caps is that it took a bit longer for them to fire and burn in to their running color than the galaxy does (i have no idea why really haha)

 

[Milkman78]

luminarc is what i would do

 

[serpentman]

I run Lumenmax Elites and love them. I've run lumenarc's and lumenbrites. Overall the performance if very comparable to the lumenarcs, however the footprint of the reflector is smaller. PAR is excellent and the spread is very impressive.

As far as bulbs, honestly, it really comes down to personal preference. I love the look of the radiums but have always been concerned about the lifespan of a 20k bulb as most tend to shift at the 8-10month mark vs 12month for lower spectrum bulbs. Again this is speculation on my part.

I run the Phoenix 14K's on my tank. I've always been happy with the output and color and they seem to last a long time. However, you know what they say about opinions....