rwb500
Active member
im very interested in seeing the results of your PAR grid. make sure you go through a huge range of distances, to get the "sweet spot" of each light, as discussed above (maybe start at 1' and end at 4' from the bottom of the fixture, taking measurements every 4"). It will be a tremendous amount of work but that is what is necessary, of course.
please make lots of pretty charts with the results. a series of 2D cross sections is the most useful (http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2004/3/aafeature_album/fig14-regent-150de-top.gif). Those 3d graphs that sanjay and others (people on nanoreef) have used are pretty worthless in comparison.
but like i said, dont use the distances sanjay used. I have no idea why he tested MH reflectors at 6, 9, and 12 inches. and thats distance from the center of the lamp. who the heck cares what my PAR is 6" from the bulb. thats barely outside of most MH reflectors. Most people dont have a single coral 12" from their MH bulb. im rambling now, but you get my point. you have the opportunity here to make the most applicable and comprehensive examination ever of light fixtures in our hobby.
please make lots of pretty charts with the results. a series of 2D cross sections is the most useful (http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2004/3/aafeature_album/fig14-regent-150de-top.gif). Those 3d graphs that sanjay and others (people on nanoreef) have used are pretty worthless in comparison.
but like i said, dont use the distances sanjay used. I have no idea why he tested MH reflectors at 6, 9, and 12 inches. and thats distance from the center of the lamp. who the heck cares what my PAR is 6" from the bulb. thats barely outside of most MH reflectors. Most people dont have a single coral 12" from their MH bulb. im rambling now, but you get my point. you have the opportunity here to make the most applicable and comprehensive examination ever of light fixtures in our hobby.