Giesemann MH Versus Lumenarc III reflectors

[ahchung]

I am planning to buy a MH. I am considering the following:

- Giesemann Nova II Metal Halide HQI Pendant Lighting System
- Lumenarc III reflector + Icecap ballast

It seems to me that the Lumenarc III reflector is larger and has mirror reflecting quality. Giesemann reflector is smaller but is parabolic in shape.

I would like to know which configuration (reflector in particular) is better. Please share your thought.

 

[Fliger]

There really isn't a "better" overall. Giesemann and other European reflectors are smaller because their tank tend to be more narrow. Lumenarcs essentially waste energy on narrow tanks. If your tank is 20" or less (wide) a DE could be great. If its wider, bigger reflectors work better. Its the same energy/wattage, just spread out over a wider area.

 

[ahchung]

My tank is 24"L x 18"W x 22"H. In this case should I get Giesemann?

Also, may I know what is DE?

 

[ahchung]

Also, the following TOTM is using Giesemann MH as well. This is a 22"W tank.

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-06/totm/index.php

 

[thebicyclecafe]

What are the dimensions of the tank you're going to be using it on?

 

[thebicyclecafe]

BTW DE is short for Double Ended, which is the type of metal halide bulb that is sort of long-cylindrical in shape with two ends connected to the socket as opposed to the single ended, which looks more like a regular incandescent bulb with one ended screwed in.

 

[ahchung]

Tank dimension is 24"L x 18"W x 22"H. I will be running a DSB and so the SPS's will be no more than 15" from the top of the tank.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7861989#post7861989 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by thebicyclecafe
What are the dimensions of the tank you're going to be using it on?

 

[ahchung]

Why Double Ended is recommended? Is it because of the smaller footprint?

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7861934#post7861934 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Fliger
There really isn't a "better" overall. Giesemann and other European reflectors are smaller because their tank tend to be more narrow. Lumenarcs essentially waste energy on narrow tanks. If your tank is 20" or less (wide) a DE could be great. If its wider, bigger reflectors work better. Its the same energy/wattage, just spread out over a wider area.

 

[ahchung]

Thanks for your information. How should I choose between Single Ended and Double Ended?

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7861990#post7861990 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by thebicyclecafe
BTW DE is short for Double Ended, which is the type of metal halide bulb that is sort of long-cylindrical in shape with two ends connected to the socket as opposed to the single ended, which looks more like a regular incandescent bulb with one ended screwed in.

 

[Project Reef]

I have 3 x 250 giesemann nova II pendants. I love the look and elegant design of the pendants, however the spread on them is not that great. I'll probably upgrade lighting soon.

 

[panic]

LAIII is bigger than your tank at 19 1/2" square. Maybe go with a mini - still it might be too large. You will have a difficult time adding T-5 or VHO if you choose.

I have LAIII with se bulbs and love them. SE bulbs spread light to the whole tank, but less intense that a DE bub. More color options on SE bulb brands. Cheaper usually. Bigger

I have some DE pendants and like that they are compact and clean. They are like spotlights, shooting light down in almost a beam. This can be good in a small tank if you want to put some low light corals on the edges.

 

[RichConley]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7930042#post7930042 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Project Reef
I have 3 x 250 giesemann nova II pendants. I love the look and elegant design of the pendants, however the spread on them is not that great. I'll probably upgrade lighting soon.

I've got a novaII pendant, and I agree. THeyre not all that nice. I'd swap for a LA3 any day of the week.

 

[cpreefguy]

i just bought 2x250w w/ icecap ballasts for my 40g w/ lumenarc minis
you just cant beat them!

 

[-TS-Vash]

I have 2 giesemann nova II pendants with 150 watt bulbs.
My tank is 24x24x48 and its BB all my sps do fine i have a huge maxima clam on the bottom of the glass and its fine also. I love my lights there cool enough to touch without getting burned and i dont need a chiller. The reflector is smaller but its still alot of light.

BTW i run the 2 pendants and 4 54watt T5s but the T5s are all 460 & 420 nm bulbs.

Here is a pic of mine.

 

[cpreefguy]

I like the dimensions of your tank^^^