LB reflector question

[noahm]

Hey guys,
I am going to pick up a pair of Lumen Bright reflectors from you guys, but was wondering if you had any knowledge of the difference in the minis and larges as far as actual light spread. I have a 125 g 24"x48"x25" and was wondering if the minis would be sufficient or if the large is the way to go. I just don't want too little/too much spill/overlap I will be running 250w in them.

thanks,
Noah

 

[Jeremy B.]

Hi Noah,

The spread will depend on the height you have them above the water. Let me know when you get time.

Thanks,
Jeremy

 

[noahm]

All options are open. They will be hung w/adjustability, but if I can get enough spread from the mini I can build a lower profile (not lower height) hanging rack/hood. I have read the RC Reefkeeping article/review about the LB and it seems that 14"-16" is the norm for it at 250w. I just haven't been able to get any feedback on tank dimensions people are using them on.

Proper lighting is more important to me than the lower profile and the only literature I can find from the Mfr is that the mini is good for people with smaller hoods?..nothing about spread difference though it would seem obvious.

Thanks in advance for any kind of feedback or experience w/either size. (i.e. what do most people use on a tank this size?)

Noah

 

[Jeremy B.]

The mini's would be the way to go for you in that case. If you had limited overhead space, and had to bring the reflectors down really close to the top of the tank then I would recommend going with the Lg, however since you're open and will have the room above, I would do the Mini's and just go a few inches higher, around that 12" - 15" range and you'll cover the tank with no problems at all.

 

[noahm]

cool, thanks. Except I just got done checking out the new ATI T-5 fixture..... now what to do?

Noah

 

[Jeremy B.]

Personally, I still prefer the look of MH's. I probably would never convert over to T5's completely for just the love of the look of a tank lit by MH. Having said that, T5's perform extremely well, and you can't argue witht he results that a lot of people have gotten with them, especially sps dominated systems.

 

[noahm]

Yeah, I am really leaning toward the LB with Radium 20k's. May throw in a t5 on each side to tweak color and do morning/evening. Thanks for the input. Budget opens up another $250 at the beginning of the month, so I will probably order reflectors then so I can get started on the hood/rack.
:rollface:

 

[Jeremy B.]

Sounds great. Let me know when you're ready and I'll get you taken care of.

Thanks,
Jeremy