Lights

[eyebedam]

Im bout to order my lights for the 180. How do these look I will be getting the luminarc minis. Probably 3 of them & the coralvue 14k bulbs.

http://www.aquacave.com/detail.aspx?ID=382

 

[cee]

Looks good, but I wouldn't choose that bulb. Spend the extra $6 and get the Reeflux 10k or 12k. The 14k is pretty dim according to bulb tests. The Reeflux 10k tests out around 12-14k on an eballast but appears white with a hint of blue (and some report pink, although I haven't seen it on mine). The RF 12k is similar to a Radium bulb according to some who've tested a lot more bulbs than I.

Dave

 

[Sir Knight]

If I were going to light a 180 assuming it is a standard 72x24x24, I would use HQI 250's 14000K Metal Halide Bulb by Hamilton Technology with the Lumen Max 3 HQI Reflector. I think you will get more bang for the buck then with SE bulbs. I am also assuming you are going to go SPS with that tank. If not you may not need that amount of light. Also when you start going with 10K or 6.5k you will need to use some kind of supplemental lighting to bring out coral color and or make it look more blue/white. I like blue over yellow which by my eyes 10K and 6.5k are yellow not white but that is just me. I have used and tested 12K bulbs which at that time were being sold as sunburst a few years ago and I would not recommend them. Now keep in mind I really like 20k for color, yes very low in par but I was concerned about color then super fast growth.

JMO

Joe

 

[pitbullpooch]

not to knock sir knights advice on using the lumen max 3 because they are really nice reflectors but if your putting your lighting in a canopy it would be cheaper to go with the lumenarcs over the lumen max 3 and they do make the de hqi's lumenarcs to if you go that route. The lumen max 3 is fancier looking because they are made for hanging above the tank with no canopy so they cost more since there prettier looking. the lumenarc stealth is what you would need for double ended 250 watt hqi bulbs and cost just under $100 and the lumen max 3 are around $150 or more depending on where you get them. just an idea to save some cash if you are putting this in a canopy where it cant be seen if not then the lumen max 3 looks nice if your going with an open top. as far as which one performs better im not sure since ive only seen the results from the lumenarcs tests so i dont know about the lumen max 3 but IMO you cant go wrong either way considering all the good feedback for them both and from my own experiences with the lumenarcs as well as sanjay's test results on the lumenarcs.

 

[outreefed]

Why not 250W HL MH Retrofit Kit (HQI) for Hellolights just like to know