Metal Halide Reflectors

[Buzz1329]

I'm looking for recommendations for MH reflectors for 250 watt Radium bulbs (SE) over a 180 gallon (72 x 24 x 24) tank. Here are the ones I'm considering:

1. Lumen Max Reflector (14.5" x 14.5" x 5.3")
Designed for use in canopy and for a 2 'x 2'-30" x 30"growing area.

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/lumenmax-elite-mogul-fixture.html

2. Lumen Max 2 Reflector (15" L x 11.5" W x 5")
Stand-alone hanging fixture "“ reflector itself is 11.5" square.

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/mh-lumen-max-2-se-reflector.html

3. Coral Vue Lumen Bright Mini Reflector (16"x16"x7") (octagonal)

http://www.reefspecialty.com/virtue...vue-lumen-bright-se-mini-wide-reflectors.html

4. Reef Optix reflectors

http://www.reefspecialty.com/virtue...-reef-optixr-1-plus-mogul-base-reflector.html

Also, is it true that a SE MH bulb does not require a glass shield because the outer shell of the SE bulbs filters out harmful UV?

Thanks.

 

[Buzz1329]

What? Nobody has responded to my post in the ten nanoseconds since I posted it? Really?

Just kidding. :smokin:

So no sooner did I post my thread when jerpa provided me with a link to a recent reflector study that provides excellent data on the Lumen Brite and Lumen Max Elite reflectors.

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2009/1/review

But the ones I'm considering are Lumen Max not Lumen Max Elite. I ruled the LME out because they seem designed to cover more area (30" x 30") than I want to cover.

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/lumenmax-elite-mogul-fixture.html

But if you disagree let me know.

 

[alton]

#3 all the way, I use 3 pendants with 250w MH to cover my 300

 

[aandfsoccr04]

I'd vote for number 1.

 

[jerpa]

Option 1 in the first post is to the LumenMax Elites.

I use two elites over my 120. Lumenbrights and lumenmax elites are suitable for a 2'x2' area. Lumenarcs tend to be better for larger areas.

You can run SE bulbs without a shield but you will have to make sure the reflector is hung high enough that no fish can splash the bulb.

 

[Buzz1329]

Thanks for the input.

You're right, Jerpa, I left out the word "Elite" in the first option. According to the article you cited, the Lumen Max Elite and the Lumen Brite reflectors both look like pretty good choices for tanks less that 30" in width and 24" or less in depth, which fits a 180 to a T. So I guess I'm going with the Lumen Max Elite.