My new 600 gallon reef

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<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11137658#post11137658 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jnarowe
Great job Chuck, and they look pretty damn level to me. I would heed Marc's warning and lower the light period as well as take an inventory of corals that are mounted in the upper half of the water column. Anything that is not SPS I would move lower right away.
I've set back the timers on the new reflectors to just 5 hours. I wished that I had taken a meter reading before I changed the reflectors. Would have been interesting to compare PAR values between the two different reflectors.
 
Yeah, Marc's estimate of 300% seems huge to me, but it is entirely possible. I have always used the Diamond reflectors (predescessor to the Lumenarc) and I think they are great. So do most of the pot growers in the US. :lol:

With that steel beam, it would be impossible to put them all on a single mover, but with the dimensions of your tank, that may be over-kill anyway. Next time you buy, try getting a 20K SE lamp like an Ushio and see how you like it.
 
That 300% comparison is by Sanjay, not me, and that was versus a typical spider reflector, not the ones that Chuck had. However, considering how the glass was dirty on those before we took them down for cleaning, it really could have been near 300% difference. Who knows.... all that matters was that he didn't cook his corals with this recent upgrade.

If anything, the cleaning of the lights Saturday night gave the tank Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday to get used to increased lighting before they really got hammered today with the Luminarc IIIs.
 
Nice upgrade! The LA IIIs even look an inch or so higher than the old reflectors.

I am using LA IIIs and the LA minis and would only use other reflectors where I have to for reasons of fit or function, as even the minis have a good size foot print, they are worth every penny. I am always impressed with your commitment to your systems ... very nice.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11140532#post11140532 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Bax
Nice upgrade! The LA IIIs even look an inch or so higher than the old reflectors.

I am using LA IIIs and the LA minis and would only use other reflectors where I have to for reasons of fit or function, as even the minis have a good size foot print, they are worth every penny. I am always impressed with your commitment to your systems ... very nice.
It's unfortunate that I didn't know Marc earlier and gotten his opinions. I think that he has seen most everything out there for the hobby and has a pretty good grasp of what works and what doesn't. Being from South Dakota, LFS don't have a lot to choose from in stock and I find it tough to find the best solutions. Had I seen Nick's and Phil's tanks prior to this weekend, the choice would have been an easy one in the beginning. Seems like I go through a lot of trial and error in this hobby, probably more than most. The Lumenarc reflectors are top notch as far as I am concerned now. (More glass to clean, but what the heck). When I take a look now at my 470, three of the Lumenarc's probably would have been a better choice for that tank too.
 
I am looking for help in identifing this new tang. Cougarman, where are you?

newmysterytang.jpg
 
I think your thread is influencing the LFS here, I just saw my first live mustard tang today. The first one I ever saw was on this thread.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11144348#post11144348 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Goodwin9
It's unfortunate that I didn't know Marc earlier and gotten his opinions. I think that he has seen most everything out there for the hobby and has a pretty good grasp of what works and what doesn't. Being from South Dakota, LFS don't have a lot to choose from in stock and I find it tough to find the best solutions. Had I seen Nick's and Phil's tanks prior to this weekend, the choice would have been an easy one in the beginning. Seems like I go through a lot of trial and error in this hobby, probably more than most. The Lumenarc reflectors are top notch as far as I am concerned now. (More glass to clean, but what the heck). When I take a look now at my 470, three of the Lumenarc's probably would have been a better choice for that tank too.

The best way to avert this situation is to be very patient. I rarely make quick decisions on equipment, almost to a fault. I have my own plan in mind as well as my opinion of what I think I need, but that doesn't mean I'll buy it right then and there.

Of course, there are exceptions to that rule, but for the most part I prefer to think about it, sleep on it, discuss it on RC and see what others have experienced or what they think. After that time elapses, then I'll take the plunge and move forward with the information I gleaned.

I've not replied to your email yet, but I will. :)
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11144452#post11144452 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
The best way to avert this situation is to be very patient. I rarely make quick decisions on equipment, almost to a fault. I have my own plan in mind as well as my opinion of what I think I need, but that doesn't mean I'll buy it right then and there.

Of course, there are exceptions to that rule, but for the most part I prefer to think about it, sleep on it, discuss it on RC and see what others have experienced or what they think. After that time elapses, then I'll take the plunge and move forward with the information I gleaned.

I've not replied to your email yet, but I will. :)
I did post questions on this forum and others as to the best way to light the new tank. Got a lot of responces and a lot of opinions. In the end, I chose to go with a setup similar to the 470 which looks pretty good under all of the lights. the 10 foot length & 48" width was just to big for a light setup like the 470.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11144446#post11144446 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Bax
I think your thread is influencing the LFS here, I just saw my first live mustard tang today. The first one I ever saw was on this thread.
Did you happen to notice what they were selling the fish for? Got to find out if I got a good deal or not.....
 
You know Chuck, I don't have glass in my reflectors. The type of lamps I use have an extra shield to protect from UV, or so I am told.
 
Now someone may wonder why I am posting a picture of this thermometer. Melev pointed to this laying at the bottom of my tank encrusted with coralline to the point where is was almost unreadable. Marc suggested I soak it in a little water & vinegar and to my surprise, came out looking darn near brand new. A lesson for all like me that skipped basics. Vinegar...amazing stuff!

temperature.jpg
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11144509#post11144509 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jnarowe
You know Chuck, I don't have glass in my reflectors. The type of lamps I use have an extra shield to protect from UV, or so I am told.

Considering what these reflectors cost, I think having a splash guard to keep them pristine is a good investment. They are 4x as expensive as the ones most of us buy.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11144497#post11144497 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Goodwin9
I did post questions on this forum and others as to the best way to light the new tank. Got a lot of responces and a lot of opinions. In the end, I chose to go with a setup similar to the 470 which looks pretty good under all of the lights. the 10 foot length & 48" width was just to big for a light setup like the 470.

Understandable. And the Luminarc IIIs are often mentioned but really aren't installed as often as one might think because of their size. For larger tanks though, it seems like a no-brainer to me.

Like I said, I'd like to add them to my tank but space is tight. I'm hoping my plan with the L-minis will work out.
 
True. I do have to wipe the lamps down every couple of months or so. But I bought my reflectors off property room, so they only cost me $40! :D can you hear the cackling Marc???
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11144614#post11144614 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Goodwin9
Now someone may wonder why I am posting a picture of this thermometer. Melev pointed to this laying at the bottom of my tank encrusted with coralline to the point where is was almost unreadable. Marc suggested I soak it in a little water & vinegar and to my surprise, came out looking darn near brand new. A lesson for all like me that skipped basics. Vinegar...amazing stuff!

temperature.jpg

I thought you were trying to show me the tank was less than 70F again. :lol:

It looks great. Has anyone told you about the magic of Muriatic Acid yet? 10x stronger, etches concrete and devours coralline, but can be harsh on some pump parts as well as their gaskets.

And it will ruin a nice stainless steel sink. :rolleyes:
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11144713#post11144713 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jnarowe
True. I do have to wipe the lamps down every couple of months or so. But I bought my reflectors off property room, so they only cost me $40! :D can you hear the cackling Marc???

Nothing wrong with saving money when you can. Cackle away. :)
 
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