Reflector questions

jtesdall

jtesdall

Premium Member
I am going to buy some reflectors this week. As many know I need to lower my 2-250 Metal Halides down closer to the water than 18". I have a good design figured out to make the height adjustable.

So I figure I will take the opportunity to replace the reflectors. I am looking at the parabolic reflectors that PA and Hellolights sell. I don't have the $$ right now to invest in Lumenarcs. Here are the ones I am looking at. Are there any other recommendations or does anyone have any to sell??

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...duct_Code=REEF-LECTOR12&Category_Code=Sockets
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...oduct_Code=PFO-PR36ONLY&Category_Code=Sockets
http://www.hellolights.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=549

Also, not sure if I will go with one 36" reflector or two smaller ones.
 
Just one right Matt?

I am thinking now with one 36" if I ever want to add some fluorescents it may not work out right. I have a 48" 90 gallon. Not backing out Ryan, just thinking out loud.
 
I was thinking about 2-24" and then they could be slid to fit perfectly. But Ryan has offered me a great deal on the 36". Am I wrong, but I think that would be great for the MH's over a 90? Then if I expand to add VHO's I could add a small reflector to make up the difference.

Would it really even help me to add VHO's? I am running 2-250 15K XM's on a 90.
 
Well, first thing is, 15K XM's have about the worst PAR you can get, may want to rethink them as a bulb choice.

Yeah, you could make the 36" work. You dont really need actinics, I use them more for a dawn/dusk effect and to help with overall color, Im using a 10K, so they add a little blue to the look.
 
OH, Really :eek1:

I really like the 15K range Allen. What bulbs have the best PAR? Is there a chart? Dang, new bulbs .... I was hoping not to do that! Is there allot of difference or like 5%?

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11018724#post11018724 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Coralfreak
Well, first thing is, 15K XM's have about the worst PAR you can get, may want to rethink them as a bulb choice.

Yeah, you could make the 36" work. You dont really need actinics, I use them more for a dawn/dusk effect and to help with overall color, Im using a 10K, so they add a little blue to the look.
Click to expand...
 
Hey, it says the same lamp on an M58 Ballast is 55 Par and on an M80 ballast it is 80 Par. I am assuming that PPFD is the value we are Llooking at. I need to learn about the differences. Can you give me a quick rundown? I think I have the M58 ballast. I bet sanjay has an article on this too.
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11018875#post11018875 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Coralfreak
Check out Sanjays site:

http://www.reeflightinginfo.arvixe.com/index.htm

Assuming you are using a standard mag ballast, they are in the mid 50's. A 20K XM runs in the low 70's, not saying to use that per say, but it gives you an idea of the difference. I'm running a DE AB 10K which is in the low to mid 80's, so you can see, 50 is not to good.
Click to expand...
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11018947#post11018947 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jtesdall
Hey, it says the same lamp on an M58 Ballast is 55 Par and on an M80 ballast it is 80 Par. I am assuming that PPFD is the value we are Llooking at. I need to learn about the differences. Can you give me a quick rundown? I think I have the M58 ballast. I bet sanjay has an article on this too.
Click to expand...

I believe the M80 ballast is the hqi ballast.
 
I would imagine, their are lots of options, that was just an example. I don't really know what the 15K looks like. You definitely wont need actinics though. I personally prefer the brighter white/blue look of 10K's, so I am not sure what other bulb may work out for you color wise.
 
Yep, the M80 is an HQI ballast, the M58 is a standard mag ballast. Keep in mind, running an XM on a M80 is "overdriving" the bulb, it wont last long. PPFD is the main number to look at, also look at the power usage, to me this is also a big deal.

A 15K XM draws 295W on an M58 ballast to produce a PPFD of 55. My 10K AB pulls 245W for a PPFD of 83. To me, efficiency plays into lighting as well, I want as much PPFD as I can get for the least power, given or course the bulb looks good, that can be the hard part:)
 
Last edited:
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11018972#post11018972 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Coralfreak
I would imagine, their are lots of options, that was just an example. I don't really know what the 15K looks like. You definitely wont need actinics though. I personally prefer the brighter white/blue look of 10K's, so I am not sure what other bulb may work out for you color wise.
Click to expand...

Allen have you ever ran teh Ushio bulbs at 10K?
 
Wow it lists the XM 10K at 137 Par on an M58 ballast compared to 55 with what I have now!! Does that mean I would be over doubling my light???? Would I need actinics with this?? I thought the higher the the temperature the higher the blue? I guess I need to read the articles huh?
 
Allen have you ever ran teh Ushio bulbs at 10K?
Click to expand...

Yeah, I used a SE one on my frag tank.

Joel,

Higher K generally means more blue. 10K's will be white, but generally have much higher PPFD. You are doubling your PPFD, yes they will be much more intense. I dont like the XM 10K's, but thats just me, they can be a little on the yellow side, you would want actinics with them. Probably would with any 10K to balance out the color.
 
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