Reflectors: What is the latest thinking?

[rishma]

I need to downsize. I'll likely go with an 18 inch cube so a wide spread is not critical. On my current tank I use a Luminbright large reflectors. I am happy with it. I like how deep they are so as to limit the amount of stray light shining into your eyes. I also like to hang it high to limit heat transfer.

I don't supplement with actinics. I don't have a canopy.

Lumenmax elite look good but they are very shallow. I think viewer might get a lot of light in the eyes.

Thoughts?

 

[James77]

I use the LumenMax 3s, they have a smaller foot print but still cover well. They are also fairly shallow at about 5.5" IIRC. But I have mine mounted high- about 5.5-6 feet in the air above an open top tank, and I have no complaints of light glare.

 

[rishma]

Lumenmax 3 is just a double ended version of Lumenmax 2, RIGHT?

Looks pretty good. I like the decent looking outer shell.

 

[James77]

Yes, the LM2 is SE, LM3 is DE. Just checked, bottom of lights are at 60" off the floor. When you lean over and look at the center of the tank, you get some glare. But even then it is tolerable. On my couch, about 15 feet away, when inlay down I get no glare from them.

They look good on the outside, mount easily to anything with the standard internal nuts them have. Check out the used forums, they go for about Half the price of new lately.

 

[rishma]

Thanks Jim.