? regarding lumen max 2s

[Yinger]

I was thinking of switching over from the RO IIIs to Lumen Max 2s. I'm using icecap 250 e ballasts and running phoenix DE bulbs. I was wondering if anyone had any experience with lumen max 2s. Also, do you need the glass shield and do they reduce the intensity of the light? I was considering XM 10k bulbs mainly because of Sanjay's tests which proves that XM 10k and icecap e ballasts will deliver the best par rating at 11k. Anyone else have experiences with this setup? TIA

 

[gcarroll]

Re: ? regarding lumen max 2s

I was thinking of switching over from the RO IIIs to Lumen Max 2s. I'm using icecap 250 e ballasts and running phoenix DE bulbs. I was wondering if anyone had any experience with lumen max 2s.
Yin, I don't have the LM2s but I do have the simular designed LM3.

Also, do you need the glass shield and do they reduce the intensity of the light?
The glass shield on the LM2 is optional. This shield would be used to protect the bulb and the reflector from salt spray. It will reduce light output by approx 10%

I was considering XM 10k bulbs mainly because of Sanjay's tests which proves that XM 10k and icecap e ballasts will deliver the best par rating at 11,000K. Anyone else have experiences with this setup?
Remember that Sanjay's kelvin rating are actual ratings and not based on industry standards. Sanjay's equipment will measure kelvin ratings up to approx 30,000 - 35,000K. As I am sure you have noticed, many bulbs on Sanjay's site have a CCT of 0. This means that they had a Kelvin rating that measured higher than 35,000K. If you like the pure white or slightly blue look, be prepared to supplement. If I were you, I would just buy one pendant first to make sure that is the change that is right for you. I personally love the unsupplemented 10K look but most do not.

 

[wishntoboutside]

wow,

gregs got the red ink out like a school teacher proof reading papers now. he he lol

 

[Charles99]

lol... we're lucky to be able pick his brain

 

[Yinger]

Greg, thanks for the info. Just a quick question. The main reason why i wanted to switch to xm 10k's was because of the PPFD was significantly higher than my current setup with the phoenix bulbs. the phoenix did show a CCT of 0, but the 10k's showed a CCT of 11k. Does that mean the color will be white or yellowish? I'd prefer a white crisp color. I do have 2x110 VHO super actinics for supplemenation right now.

 

[gcarroll]

To give you an idea of the coloration of the bulb.....
At Black Coral Hawaii, Clint's display tank is running Hamilton 14K bulbs. I ould consider those bulbs as crisp white. There is definitly no blue tint to those bulbs compared to a Phoenix. That bulb is classified by sanjay as a blue bulb and if tested would read 30,000K+. So in short to answer your question. They will be yellow. Here is a good thread regarding 10K bulbs and RC member Kip describes the look of the XM 10K. I think he used the term "pee-pee yellow!"

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8037563#post8037563 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Kip
i have been all over the map with lighting

i went thru 250w DE AB20ks... then to 250wp14kDEs... then to 400wRadiumSE on HQI (was happy with this)... and then to 250wSExm10ks for a more natural daylight look. I went to the XMs because they have a ppfd similar to the 400wRadiumsSE on HQI, test at a CRI of about 11,000k, but less power usage and a whiter look. Well, I couldnt get 3 XM 10ks to all burn the same color... actually they were pee-pee yellow (thanks word sensor)and my corals suffered. They were ok the first day or two.. but over about 3-4wks, i couldnt stand it anymore. SO... i went with 400w SE EVC10ks on magnetic. I am now happy. I can even run them without actinics and not be too upset, although i prefer a pair of actinics to be ran with them. I get a nice crisp, clean, natural daylight look without all the yellow.

I have excellent PAR readings* and light reaching parts of the tank that have otherwise been dim. I also saw some colors start to spark alive in some corals that have been dull/idle for a while.

(*1000-1100 ppfd @ water surface with bulbs 9" off the water in spider reflectors)

I really like this lighting set up, but i wont be able to make a fair judgement of their effects over time because i am in the process of re-'scaping my tank.

If you want pics, I dont have any with the evc10ks installed.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/s...ge=25&highlight=alessandro rossi&pagenumber=1

 

[Yinger]

hmm... pee pee yellow. The color before or after you drink a rockstar energy drink? haha, jk. Yeh, definitely don't want the yellow look. Maybe I need to change my ballasts too haha. Thanks Greg