SE Lumenarc III vs. PFO HQI Lighting Decision

[Kaptain]

New tank will be 210 gallon AGA 72''L x 28"D x 24"W. I would like to have LPS,SPS, and Clams. I am trying to narrow down the overwhelming MH options available. Have read the threads, been to Sanjays site, and have come to these two possibilities: A SE setup with the Lumenarc III, or an HQI setup using the PFO mini pendant. Cost is close enough for both. Plan on 250 watt systems. Am I just splitting hairs now? WHat do you think?

 

[Bebo77]

i have the mini pfo, the lumenarc's are huge.. if you want space above your tank go pfo... otherwise go lumenarc.

 

[slovan]

How about T5s instead? Sorry, just kidding. I don't think you can go wrong with either of your choices. Is energy cost going to be an issue? If so, I'd get the Lumenarcs with electronic ballasts. If not, go for more par with the hqi.

 

[moonpod]

The DE is best for lighting 2x2x2 areas. The SE will work better otherwise due to a more dispersed lighting pattern.

 

[Large Polyp Dave]

i think that between those 2 choices (which are both probably the best in each of their respective classes), it will boil down to what bulb you want to run.

 

[Kaptain]

Thanks for all the input. I noticed the lumenarcs are pretty big reflectors (even the mini) - so i'm thinking the PFO HQI setup will work out better- give me easier access to the tank. Any cons to the HQI?

 

[cmhollis]

Have you read this review:

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/mar2003/feature.htm

It helped me make my decision, I went with the LAIII.

HTH,

Mike

 

[Kaptain]

Thanks cmhollis! I had not read that one yet.

 

[Kaptain]

cmhollis,

What bulb/ballast setup will you be going with?

 

[cmhollis]

I am using a M58 magnetic ballast that I was given free. I plan to use a 6500K 250W bulb for lighting my fuge. I know that it would be cheaper to use one of the floodlights talked about on Melev's site, but I am going with MH on a reverse lighting cycle to help minimize pH drop in the evening. I have a couple more of these that I plan to put above my 55g which will be a QT tank. I am also thinking about putting another above my sump and use it as a frag tank. I haven't decided which bulbs I will put above the 55 or the sump.

 

[Kaptain]

Thanks. These will be lighting the main tank. I would like to find a bulb that would not rquire actinic supplementation. Maybe a Hamilton 14,00K. I'm running out of room for actinics if i put the lumenarcs in. My fuge is lit by PC lighting. works good.