Two DE bulbs in a lumenarc?

[Reef55]

I have a single lumenarc mini on my tank right now... not enough room for 2 of them. I would like to run a 20k and 10k bulb though to get a mix of color. Any thoughts on retrofitting a pair of DE bulbs side by side in a single lumenarc?

Thanks

Mark

 

[ejocam]

MArk, there is a new reflector coming out in a couple of weeks that is designed for DE bulbs. I believe the dimensions are
11.5" X 11.5" X 6". Sunlight supply will be unveiling it at the Western Marine Confrence in Sacramento this weekend. Hope this helps.

 

[Reef55]

oooo I could fit two of those over my tank! Thanks

 

[ReeferMonkey]

The reflectors Eric is talking about are the LumenMax 2 and 3 that are due any day now. Early reports indicate retail price will be around $145.

mwood here on RC had PGS retrofit 2 SE bulbs into a regular L3 with mediocre results. The coverage wasn't exactly even... but then again the L3 is designed for a single bulb, so go figure. I think you'd have poor results with 2 DE bulbs in a single L3 Mini.

 

[RichConley]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7199139#post7199139 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ReeferMonkey
The reflectors Eric is talking about are the LumenMax 2 and 3 that are due any day now. Early reports indicate retail price will be around $145.

mwood here on RC had PGS retrofit 2 SE bulbs into a regular L3 with mediocre results. The coverage wasn't exactly even... but then again the L3 is designed for a single bulb, so go figure. I think you'd have poor results with 2 DE bulbs in a single L3 Mini.

Hey Marc. Completely agree with the guy above.

The lumenarc is designed to have the center of the bulb at the focus of the reflector. I think you'd have an extremely hard time getting 2 bulbs to even come close to that focus point.

 

[Reef55]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7199235#post7199235 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RichConley
Hey Marc. Completely agree with the guy above.

The lumenarc is designed to have the center of the bulb at the focus of the reflector. I think you'd have an extremely hard time getting 2 bulbs to even come close to that focus point.

That is why I was thinking DE bulbs that could be right next to each other.

 

[blgreef]

you may find that having two bulbs so close may generate issues for the arc tube.

In general its not ideal to have to much light restriking the arc tube.


3. Reflector Problem
Reflector design may refocus radiant energy directly on the arc tube or other parts of the lamp causing overheating. Limits for allowable voltage rise due to fixture effect are listed in High Pressure Sodium Engineering Bulletins. If this is suspected, the luminaire should be tested in a laboratory.

the above is from:

http://www.venturelighting.com/TechCenter/troubleshooting.html

 

[ReeferMonkey]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7199253#post7199253 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Reef55
That is why I was thinking DE bulbs that could be right next to each other.

It's just not designed to work that way.