Efficient use of metal halide.

[chew*]

If your going to pay for 500w of total lighting you might as well get the most for your money. I can explain later the purposes for this.

I tried to get both of these pics from the same distance, same angle with the same settings on the camera and same lighting in the room.

This was taken with the same ARO ballasts, the bulbs are a month older in the lumenarc photo.

2 Reef optix 3's w/ 2 ARO ballasts and 2 14k pheonix bulbs.

2 Lumenarc Stealths w/ 2 ARO ballasts and 2 14k pheonix bulbs.

Note the increased growth on the green slimer, That reflector was replaced roughly 2 weeks ago. Also note the coraline growth on the overflow, first pic was taken a month ago.

 

[MikeG]

The real comparison would be a pic with the luminarc on one side and the reef optix on the other. Then you know it is not from other factors effecting the exposure.

 

[chew*]

Couple people were at my house recently and saw that comparison I'm sure they will comment here and give an unbiased response.

Now the reason i swapped out. Far right side of the tank down low, a pink stylo is in the first pic, Its almost dead now and I am trying to nurse it back to health. I tested that spot with a milwaukee lux meter, 40 par after using a lux to par conversion equasion. I need to retest but I'm almost certain that there is usable par there now. I've also had accelerated growth from my acans on the sandbed in that location. My zoas were a little ticked for a week but now are quite happy and growing faster.

 

[MikeG]

I saw the same comparison on my tank with a reef optix 3 running a DE 14K bulb to a full size luminarc with a SE 14K bulb. Both on Icecap ballast. Much more light and better spread with the Luminarc.

Let me know if you lose the stylo and I can let you know when the piece I have is fragable. It really hasn't grown much but is very happy.

 

[chew*]

I think i can salvage it but if for some reason i can't I'll let you know.

 

[stingrae]

Chew, Check this out

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

 

[chew*]

Yes i've read that. Looks like the lumenarc diamond light won albeit a SE setup.

Although I've done no extensive testing I think its safe to say lumenarc wins in the DE category also as far as spread/par.