Reflector Upgrade

ellisz · 05/14/2008, 07:55 AM

Hi all,

I am currently using 2 retro kits with flat reflectors to run my 3x350 MH setup.

I am considering buying some batwing reflectors from Hellolights. I know the lumenarc and/or lumenbrights would be the best but I wonder if the batwings will give me a noticeable improvement over the flat reflector. I can't afford to do the others right now.

Any thoughts?

JRaquatics · 05/14/2008, 08:08 AM

IMO I would save your money for the LA or LBs. The batwings will direct a little more light in the tank but not to the point your going to say wow, look what I have been missing.

sirreal63 · 05/14/2008, 08:30 AM

Agreed 110% with JR...do it right, the difference will astound you and make your corals happy.

ellisz · 05/14/2008, 01:43 PM

Thanks for the advice!

glxtrix · 05/14/2008, 02:06 PM

Coudn't have said it any better myself. I was simply floored when I went from my parabolic's to the LB's. Literally with my canopy open and the parabolics I didnt need a room light on. now with the LB's, soooo much of the light is getting transfered into the tank...simply amazing! Just a side not to your self tho, depending on your tank size and what wattage you're using, the LB's work best hung at a certain height. There is a big thread on these here, I'd suggest reading about them.

ellisz · 05/14/2008, 02:57 PM

At this point, I will just stay with what I have. I am going to order my reeflux 10k's and add some VHO actinics and see what I get. I get good growth as it is but $90 for 3 reflectors is pretty easy. $140 each or so is not as easy.

My halides now are about 14" off the water in a custom canopy.

glxtrix · 05/14/2008, 03:28 PM

Well you'd def get better growth if they were closer, In not so decent reflectors I'm sure they are losing a good bit of PAR. And if it makes it any better, I've seen the LB's for 109 a piece

JRaquatics · 05/14/2008, 03:33 PM

Reef Specialty has them for $100 each
http://www.reefspecialty.com/coralvu...tors-p-57.html

05/14/2008, 07:55 AM	#1
ellisz Premium Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Indiana Posts: 568	Reflector Upgrade Hi all, I am currently using 2 retro kits with flat reflectors to run my 3x350 MH setup. I am considering buying some batwing reflectors from Hellolights. I know the lumenarc and/or lumenbrights would be the best but I wonder if the batwings will give me a noticeable improvement over the flat reflector. I can't afford to do the others right now. Any thoughts?

05/14/2008, 08:30 AM	#3
sirreal63 Go Spurs Go!!! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Meadowlakes Texas Posts: 13,357	Agreed 110% with JR...do it right, the difference will astound you and make your corals happy. __________________ Jack No One has ever been seriously injured by using the search function. Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms should be a convenience store, not a government agency. Current Tank Info: Reefing the Pentagon.

05/14/2008, 01:43 PM	#4
ellisz Premium Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Indiana Posts: 568	Thanks for the advice! __________________ If you are in S. Indiana or Louisville Check out LMAS.org Current Tank Info: 180 Reef, 100 Frag

05/14/2008, 02:57 PM	#6
ellisz Premium Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Indiana Posts: 568	At this point, I will just stay with what I have. I am going to order my reeflux 10k's and add some VHO actinics and see what I get. I get good growth as it is but $90 for 3 reflectors is pretty easy. $140 each or so is not as easy. My halides now are about 14" off the water in a custom canopy. __________________ If you are in S. Indiana or Louisville Check out LMAS.org Current Tank Info: 180 Reef, 100 Frag

05/14/2008, 08:08 AM	#2
JRaquatics Awaiting Email Confirmation Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: On RC Posts: 3,609	IMO I would save your money for the LA or LBs. The batwings will direct a little more light in the tank but not to the point your going to say wow, look what I have been missing.

05/14/2008, 02:06 PM	#5
glxtrix Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: ATL, GA Posts: 882	Coudn't have said it any better myself. I was simply floored when I went from my parabolic's to the LB's. Literally with my canopy open and the parabolics I didnt need a room light on. now with the LB's, soooo much of the light is getting transfered into the tank...simply amazing! Just a side not to your self tho, depending on your tank size and what wattage you're using, the LB's work best hung at a certain height. There is a big thread on these here, I'd suggest reading about them.

05/14/2008, 03:28 PM	#7
glxtrix Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: ATL, GA Posts: 882	Well you'd def get better growth if they were closer, In not so decent reflectors I'm sure they are losing a good bit of PAR. And if it makes it any better, I've seen the LB's for 109 a piece

05/14/2008, 03:33 PM	#8
JRaquatics Awaiting Email Confirmation Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: On RC Posts: 3,609	Reef Specialty has them for $100 each http://www.reefspecialty.com/coralvu...tors-p-57.html