Halide bulbs in parallel or series?

lastlight · #1 01-19-2012, 04:15 PM

Things are really cramped above my tank at the moment and I'm thinking of rotating all of my halide reflectors so the socket assemblies run parallel to the length of the tank. I'd like to move my rear T5s inwards a little and can't currently.

Every store-bought fixture I've ever seen has the bulbs running parallel and people always seem to mount their retrofit reflectors perpendicular.

Is it the same thing? Reflectors are pretty much square so I'm thinking it will make no difference...

Lampshade · #2 01-19-2012, 04:24 PM

I run only 2 halides on my 6' with them parallel, I get great coverage(still should add a third though). Sanjay did a write up that shows the retrofit batwing style reflectors with a long narrow focal point, so if that's what you're running, you might even end up better off. The PFO Parallel reflectors where the closest I could find to the generic ones that most people run.

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2003/3/aafeature

lastlight · #3 01-19-2012, 04:26 PM

Sorry should have specified these are lumenmax elites. I'll go check the reflector review I seem to recall spread being even in all 4 directions...

christyf5 · #4 01-19-2012, 04:29 PM

yeah they are spread pretty even, i have mine mounted parallel just because of that huge piece that sticks out of the reflector (I"m having a morning moment here, can't think of what its called), anyhoo its got the cord and all that (like the socket bit) it doesn't fit for the width of my tank towards the front and I'd likely bonk my head on it so they're turned to the side

Jeez did any of that even make sense? Need more caffeine...

Lampshade · #5 01-19-2012, 04:31 PM

Yeah, i think part 4 or 5 of sanjay's write up had them, you are right, I remember them being pretty even all around. Should be very little difference what direction they face, and if it clears up some room for your T5's might work out great.

here's the link that has yours. My bookmark's are becoming a textbook :S
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2009/1/review

lastlight · #6 01-19-2012, 04:38 PM

Yeah they look pretty uniform as far as par distribution:

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2009/1/review

Unless I'm missing something else I should be ok to rotate them all with no effects.

parkinsn · #7 01-19-2012, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lastlight

Yeah they look pretty uniform as far as par distribution:

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2009/1/review

Unless I'm missing something else I should be ok to rotate them all with no effects.

As do the RADions says Sanjay. Maybe you should just upgrade

I dont see why you cant rotate them. The refletor is only like an 1" different if I remember correctly.

Lampshade · #8 01-19-2012, 04:44 PM

I see 150-200ppfd.. where the lumenmax where tests showing 500-600? hmmm....
haha, just jealous.

lastlight · #9 01-19-2012, 04:46 PM

Yeah those look identical Scott =)

Yeah yeah I know... halide par is now FAKE par and LED par is like... 10x more concentrated and can cure many serious ailments lol.

parkinsn · #10 01-19-2012, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lastlight

Yeah those look identical Scott =)

Yeah yeah I know... halide par is now FAKE par and LED par is like... 10x more concentrated and can cure many serious ailments lol.

I know right!! I feel so much better when I turn mine on over an empty tank and sit by it

If I remember correctly though you get less "par" directly under the lamp. Im sure that's not really an issue for you though.