lumenarc, lumenbright, or lumenmax?

[Myka]

I agree. A SE bulb spreads light better than a DE bulb, and a full size reflector (not the mini). LumenArc, LumenBrite, and LumenMax are all very similar reflectors, but the LumenMax tend to just barely beat out the other two in a PAR match (using the same bulb/ballast), and spreads the light just a bit better. OR, your idea of using two DE pendants would be quite sufficient as well, but more expensive as you wouldn't be using your current ballast. I say sell your current DE bulb, and switch to the SE. Be sure to pick a bulb that is known to have a high PAR (or PPFD) reading on your particular ballast. Here is a list of the PPFD ratings for different bulbs on your IceCap 400w electronic ballast: http://www.manhattanreefs.com/lighti...llast-data.php

[zazzoo]

i would scale it down 2x 250 that way there would be a evenly spread light.... and should look at the phoenix 14k bulbs..... come by and look at mine bro

[foreverfortune]

thanks for the suggestions,
just a curious question,
would 2 250w in very close proximity provide the same intensity or par as a 400w?

[fkshiu]

Originally Posted by foreverfortune

thanks for the suggestions,
just a curious question,
would 2 250w in very close proximity provide the same intensity or par as a 400w?

Way too many variables for a simple answer. Plug in a few bulb and ballast combos at the link Myka provided to see various comparisons. Some 250W setups can have more PAR that 400W, some have less, some have about the same. Electrical usage varies as well.

[foreverfortune]

Originally Posted by Myka

Here is a list of the PPFD ratings for different bulbs on your IceCap 400w electronic ballast: http://www.manhattanreefs.com/lighti...llast-data.php

link does not seem to work for me, it links but no information

[fkshiu]

Try this:
http://www.manhattanreefs.com/lighting

[Pan]

I prefer a 400watt 20k bulb over a 250 watt 20k bulb...but thats personaly preference. Yes I have run both side by side and still prefer the 400, would run it but it is too much for my small tank now.

[zazzoo]

my 250 x2 on electronic galaxy ballast is super blinding ............. but it might be the combo i got running

youcan also use 2 250 watt and put them more forward because they are smaller.... that way you will get the look from the front instead of the back..... or you can just add a 250 on the front with a small pendant and save some money there .... or just go 2x 250 side by side towards the front ..... should look SICK

[tang daddy]

if you go for the lager pendants like a lumenbright or lumenmax you will still have a problem with coverage on the 35"wide tank as I use to have 2 lumenbright pendants and they only covered 2x2ft. I run 2x250w hqi now and notice that they are brighter than my 2x400 se.

Twon why don't you keep the 400w fixture in the front and put a 250w hqi in the back, then later sell the 400w and get another 250w and run them side by side. I don't think that your house ac can keep up with the heat of you mh in the summer and you will have to get a chiller anyhow there is a guy on craigslist selling a hqi system for $200 go for it!!

[banditpowdercoat]

i'm interested in someting for my 45g 1/4 round as well. Presently using T5, But wouldn't mind trying halide. I was thinking 2 175W or mine maybe? with actinics in middle? The Halide would be in front, and the Actinic T5's run the radius, from the point in the back to the front center. Wonder how that would work????