MH lamp placement

[Clownguy]

I just got my third MH to add to my tank and now I have to figure out how to fit them in. Right now I have the two of them so the lamp is parallel to the longest axis of the tank. Should I try to fit all three this way or should I turn them all so they are purpendicular to the long axis of the tank or maybe leave the original two the way they are and turn the one purpendicular. Curious what people think.

Chris

 

[Kensn]

I am also wondering what the best way is......

 

[NaH2O]

Chris - what type of reflectors do you have? I was surprised to learn that some reflectors are specific to which direction they should be mounted. Here is a thread where some discussion was made on mounting direction: Which MH Reflector Do You Use?

 

[tomz]

No one in the other thread indiated how luminarc's should be mounted, perpendicular or parallel, anyone know?



Tom

 

[NaH2O]

Tom - I hope this helps a bit. I've been interested in the Luminarcs, and it seems that their light distribution is very even when compared to other reflectors in the following test:

Analyzing Reflectors: Part I – Mogul Reflectors by Sanjay Joshi & Timothy Marks

As a practical guide this data can be used in several ways:

1) Given the placement of the reflector in the hood it can be used to determine the placement of the corals and rockwork in the tank.

2) The impact of raising or lowering the light fixture can be determined with respect to maximum intensity and area coverage at a given intensity.

3) Given the shape of the tank and the rock layout, the reflector’s light distribution pattern can be used to select the proper reflector geometry for the tank and the positioning of the reflector within the hood.

4) To place corals within the tank if the general light requirements are known.

Here are the Luminarc III results

Of all the reflectors tested, the Diamond Light was the most unique. This reflector uses multiple pieces of polished aluminum to create a reflector with twelve individual facets. This multifaceted design dispersed light from the 400 watt lamp very evenly. Also, positioning of the lamp within the reflector is adjustable. This adjustability allows the user to position the inner envelope of the metal halide lamp directly in the center of the reflector, amounting to the most symmetrical spread of any reflector analyzed during this study. The Diamond Light reflector obtained a peak intensity of 2400-2500 ?mol/sec/m2. This reflector may not be suitable for everyone, given its rather large size.

 

[bc_slc]

wow, great post nikki. A wealth of info.

 

[szidls]

Hey has anyone seen any data on the Luminarc mini reflector? I believe the physical size is 14" x 14". Been trying to search the lighting forum on RC but the server is too busy.
Thanks, Scott

 

[NaH2O]

Scott - I'll check around, too. I've been interested in the mini version, as well. I'll post if I find any info.

 

[tomz]

The Dimensions of the Luminarc mini reflector are 14.5"W x 14.5"H x 6.5"H and are available at ReefExotics. I hope they work well as I purchased some for my new tank I went with the mini's so I'd have room for VHO. Thanks for the info Nikki.


Tom