PFO Lighting HQI Mini Pendants VS Lumenarc DE HQI Stealth

[willfong1]

Hello all,

Any thoughts comparing the PFO Lighting 150W DE HQI Mini Pendants VS Lumenarc 150W DE HQI Stealth Reflector?
I am debating which to purchase and was wondering if anyone has any input or experience with either.

My tank is 56 gallons, 30" long, 18" deep, and 24" tall with center brace. I was thinking of going with 2 - 150 Watt DE HQIs mounted in a custom canopy.

Thanks,
Will

 

[Len]

I don't have experience with the LA DE but I have used various Lumenarcs and the PFO. Both are nice systems. The Lumenarcs seem to give a more even distribution but the PFOs are brighter directly below the bulb (less spread though). For two bulb setup over your tank, I'd choose PFO. If you only had room for one bulb, then the Lumenarc. JHMO

 

[Anonymous]

I can compare the Old PFO mini 250W DE Pendant with the Lumenarc Pendant and there is NO comparison. The Lumenarc spreads the light more and appears to be brighter.

 

[willfong1]

Thanks for posting guys. They are abt the same price but the LumenArc Stealth is merely a reflector meant to be mounted in a canopy while the PFO Mini comes complete with a hangable or mountable housing/pendant. What to choose?

Hope more peeps can shed some light (excuse the pun).

 

[Anonymous]

I got the Lumernarc as a complete pendant.

 

[ChrisRD]

I'm with Len - for a small footprint like that with two lamps I would go with a Sunlight Supply RO III or a new style PFO mini pendent. For a single lamp setup I'd go with the Lumenarc.

 

[spaulr]

I have a PFO 150 pendant (new version - non-dimpled reflector) and it works VERY well. It sits over a 40 gallon that is 36 long and about 17 deep. It allows me to keep LPS and lower light animals on the edges. The middle is super bright. It's in a DIY canopy. The lumenarc pendant was just too big.

 

[willfong1]

I'm with Len - for a small footprint like that with two lamps I would go with a Sunlight Supply RO III or a new style PFO mini pendent. For a single lamp setup I'd go with the Lumenarc.

I guess since Im thinking of going with 2 fixtures the foot print needed would be rather small, esp since the total length of my tank is only 30" and 18" deep. I believe the coverage are of the PFO Mini is 2'x2' max. The PFO Mini pendents would suffice. But I guess the Lumenarc Stealth does reflect more light properly compared to the PFO Mini?

Also would anyone know where the PFO and Lumenarc fixtures/reflectors are made?

I am also needing to purchase a electronic ballast to run the above choices. What would you guys recommend? I was thinking Ice Cap.

 

[Len]

Both the PFO and LA (and Sunlight reefoptix) will cover your tank very nicely since it's not very wide or long or deep. It's really a win-win call

I believe these are all manufactured in the USA. Exactly where, I do not know.

I am using Ice Cap MH ballasts and have no problem with them other then some interference with X10 controls that are on the same circuit breaker.

 

[spaulr]

I'm using the Ice cap 150. No problems so far. Very easy to install in a DIY ballast box. Wiring is cake.