what is the big difference between these two light systems. lets use a 250w DE setup. what are pros and cons with either and compare them to each other. i have never owned either and was looking into a lumenarc 250w light for my 24" deep tank. i hear great things about lumenarcs and i keep coming accross lumen max lights on the net but have never seen one in person. they look very similar. what are your thoughts?
lumen max vs. lumenarc questions
- Thread starter zombiereef
- Start date
Practically speaking, they're so similar I don't think it much matters which one you go with.
Sanjay tested the full size Mogul versions of each and performance appears similar with maybe a slight edge going to the LumenMax reflectors...
LumenArc Test:
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/ ... eature.htm
LumenMax Test:
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2006/2/review/
HTH
Sanjay tested the full size Mogul versions of each and performance appears similar with maybe a slight edge going to the LumenMax reflectors...
LumenArc Test:
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/ ... eature.htm
LumenMax Test:
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2006/2/review/
HTH
LumenMax have a dimpled surface if memory serves, where as the LumenArc are smooth.
The dimpled allows for less "hot spots" however it does come at the expense of some light being lost.
I think the lumen max was an earlier revision of the lumenarc... or it could be a knock off
The dimpled allows for less "hot spots" however it does come at the expense of some light being lost.
I think the lumen max was an earlier revision of the lumenarc... or it could be a knock off
Only the corners of the LumenMax are diffuse material. The rest is specular like the LumenArcs.
In Sanjay's tests the LumenMax did have a lower peak intensity level over the test areas (ie. less intense hot spots, more uniform light field) which is apparently by design, and the reason for the diffuse/dimpled corners. Interestingly enough, however, if you compare the summary tables in the articles it actually delivered more total PAR to the 2'X2' and 3'X3' test areas than the Lumenarc.
As for which came first, IIRC the LumenMax was basically Sunlight Supply's answer to the LumenArc design. I think the LAs were around for quite a while in the horticultural market before they got popular with reefers.
At any rate, I doubt the minor differences on paper are significant in "real world" use. IMO either would be an excellent choice.
In Sanjay's tests the LumenMax did have a lower peak intensity level over the test areas (ie. less intense hot spots, more uniform light field) which is apparently by design, and the reason for the diffuse/dimpled corners. Interestingly enough, however, if you compare the summary tables in the articles it actually delivered more total PAR to the 2'X2' and 3'X3' test areas than the Lumenarc.
As for which came first, IIRC the LumenMax was basically Sunlight Supply's answer to the LumenArc design. I think the LAs were around for quite a while in the horticultural market before they got popular with reefers.
At any rate, I doubt the minor differences on paper are significant in "real world" use. IMO either would be an excellent choice.
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