Maxibright reflectors

[Andy Hipkiss]

http://www.andy-hipkiss.co.uk/Lighttesting/reflector1_files/image010.gif


Analysis

A test grid was constructed using a flat sheet of marine plywood with graduations marked every 10 cm (4"). *The inner envelope of the bulb was located at 45cm (18") above the test grid and aligned at (0,0) on the grid with the length of the burner parallel to the grid. *PAR readings were taken using an Apogee PAR meter. *At each sample point we let the meter reading to stabilise before recording it.

The bulb used was a Venture 400W 5000K and driven by a Maxibright HPS/MH 400W ballast. * Although the results are expressed in terms of photosynthetically active radiation, we are not suggesting that a Venture 5000K bulb is ideal for aquarium usage, it is purely being used here as a “standard” during the comparison of reflectors (and future bulb testing).

The Maxibright Maxilight reflector would appear to be an aquarium friendly reflector. *A fairly smooth output is available over approx 60cm (24”) in the x-axis (perpendicular to the reflector) and 40 cm (16”) in the y-axis. *Depending up the dimensions of the tank, it would not be a tremendous problem if the reflectors were used parallel to the tank’s long side rather than the normally preferred perpendicular. *Indeed at a push, these reflectors could be used to cover an area of 80 cm (31.5”) by 60 cm (23.5”).


(testing done by MattB & myself, Excel work by SimonH *.... thanks to all)



Last edited by Andy Hipkiss at May 15 2002,12:58

[mattbeaman]

I'd also like to thank Michael at HFM for arranging the test gear with Maxigrow, and Jim at Maxigrow for lending the gear.

Hopefully we are going to be setting up a light mover system shortly to see what difference it makes to growth,shapes and colour.

Andy, are you going to post the first data we have on the UFO reflector?

Cheers
Matt.

[Andy Hipkiss]

http://www.andy-hipkiss.co.uk/Lighttesting/reflector1_files/image011.gif


Matt over to you do the analysis (its the plot from the 400W bulb)



Last edited by Andy Hipkiss at May 15 2002,12:56

[mattbeaman]

Thanks http://www.ultimatereef.net/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/crazy.gif *erm.............

Ok

Well this uses exactly the same lamp and height as used with the Maxilight reflector for direct comparison.

What is immediately apparent is that the UFO (hasn't been given a proper name as yet.) is really designed for 1kw lamps and the 400 is a bit too small.(there is a smaller version being produced as well) However this has an interesting effect in that due to the shorter length of the lamp, it throws the light forwards, which may have uses for better display colouring on the 'fronts' of corals rather than just above(if reversed). Also the reflector is designed to create two very bright light sabres as you can see by the spikes. This means that for the same lamp we have greater maximum PAR than with the maxilight reflector, though over a very small area.

These sabres are designed to meet lower down (after all it is designed for Hydroponics) so it will be interesting to see what effect this has at the middle depths of the tank. (these tests so far are readings at the simulated water surface)

Hopefully therefore we will be testing greater heights for both reflectors this weekend.

We shall see what happens. At the moment the maxilight seems the better 'general' spread reflector, but I have great hopes for the smaller version of the UFO based on what we have seen so far.

Cheers http://www.ultimatereef.net/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif



Last edited by mattbeaman at May 15 2002,13:10

[Bdynes]

Can you guys produce a reference without the reflector? Then we'll be able to see how much extra the reflectors give.

It's also be interesting to see if there is any difference between dimpled and smooth reflectors

Interesting thus far though

http://www.ultimatereef.net/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Carl Glasser]

Hi,

I've just been speaking to Harry Hird about reflectors and he was saying that Maxibright had recommended the Maxibright Plus over the Maxilight. Has anyone tried the Maxibright Plus and if so, how does it compare to the Maxilight?

Cheers,
Carl

[Andy Hipkiss]

Bob,

Will try to get a reference ... its just a bit tricky working around a completely exposed bulb!!! *End of the day its gonna be impossible for anyone to use a bulb in "free space" so it's not my highest priority. *However if you want to risk getting your head burnt by accidently touching the bulb you're most welcome to hold the sensor http://www.ultimatereef.net/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif *

I believe Matt is trying to get hold of the mirrored surface version ... I don't believe it will be as good in terms of even light spread (that's the whole purpose of it being dimpled to diffuse the light AFAIK) ... but it certainly is one we have already discussed that we want to have a play with and the figures may well tell a different story. *Within reason, I think we're up for testing anything that could be useful for an aquarium. *

Carl,

Which one is the Maxibright plus (got a piccy?)? * I'm losing track of all the various models.



Last edited by Andy Hipkiss at May 15 2002,17:48

[Carl Glasser]

Andy,

Here's the Maxibright Plus: -

http://www.starlitesystems.co.uk/acatalog/MAXIPLUS.jpg

Cheers,
Carl

[Andy Hipkiss]

Ah right .. the one that you can bend to your own requirements. Yeah Matt's got one of those for us to test. Guess we'll be doing that this w/e.

[simonh]

I have a 'spiderlight' reflector on its way from the US which we will hopefully be able to test aswell. These are the ones made from Alcoa Everbrite which has even higher specualar reflectivity than polished aluminium.

[Carl Glasser]

Andy,

I think I'll wait for your results before ordering then http://www.ultimatereef.net/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

Cheers,
Carl

[mattbeaman]

Carl

I've been speaking with the owner of Maxibright a lot the last few days.(and Harry in the past)
What you have to remember is that with all due respect neither Harry nor Jim have any real understanding of what it is we are trying to achieve.(anymore than I understand the requirements of Hydroponics)
At the end of the day these are designed for Hydroponics.This is is a very different application in its requirements re spread and distances. From experience of dealing with Harry, he knows what Maxibright tell him or show in the brochure. You quote a bulb, they'll tell you the reflector for it, but that isn't necessarily what is best for a reef tank.Most of their photometric data is for much greater heights and spreads. Hence the reason for running these tests with their support.

Cheers
Matt.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif



Last edited by mattbeaman at May 15 2002,17:44

[Bdynes]

See your point Andy, just wanted a datum of some type.

Having had an exposed 400 setup in my Kitchen not so long ago, you're quite right it's not going to be easy to work around.

Don't frazzle your eyes for me

http://www.ultimatereef.net/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/crazy.gif

[Andy Hipkiss]

Bob,

I'll do my best. Maybe when we do the bulb/reflector at further distances from the grid it will be more feasible.

Re eyes .... I wore sunglasses! , although thinking about it a pair of ski goggles would be better.

[mattbeaman]

Better bring my goggles this weekend then! http://www.ultimatereef.net/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif Want a spare pair?

[Andy Hipkiss]

Please!

[EnglishReefer]

Nice work, V.interesting so far. Will be interesting to see what sort of pattern/spread the mirror finish reflectors give compared to the dimpled.

[mattbeaman]

Yeah me too. Its interesting that the 'UFO' is composed of two different materials(have a look at the photos), one smooth (but hazed not polished) and one dimpled.

By the way Carl FWIW the photo you posted is the Maxilight Deluxe.(which we hope to test this weekend, mistitled by a lot of hydroponics suppliers) I've to day seen a competitors clone which is one piece polished as opposed to Maxigrow's which is polished with the centre made of dimpled.Similarly theres a polished version of the Supernova. Wonder what difference if any it makes?



Last edited by mattbeaman at May 15 2002,20:10

[KD]

Hi all http://www.ultimatereef.net/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

Very interesting work guys, I am sure a lot of people appreciate the effort you are putting in.

How big is the Maxibright reflector you are testing?

I am trying to get my head around the physical dimensions of it in relation to my 48x15 tank before I consider the DIY route. I didn't realise the normal way of mounting was with the reflector/bulb perpendicular to the long side of the tank.

Cheers
KD

[kim]

I for one really appreciate this effort.

In principle always fun to test stuff, in practice quite time intensive and, after a while, a chore.

Looking at the UFO, given that most seem to have their lights as close to the water's surface as they dare, I wonder if it works as they would hope. The regular looks quitec neat in terms of "pattern".

[mattbeaman]

KD good question......we will measure all the reflectors and post the dimensions after further testing this weekend.

Kim indeed the pattern on the maxilight is very even and a nice spread. Supposedly however,the way to get the most even distribution is with the twin sabre approach.(according to software modelling.) The question is at which point this occurs. I suspect around about another 12" below our test, which would place it about half way into the typical 24"tank. This is why we are planning to add tests on both the above at greater height. I still suspect the maxilight will be the best, but its not really a fair test as this UFO reflector is not designed for 400w lamps. Perhaps when we get the smaller model to try (designed for 400w and 600w) the spreads will come together earlier. As it won't be so wide, I would expect them to, but only testing will tell.

Glad the data is well received.

Cheers http://www.ultimatereef.net/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[bullfrog]

this looks like great reef keeping research please keep up the great work and thank you for sharing the results with the rest of us. I will now definatley be waiting a while before i add more mh's over my tanks so i can make a better informed choice of which reflectoers to use.

[Andy Hipkiss]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I suspect around about another 12" below our test, which would place it about half way into the typical 24"tank.[/b][/quote]

Matt, I think you mean at the bottom of the tank?? The 18" test distance was chosen since people put their bulbs 6-10" above the water, which gives half way down a 24" tank if mounted at 6" or 8" down into the water (kinda the level people put their SPS's) if at 10" .....

[mattbeaman]

Fair point, I stand corrected. I was actually thinking of the lighting being at 12" over the water.(which would still make it over half way,but I was referring loosely, my mistake http://www.ultimatereef.net/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif )

Anyhow.we must decide on the other heights to test at. Also, I am thinking that these light sabres might be an advantage, where a ligtmover is being used? That way the you are getting the benefit of the stronger PAR spikes, but it is being more evenly distributed by the movement of the lamp instead of the reflector itself. I really must get hold of the smaller version......

Cheers