Screw in(Mogul) or Double ended(HQI) metal halides?

[mk2flip]

Which do you prefer and why?

[Roy G. Biv]

I have HQI just because the fixture is that. HQI needs a piece of glass seperating the bulb and the tank to filter out UV. Mogul has it built in so the bulb can be right above the water.

[supervdl]

Check out the equipment forum.

[GreenSarco]

It's my understanding that DE bulbs put out more lumens or intensity than SE bulbs. I definitely notice that they're brighter.

[leeweber85]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9805544#post9805544 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GreenSarco
It's my understanding that DE bulbs put out more lumens or intensity than SE bulbs. I definitely notice that they're brighter.

Actually it's the exact opposite. SE bulbs are nearly double the PAR of DE bulbs.

I prefer SE

[Tang Salad]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9805945#post9805945 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by leeweber85
SE bulbs are nearly double the PAR of DE bulbs.

Really? That's a little hard to believe.

[Tang Salad]

Just found this:
"The 150W double ended lamps are very attractive choice for lighting, and in fact we feel they are a better choice when compared to the 175W single ended lamps ¡V based on the fact they produce as much light as the 175W lamps and consume less electricity. Also, the smaller size of the lamp makes it more effective in a reflective fixture. "

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2002/feature2.htm

[xCGx]

I've never had DE but I heard that they are hard to change out. I know from experience that SE is very easy...as far as par, heat and uv, I don't know. DE units are usually slimer and look sleaker.

[Tang Salad]

The DEs can be a little tricky to change out. The two contacts are spring loaded, and the springs can be quite strong. However, considering you only need to change them every 8-12 months, I wouldn't make that the deciding factor.

[squeezix]

I've had both. DE rocks, and generally the fixtures are cleaner looking where SE are only nice looking in the higher end fixtures. Anyway, the reason I like it so much is that my last tank was 24" deep. I built the rockwork viewable from the two long sides, the short side being the front. It was a room divider. At the end I had a 250 DE right over the sand bed. In the middle and back, I had 175 SE's. The acros and montis that were less than 10" from the 175's had half the growth of the same corals that were down by the sandbed under my 250. My clams thrived.
It may be pure conjecture, but I love DE. Oh, I swear by Geissmann Megachrome. I have faster growth with that bulb than I did with XM.

[taketz]

For the most part, DE's in a good reflector will put out more PAR than a SE in a good reflector. Depends highly on the reflector and also on the combination of ballast/bulb used also.

This can mean that 150Watt DE can be a great substitution for 175Watt SE and oftentimes, a 250Watt DE can be a comparable substitution for a 400Watt SE. This can help deal with heat or electricity cost issues for many reefers but remember, this is not always applicable for every situation but its something to keep in mind

In reality though, the differences between the two set-ups are not earth shattering and if one would fit better or is more easily attainable than the other in a given set-up, just go with that one. And if you have any questions, don't ask here until you've already checked Sanjay's many articles and immense data concerning this issue. Its the best source for lighting I have ever found and will likely answer your questions to a better degree than anyone here.

[Nano Chris]

I have HQI that came with the aqua light pro i bought.

[Tang Salad]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9808648#post9808648 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Criminal#58369
I have HQI that came with the aqua light pro i bought.

Me too :D
2 24" Aqualight pros on a 110.

[dperrucc]

My 400w de seem brighter than my mogul 400,but the de plastic end melted and fell out of the socket .I would buy the mogul type bulb.

[grochmal]

I absolutely hate putting the bulbs in a DE fixture.
I've broken the ceramic tabs off the end more than once, luckily the bulb still worked.

[navipro1]

DE is the way to go, although its more work is change the bulb but its ok because I only change it once every 6-7 months. As far as performance is concern, DE puts out more PAR (photo basically).

[Rhodesholar]

I just changed out my DE's and it was a piece of cake. I have an Outer Orbit fixture. Recommendaton....when changing the bulbs throw on some clean powder free latex gloves. That way you can paw up the bulb all day and not worry about gettting your oil on it.

Also, I was under the impression a DE bulb will put out more PAR then a SE of the same wattage and K tempature.

[Froggy]

I like SE bulbs. There are more bulb choices, more reflector choices and DE bulbs have their highest intensity focused in a small area towards the center of the bulb. SE bulbs have their highest intensity spread wider which is a huge difference to me.
Also the shielding used to protect UV from DE bulbs do cut the overall PAR a bit.

[navipro1]

that is also true.