SE or DE bulbs... which is better and why?

[scorcho]

I'm installing some new lights in my canopy and was looking at going with the lumenarc minis which are SE with ice cap 250 ballasts, I had been looking at the Phoenix 14k bulbs but notice they only come in DE, the SE bulbs I have in mind are Reeflux 12k I have read alot of good things about each.

Is there any benefit to going with SE or DE?

[gcarroll]

Personally I prefer SE due to better choices in bulbs. I do however run both 3 - SE and 2 - DE. I will soon be converting to 3 SE w/ T5.

[NealNano]

DE is the wat to go. DE has a higher out put per watt and there are just as many choices in bulbs.

[fkshiu]

You actually end up with more PAR getting to your corals with SE according to Sanjay Joshi's results because of the extra piece of glass required for DE bulbs filters out a certain amount of light.

[coral diver]

SE or DE are the same just diferent configuration, SE the UV glass sheild comes with the bulb and DE don't, it will depend on the brand, description and kelvin

[RokleM]

I run almost all SE in 250 and 400. Personally, I would say look at some of the bulbs available, see if you can find deals on used hardware, and go from there. If there is a bulb you see that you REALLY like that may sway your decision.