DE vs ME MH lighting

[brshriver]

Are there any reasons to choose DE over SE bulbs or the other way around?

[jaybfresh]

Check out the bulb choices first. Radium 250w, for example is only available in SE. Phoenix SE are almost twice as expensive as DE.

Also, SE does not need a glass shield since its built into the bulb. DE has more of a point focus and requires a glass shield (included with most DE reflectors). Another thing to consider is 250w and 400w DE bulbs can be a pain to seat and often chip at the ceramic tabs

[brshriver]

Thanks! Good point on the bulb prices.

Anyone know if there is a difference light output between the two?

[Kshack]

In general, most DE use HQI ballast which use more electricity and produce more light output. In general, SE around 250W and DE around 330W. Some SE bulbs, like Radium 250, are designed to run on HQI ballast, so you really need to know what you are getting and match things up.

[zachtos]

250W DE produce more light then 250W SE because they draw more energy and drive harder. But if you go to the 400W arena, there are very DE few bulbs to choose from, so 400W SE is still the best bet right now.

[brshriver]

250W DE produce more light then 250W SE because they draw more energy and drive harder. But if you go to the 400W arena, there are very DE few bulbs to choose from, so 400W SE is still the best bet right now.

That is a function of the ballast not the bulb though right? So if I run a radium se off of a magnetic ballast, it will be similar to the light and power draw of an de setup?

[DT's_Reef]

If canopy space isn't an issue, I think people tend to go with SE bulbs. As far as output is concerned, it's about the bulb (regardless of SE or DE), ballast (at what level does it drive the bulb), and reflector (efficiency and light spread) combination.

It's all about lining up the right elements so your goal is met.