how much hotter does HQI run v. MH w/ electronic ballast

[jag1979]

is there a significant difference in the amount of heat? I am putting a retrofit in a canopy w/ 14" clearance and do not want a chiller. I will run 2-4 fans and I keep my house temp in mid 70's.

I am considering the following:

3x250 mh's w/ electronic ballast or HQI
plus either t-5's or VHO's

[prodman]

I think the only difference is in the heat of the ballasts themselves.

[jag1979]

so as long as I have the ballasts outside of the stand and canopy the heat of the bulbs wont be any hotter? if thats the case HQI it is!

[prodman]

It could be slightly hotter because they run more power through the bulb. But as far as not needing a chiller,in sump pumps and power heads are the worst. Try to get a good external pump for return and geta rc skimmer and use fans thats what I do.

[RichConley]

20+% hotter.

We're talking 250w vs 320+ for each bulb. Theres a reason that HQIs are brighter: They put a lot more current through the bulb, and thus run a lot hotter.

[crabsy]

hqi's are much hotter, more watts are used. 250de hqi's in reflector give as much,or more light than 400w se moguls