What is the differents in SE and DE lamps?

[N_V_S]

What are the main differences between a SE (Mogul based lamps) and DE (HQI) lamps? Sorry, if this is a newbie questions, but if someone could point me in the right direction I would greatly appreciate it.

Mogul Vs. HQI
Lighting strength?
Heat Output?
Size (bulb, fixture, pendants)?
Energy consumption?
Cost?

[Hellolights1]

Hey NVS,

Thanks for the post.

The main differences in the two are:
1. Size DE lamps are better for smaller tanks and SE is usually more appropriate for larger tanks.
2. DE lamps need a UV shield where the outer casing of SE lamps serves that purpose.

As for your other questions,

Lighting strength is virtually the same. The reason you hear people saying you can get more out of a DE lamp is because of the increased potential for an efficient reflector design. You can get a DE lamp closer to the reflective surface which (with the correct reflector design) is more efficient.

Heat output is very similar and varies depending on the ballast.

DE wins the size debate for sure.

Energy consumption is dependant on the ballast but all in all SE and DE are similar.

DE lamps were more costly for a while in the hobby but these days its pretty close.

By the way, we were all newbies at some point.
:rollface:

HL

[N_V_S]

Thank you for the fast reply and information!!! However I have another question. What kind of lighting would you suggest for a 40 gal tank (36Lx15Wx16H)? I would like to have majority SPS in the tank.

[Hellolights1]

In that size of a tank we would most likely recommend either 1- 150W or 1- 175W MH. You could go with some T5’s or VHO’s for supplementation as well. This would get the colors to pop and even out the light a bit to eliminate dark spots. You'd be able to keep pretty much anything you wanted with this setup.

HL

[N_V_S]

Thanks for all the help!!

[Hellolights1]

Happy Reefing!:thumbsup:

HL