400SE or 250 DE That is the question?

[fishnugget]

I have had 3 400watt MH hanging over my 210 for 2 years. always fighting glass algae issues. Some heat issues. Time to replace my bulbs. thinking of switching to 250watt mh. I also have 2 Super Actinic URI. Tank 28 " deep.

What are your thoughts? 250 SE or DE?

Pro's? Cons?

 

[dwdenny]

either one SE or DE. SE will have a little better light distobution but the DE has the pheonix 14k out that is a great bulb I hear. Algea issues are a nutrient issue rather then light issue. With 250's there will be less heat that is for sure. Are you retrofitting or pendants that will help a little in the choice. there are the PGS diamong light reflectors that I hear are great for larger tanks and the ROIII reflectors are great for DE bulbs. HTH

 

[horkn]

the reflectors for the DE are a lot better than the SE reflectors.

its the same basic reasoning why t5ho are so good vs vho, or pc, the narrow DE bulb can use a better reflector...