DE or SE bulbs?

[EQCM2B]

What would everyone reccommend for my 45 gallon corner tank that is 25 inches tall. I have committed to get a 250 watt but debating de or se. Any pro's or con's?

 

[swashbuckler]

DE=more intensity, more PAR.......however, it depends on what your doing....

DE requires concelment (i.e shield) while SE is more "DIY" proof and perhaps "easier" to work with. SE tends to spread light all over the place.

DE shoots light more downwards b/c of the size of the bulb and the reflectorino..

 

[want2reef]

SE, DE bla, bla, bla. It's all about the reflectors.

DE seem to be more intense than SE with less spread.

 

[chadfarmer]

either one would work

now the problem is what bulb you want some are DE and not SE

 

[moonpod]

Essentially you will get a more focused effect with higher hotspots with the DE and a more diffuse lighting effect with SE. If your tank has a 2x2 footprint more or less DE works well. Wider works better with SE