HQI/DE vs SE MH bulbs

[jacksonpt]

Holy acronyms batman!!! Anyways...

As I think through my lighting options, is there any advantage of one over the other (SE vs DE bulbs)? I've read that DE bulbs are a bit bluer, and they require a glass shield for UV, right? Any other differences that I should be aware of?

Probably the biggest potential factor for me would have to do with space - both how much space the SE bulb/reflector requires compared to the DE "housing", and also how much tank they cover with usable light.

 

[fatrip]

well DE is much smaller and can fit in tighter spots but does need a UV shield because that is what makes it so small. the larger SE bulb had the UV shield built onto it. that is about it, oh and DE are more expensive to set up i do believe.

 

[Dave VG]

Re: HQI/DE vs SE MH bulbs

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12944881#post12944881 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jacksonpt
Holy acronyms batman!!! Anyways...

As I think through my lighting options, is there any advantage of one over the other (SE vs DE bulbs)? I've read that DE bulbs are a bit bluer, and they require a glass shield for UV, right? Any other differences that I should be aware of?

Not as many bulb selections for DE's. Many people like the colors better from the DE's. Most MH DE Retrofit Kits (HQI) come with a UV shield no worries.

Probably the biggest potential factor for me would have to do with space - both how much space the SE bulb/reflector requires compared to the DE "housing", and also how much tank they cover with usable light. [/QUOTE]

Dimensions for each reflector is on the page i posted. Hope this helps jackson


http://www.hellolights.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=558

 

[jacksonpt]

Re: Re: HQI/DE vs SE MH bulbs

Re: Re: HQI/DE vs SE MH bulbs

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12945295#post12945295 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Dave VG
Dimensions for each reflector is on the page i posted. Hope this helps jackson

http://www.hellolights.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=558 [/B]

Ah, thanks... not sure why I didn't think to look there (duh!). I guess if I'm planning on getting 2 MHs and 2 T5s over a 12" wide tank, the HQI kit is my only option.

 

[oceanparadise1]

Ill chime in here! I love the look of the de bulbs vs the se bulbs. If i was choosing one for a frag tank, it would be se. But for my DT, def go with the de.

 

[nwrogers]

I like SE bulbs I could never see the benefit of DE bulbs personally.

 

[POSEIDOMORS]

i agree with nate, SE bulbs are what i have always used

 

[fatrip]

the only way IMO a DE bulb would be needed is if a SE bulb could not fit nicely perpindicular to the tank.

 

[oceanparadise1]

What is the real difference between the two? Does the SE have a better PAR rating then the DE?

 

[fatrip]

having to clean the UV glass on the DE bulbs would be my biggest draw back. as well as SE lamps are much easyer to cool because they arnt encapsilated in a reflector and glass.

 

[Nuuze]

Like the above people said.

Do not use DE without a glass shield. It will kill you livestock. Even a quick glance at the bulb unprotected will flash burn your eyes.

 

[Dave VG]

Both do the same thing grow corals very well just different configuration IMO. The DE will fit in smaller area witch is a big advantage for it. Nuuze i have yet to see a DE retro that does not have the glass filter.