Metal Halides - Single vs double ended

[johndawg]

Any one have any experience with both? What are the pro's and con's of each? Seems like there have been a number of DE sales threads lately, are people upgrading or changing lighting types?
Thanks,
John

 

[markviiisvt4]

I've had both but havent' really noticed to much. I think the DE throw down a little more light, but i havent measured it just looks wise. The bulbs are a bit more cash to.

 

[Aadler]

the units are generally smaller as well no? (for DE, ive never used se.

 

[DiscoReefRover]

de bulbs genraly fire at a higher wattage than specified due to the higher demand in power on the startup and run slightly brighter.....usuallt take up less room and put off less heat in my own opinion genrally most bulbs in the de class fire for example a 250w DE unit on a m80 ballast will fire around 300watts depending on bulb choice ..... each unit is different I personally prefer the magnetic ballast advance m80 to fire these bulbs but an electronic ballast will fire DE bulbs just not at there full potential.........where a standard 250w m58 ballast will fire a DE bulb it runs at a dagerously low level and damages the bulb............JMO

Sean

 

[serpentman]

I agree with what Sean said. In my experience there really is no catch all difference in performance between the two as ballast and bulb combos are really what determine the outcome. Some manufacturers specialize in one so I would determine which bulb you want to run and backward integrate which ballast, etc.

One note, DE bulbs are not UV shielded and therefore require a reflector/fixture with UV filtering glass.

 

[Kreeger1]

IMO DE bulbs produce more heat due to the in closed glass maybe?? I know I had a fire start in my hood using a DE bulb. That was scary, good thing I was home.

I think the bulb choices for SE are better then DE at the moment. I use both types and can't say I like one more then the other. If you want to increase light spending money on a reflector is where to spend the extra cash.
Erik

 

[johndawg]

All,
Thanks for the comments! I currently have a 75 gallon with 2 175w SE lamps. I am looking to get a larger tank, probably 120 gallons. I am going to do a through the wall in my basement, and unfortunately can't do a 6 foot tank (I really wanted a 125 to fit there since my 175's would do fine at that depth). So I will probably be upgrading to 250w's...therefore my question.
Thanks,
John

 

[itZme]

I know a few reefers that have had the DE bulbs or holders break while trying to force them into the bulb holders. Also the light being thrown from a DE bulb is blocked by the holder on each end and only spreads from the center. If you have an SE then the light will spread from everywhere except the base end. If you use a precision reflector like a Lumenarc that directs a large majority of light into your tank I think you will get more light from a SE bulb and you don't need to block it with a glass UV shield that will get salt spray on it and further reduce the light reaching your tank.

This is all just my logical thinking and not scientifically proven results so take it at its worth. I hope these thoughts help you decide what is best for you.