MH double end vs single end???

[Dave VG]

MH double end vs single end??? What are the advantages and disadvantages of these two bulb setups? I know the DE bulb has to be UV filtered. Does one have more selection of bulb spectrum, watts or bulb life etc? If I were to by a DE setup 250 watt X 2 that is in my price range could I turn it into a duel Mogul light later??? MH is so expensive but as I’m finding out so are T-5 setups. Has anyone had experience with both? I was wondering how much more a month MH costs as opposed to T-5.

 

[RyanM]

The biggest reason people go with hqi is the heat. I dont believe there are quite as many bulbs to choose from in hqi but plenty to find something you like. They are a smaller bulb and I dont believe they give off quite as much light but again plenty for our purposes.
Mh's arent that expensive if you build your own setup.
Im a single end guy my self. And have never had any complaints about MH's
And yes I believe a hqi ballast can run any SE bulb but id ask the manufacturer before you buy it.

For brightness and cost, A mag ballast runing a SE bulb is the brightest,cheepest and easiest to replace parts for locally. Mag ballasts in the 175-250w range can be had for $75

If money is no object the go elecronic ballast and either SE or DE..your choise on the bulb..less heat and a little less light with the DE.

 

[stressed damsel]

SE bulbs IMO are safer to use. DE bulbs NEED a UV shield. (glass) between the bulb and the outside world... If used without the glass High UV will burn your livestock and can be harnmful to your eyes and health.

 

[Piazzon12]

Dave, I've had my eye on this guy's stuff. Looks like a hydroponics company looking to get into aquarium lighting http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZ360summer360
His real website is insidesun.
Also note he accepts "best offers"
Magnetic Ballast, bulb, socket reflectors and cords all in one.

 

[Dave VG]

Others thoughts on these lights??

 

[RyanM]

He says in at least the 250w items description that a metal halide bulb would not be safe to use. The ballast is high presure sodium.
HPS. I dont know for sure if you can or not but if the guy selling it says no then I would look a different way.

 

[RyanM]

holly multi post

 

[RyanM]

Just looked at the 175w and $80 plus $20 if you want a new ballast isnt to bad i guess. but times that by 2 minus bulbs your not really saving anything if you cna build a setup your self.

 

[RyanM]

Ballasts reflector and mounted socets..all its missing is a case of some kind for the ballasts and wire..use this as a reference as to price..not bad at all.

http://www.hellolights.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=174

http://www.hellolights.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=549

http://www.hellolights.com/index.asp?PageAction=CARTDETAILS

 

[Piazzon12]

yeah you're right, 250's are no good. Sorry, I've been looking at the 175W, which are probe start, which are ok

 

[Dave VG]

Ok so I’m looking at the 250 watt DYI from hellolights. That should work on my 90. So what bulb would give the best color 10k or 20K? These are the only bulbs available for these ballasts. I don't want to have to use supplemental VHO's to pop colors but also do not want to sacrifice growth either. Is this possible with one of these???

 

[RyanM]

The best color is a matter of opinion. I have never found a bulb I like better than the 250w xm 10k. Its not blue or yellow. Its white
light and very bright. It has the most par of any 250w bulb thats not totally yellow. I think of it as just bright. no color at all. When the day comes that things are so big that I have space issues with corals being so big they are growing into each other I will go to a 20k bulb. But for now I want growth and the best color and IMO thats the 250w xm 10k. Hands down.

But that is my opinion and so many would argue for or against the bulb they like or dislike that it makes it hard to answer that question.