MH Lighting question

[DEXTER SOLIS]

hi Guys,
I recently got over hyposal. & now have closed up my 120 reef, I was planning on just keeping fish but I know I will always go backk to reef. Im interested in upgrading my lights to MH from T5's & keep a mixed reef. some questions are:

whats the difference between SE v DE? would one produce more heat/consume more energy thatn the other?

whats the average height from the water should I keep them in & will this affect depth of penetration? ( no jokes please )

I have fish that are known to jump, will a glass top be out of the question?

I like the Lumen Arc design, any feedback on them? I heard they have the biggest spread of light, will I get away with two instead of three in a 6' tank?

Ive heard good things about electronic ballasts, are there any negative points?

 

[MIKE NY]

1...I can't really comment on DEs because I've only use 175 and 250 SEs and there really isn't that much of a difference in heat or energy between the two that I notice, but the 250s do produce more light depending on the K rating.
2...mine are about 7-8" with good penetration(keep it out of the gutter folks ) in a 24" deep tank. I'm able to keep alot of corals on or near the bottom.
3...I don't use glass because the constant build up of salt and the light rays will be distorted. If you have jumping fish I would use eggcrate.
4...I have heard nothing but good things about the Arcs. I wish I could use them myself, but I cant' fit them in my hood, even the minis, with actinics.
5...I've been told that the electronics are more efficient with less heat than the magnetic. I've been using PFOs for years w/o any problems so I don't want to jinx myself and change.

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

Dex- I just put up 3 Minis over a 220. I am only 1 or 2 towns away if you want a peek. Also have 2 spider reflectors for sale if you want them. Let me know.
Vinny