MH or HQI

[paja 55gl]

hi i just upgrade from 55gl to 120gl reef tank and i have 2 175 MH
but i wanna buy new lighting, what is better 2/250 MH or 2/150 HQI
or 2/250HQI for 120gl reef tank with mix corals.

thank you

 

[sir_dudeguy]

hqi's are metal halides i believe. And I've read that theres not much of a difference between single ends (SE) and double ends (DE, or otherwise known as HQI) I'm pretty sure they're the same thing, but if not, someone please correct me.

But someone said that de's are better for smaller tanks, and se's are better for bigger ones. I dont really know why that'd make a difference, other than size of bulb, which very well could cause some differences i guess.

btw....what you have on there is PLENTY of light. IMO, theres no need to upgrade at all.

 

[WinkeyWoneye]

HQI's are MH bulbs, its just a diffrence in the type of bulb. HQI is double ended and the other styles that I've seen mostly on larger tanks, are screw in style. They look similiar to a normal light bulb on the end.

 

[cooper9177]

HQI is the way to go more light output

 

[sir_dudeguy]

is it really tho? I'm pretty sure i've seen where its THOUGHT to be...but it really isnt more light.

 

[damac20]

HQI lights are closer to the reflector so there is more light reflected into the tank so essentially there is more light going into the tank than with single ended bulbs. I believe that the ballasts are more efficient too but I could be wrong on that one.

 

[PatrickJ]

Read data for yourselves.

DE is just not worth it.

Compare SE and DE side by side.

http://www.reeflightinginfo.arvixe.com/select2lamp.php


According to what I read from the graphes. DE are junk!!

 

[PatrickJ]

Dont go by what people say. Research the data yourself. IMO SE bulbs on a PFO M80 (HQI) ballast is the best.

 

[loweryster]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HQI

 

[jeffbrig]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8115419#post8115419 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by PatrickJ
Read data for yourselves. DE is just not worth it.

According to what I read from the graphes. DE are junk!!

That's a pretty strong statement to make. The fact you overlook is that Sanjay's tests are for ballast/bulb combinations only, reflectors are not considered. The primary benefit of DE bulbs, is their smaller size, which allows for superior reflector designs. The maximize light concentration and downward punch. A quality DE pendant (PFO, ROIII, etc.) produces significantly more light intensity than a similar wattage SE with a basic reflector, albeit over a smaller, more concentated area. If the size/shape matches well with your tank, DE can be a very intelligent selection.

 

[xtm]

One of the advantage of HQI is the fact that they can be used on a smaller, low profile housing while the Mogul-based MH uses a bulky housing. The low-profile case looks more aesthetically pleasing imho.