pros and cons to HQI

[hckycoz]

Why would someone chose HQI lights, whats the difference between single ended? Would you run HQI or single ended over a 30" deep tank?

 

[hckycoz]

what is the difference between Pulse start ballast as well?

 

[Grace's Dad]

Here's some reading for you while you wait for others opinions
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=624185

 

[Mykayel]

From my limited understanding, HQI bulbs will put out UV light so you have to have a piece of glass over them that will block that UV. Single ended bulbs you don't have to worry about UV.

 

[hckycoz]

so then why would you use hqi. do they penetrate light deeper?

 

[Ocicat]

They both put out UV light - the SE bulbs just come with UV shielding built into the bulb, while DE bulbs do not, so you should use a DE bulb in a fixture that has protective UV glass.

My understanding is that HQIs burn brighter, so, all things being equal, a 250w DE is more intense than a 250w SE.

Disclaimer: I don't even own any lights yet... I've just been reading. So please take the above with a grain of salt.

 

[trottman]

HQi is half the size as SE

 

[chadfarmer]

hqi is not brighter than a SE

take a se bulbs and put it on a hqi ballast and it over drives the bulb

hqi is more of a direct lighting for the tank

250w hqi ballast runs the bulbs at between 300-390 watts

hqi is great for a tank that has a halide evey 2 feet or less (very small that is why you get a more direct lighting)(also make shur you get a uv pendant)


SE is great because you dont have to use the uv glass because it is built into the light and the bulb is bigger giving you bigger coverage area


for the 110 you can make a canopy and use DE(hqi) or SE doesnt matter either way you go ---just so you are happy

 

[Ocicat]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7416821#post7416821 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by chadfarmer
hqi is not brighter than a SE
...
250w hqi ballast runs the bulbs at between 300-390 watts

Well now I'm thoroughly confused!

 

[SSTG]

I don't remember where I read it but I also read DE's were brighter watt for watt. I think it was a julian sprung article if memory serves me.