SE vs. DE?

[ncox38]

What are peoples thoughts on DE vs. SE?

I dont see any price difference in setting them up. I have read that DE are more efficient and easier replace (the uv glass on the reflector keeps salt off the socket), but most of the LFS I have been to use SE bulbs. I figure the guys running these places know what they are doing and would choose the better option.

Thanks,

Nick

 

[Nanook]

I used DE for a number of years and liked them good enough, however, I have since went with SE because the reflector choices are better, IMO. I like the Lumenarc and PFO type reflectors that are large and spread the light well.

Also, I have broke a few DE bulbs putting them in the socket or taking them out of the socket...they are a pain in the rear to work with.

 

[capncapo]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9182040#post9182040 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Nanook
Also, I have broke a few DE bulbs putting them in the socket or taking them out of the socket...they are a pain in the rear to work with.

And that's one BIG rear!

 

[zt444a]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9182083#post9182083 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by capncapo
And that's one BIG rear!

DAYYYUUUMMMM!!! Nook, I know you aren't gonna take that from Grandpa, are you?

 

[sirreal63]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9182181#post9182181 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by zt444a
DAYYYUUUMMMM!!! Nook, I know you aren't gonna take that from Grandpa, are you?

The implication here is that he has before.



I prefer DE but I am a rebel. I would think most of the LFS's use SE because the initial cost is less, a 25 dollar reflector vs. a 100 dollar one is an easy choice to make when you have a lot of them to buy.

 

[Nanook]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9182083#post9182083 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by capncapo
And that's one BIG rear!

Ann says my rear is small

 

[Nanook]

What LFS use or do not use really never served as a guide to me. Since I found RC, I try to learn from the people here as to what is best for my tanks.

Most LFS in the past used minimal fluorescent lighting...only in the last few years have they started changing their lighting based on what we have been doing here on RC.

I think using glass shields on any reflector is a good thing...if $100.00 reflector becomes covered in saltspray, what good is it's reflectivity? I would use a reflector for both DE and SE bulbs...it is the reflector that can make or break the bulb.

 

[JxMetal]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9182216#post9182216 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sirreal63
The implication here is that he has before.

Oh gross, if I'm interpreting this right

 

[zt444a]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9182282#post9182282 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Nanook
Ann says my rear is small

If they say "beauty is in the eye of the beholder," why not size?!?

 

[chadfarmer]

I have both

depending on the ballast, bulb, reflector configuration

the SE use less energy and put out good light

the DE use more energy and put out more light (the downfall is the glass that is used for filtering the UV light) use lose 20% of the intensity


SE 175w 250w 400w and 1000W (all vary a little)

DE 150W 250W(depending on ballast uses 250W to 390W) 400W (430w actual)

the envelope on the DE bulb is smaller to it shines on a smaller area

now the SE bulb you can use a DE ballast to run the bulb causing it to overdrive the bulb (only downfall is less bulb life)

 

[ncox38]

I was looking at the sunlight supply dual 250 watt HQI ballast. Correct me if I am wrong, but if i use an HQI ballast on a se bulb it will overdrive it (less life). should i go with the ice cap electronic ballast if i go SE. I will eventually have 750 watts of MH over 125 gal tank. That seems pretty intense given that there are guys on here with the same lighting on a 180 or 240, so im thinking i dont need to overdrive them.

 

[sirreal63]

I started with HQI and went to electronic on my 125. The extra punch from the HQI ballast isn't worth it. For SE bulbs definately not worth it, shortened bulb life and it can change the K of the bulb. I am running DE's on ARO elec. ballasts and everything is doing great and much less electricity and heat.