metal halide bulbs

[vashawn]

What is the differnece between a 400w 20k single end and double ended buld? And which one is better?

 

[ZANYMASTER]

They say HQI bulbs out out more light but I have Mogul so maybe others may chime in.

 

[vashawn]

thanks zannie....
I'm in the process of building a custom enclosed canopy for my 330 rr tank...i want to change the reflectors, ballast and bulds....i trying to find the best way in saving money for this project as well of saving money on my coned bill....i currenty have 3x 400w 20k D/E bulbs....

 

[ZANYMASTER]

Well,don't run them that long then Shawn.5-6 hours max,some do 8 hours.Can't do the 12 hours like I once did with T5's.

 

[vashawn]

i run them for 6 hrs daily...

 

[vashawn]

i was trying to find out if the single bulds are better...

 

[ZANYMASTER]

I'm sure someone will chime in.

 

[vashawn]

thanks for your time...

 

[junglebase]

i was trying to find out if the single bulds are better...

If you mean SE bulbs, i think the the HQI (Double Ended) bulbs put out a better light output. my 2 cents... (I have used them both and happier with the DE ones)

 

[Wes]

for 400w bulbs, single ended is the better choice because of the huge bulb selection.

There are not alot of good Double ended 400w bulbs to choose from.

 

[tommy818]

double ended bulbs are more intense.250de are as strong as 400se

 

[Wes]

double ended bulbs are more intense.250de are as strong as 400se

Not true. you can get close to the strength of a 250de bulb if you use an HQI ballast. But you are burning it at about 365 watts instead of 250.

a 250w de bulb actually burning at 250 watts on an electronic ballast is usually dimmer than a single ended bulb on the same ballast.

Like i said earlier do some research on the available 400w DE bulbs out there. Most companies don't even make 400w DE bulbs and the ones out there tend to be poor performers. If you are going with 400w bulbs, SE is the only way to go in my opinion.

 

[tommy818]

u have to use a hqi ballast

 

[Wes]

For example:

Giesemann Coral 13k bulb

250 de on HQI ballast: 101 par 335 watts
400 se on electronic ballast: 157 par at 419 watts

so the 400w se bulb in this case gives you over 50% more light while only using 84 more watts. Plus the 400w bulb will most likely last longer because you are not "overdriving" it.

 

[brianx45]

I'm shopping for a 400w Single Ended bulb, anyone ever use the Aquaconnect 14k?

 

[Wes]

I'm shopping for a 400w Single Ended bulb, anyone ever use the Aquaconnect 14k?

I use the 250w version and LOVE them

 

[meschaefer]

How about comparing your bulb choices on what is probably "the" definitive resource on the subject:

http://www.manhattanreefs.com/lighting

 

[vashawn]

my heads hurting !:splitspin

 

[vashawn]

how about this
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewI...twater_Aquarium_Supplies&vendor=&child=MB8914

-vs-

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewI...twater_Aquarium_Supplies&vendor=&child=MB8868

which one....

 

[ZANYMASTER]

Shawn,go with the 20k if you don't mind the blue coloration.Make sure to provide plenty of ventilation for either bulb.Your choice shouldn't be too hard.It's one or the other,either way,you'll be happy.