What's the difference between Metal Halide and HQI?

jdircksen · 01/03/2007, 08:44 AM

I'm looking for lighting for my 75g. I like the premade fixtures such as the Coralife Aqualight Pro 2x150w HQI + 2x96w PC, but I am also considering doing a retro in a canopy. I have come across MH and HQI but I don't know the difference besides looks of the bulb. Is there a big difference between the two?

rutz81 · 01/03/2007, 08:51 AM

HQI is a type of metal halide. There is HQI(which is also known as double-ended{DE}) These require you to run a shield(piece of glass between the bulb and the water. There is also mogul based or single-ended(SE). The HQI are a bit brighter and more intense, but, bulb selection isn't as wide as mogul-based.

HTH,

Dave

jdircksen · 01/03/2007, 08:55 AM

That does help. Thanks

01/03/2007, 08:44 AM	#1
jdircksen Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: 43081 Posts: 659	What's the difference between Metal Halide and HQI? I'm looking for lighting for my 75g. I like the premade fixtures such as the Coralife Aqualight Pro 2x150w HQI + 2x96w PC, but I am also considering doing a retro in a canopy. I have come across MH and HQI but I don't know the difference besides looks of the bulb. Is there a big difference between the two?

01/03/2007, 08:51 AM	#2
rutz81 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,779	HQI is a type of metal halide. There is HQI(which is also known as double-ended{DE}) These require you to run a shield(piece of glass between the bulb and the water. There is also mogul based or single-ended(SE). The HQI are a bit brighter and more intense, but, bulb selection isn't as wide as mogul-based. HTH, Dave

01/03/2007, 08:55 AM	#3
jdircksen Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: 43081 Posts: 659	That does help. Thanks