Lighting help please

gjk · 02/09/2010, 06:20 PM

I want to change out my LED's for metal halides. Of course I am finding great amounts of info here on RC to help inform me before the purchase. One question I have not found enough info on is regular mogul halides vs. HQI. Can some of you help inform me on pros and cons or send a link on the topic? My front to back depth in canopy is only 22" so I am thinking the smaller HQI reflectors with T-5's seperate but beside them will work. Not sure of the HQI pros and cons vs a mogul halide reflector? Thanks

gjk · 02/09/2010, 07:41 PM

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shaneh · 02/10/2010, 12:48 PM

HQI is a DE double ended bulb, you need a glass shield on the lights for UV protection. Also some talk that they actually use more than 250 watts more like 275 or 300

SE bulbs are MH bulbs that do not need the glass and have more bulb color selection. For the best lighting for your tank go with a mini lumenarc reflector SE with a radium bulb and a T-5 bulb for atinic in front and back.

02/09/2010, 06:20 PM	#1
gjk Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Daphne, AL Posts: 185	Lighting help please I want to change out my LED's for metal halides. Of course I am finding great amounts of info here on RC to help inform me before the purchase. One question I have not found enough info on is regular mogul halides vs. HQI. Can some of you help inform me on pros and cons or send a link on the topic? My front to back depth in canopy is only 22" so I am thinking the smaller HQI reflectors with T-5's seperate but beside them will work. Not sure of the HQI pros and cons vs a mogul halide reflector? Thanks

02/09/2010, 07:41 PM	#2
gjk Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Daphne, AL Posts: 185	...

02/10/2010, 12:48 PM	#3
shaneh Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Petaluma, CA Posts: 1,168	HQI is a DE double ended bulb, you need a glass shield on the lights for UV protection. Also some talk that they actually use more than 250 watts more like 275 or 300 SE bulbs are MH bulbs that do not need the glass and have more bulb color selection. For the best lighting for your tank go with a mini lumenarc reflector SE with a radium bulb and a T-5 bulb for atinic in front and back.