HQI or single ended MH setups?

BrianOKC · 05/02/2007, 05:12 PM

Which do you prefer the HQI double ended metal halide or the single ended. Considering buying 2 250 watt lamps and just wanted to see what most people used.

AnimaliA · 05/02/2007, 05:30 PM

I have both...and I am not sure I notice any difference....logically though, the double ended ones should offer a more consistent lighting footprint.

papagimp · 05/03/2007, 06:20 AM

I have a double ended cheapy fixture and a single ended nicer retrofit. The retro looks better in my opinion, The double ended jjust doesn't seem as bright or intense, but I think that has more to do with the fixture being cheap.

Travis L. Stevens · 05/03/2007, 07:36 AM

HQI bulbs tend to put put slightly more PAR, but in the long run it's a matter of personal preference. I like Single Ended better because it's easier to find replacement bulbs, you don't have to worry about touching the bulb since it is already encased in a glass shield, and you don't have to have a UV shield to protect you and your livestock.

TheMcs · 05/03/2007, 09:09 AM

I've always prefered the mogul socket bulbs. Can't tell you exactly why, just what I see.

05/02/2007, 05:12 PM	#1
BrianOKC Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Moore , Oklahoma Posts: 738	HQI or single ended MH setups? Which do you prefer the HQI double ended metal halide or the single ended. Considering buying 2 250 watt lamps and just wanted to see what most people used.

05/02/2007, 05:30 PM	#2
AnimaliA Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Above sea level...for now... Posts: 235	I have both...and I am not sure I notice any difference....logically though, the double ended ones should offer a more consistent lighting footprint. __________________ -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Does a one legged duck swim in a circle? Current Tank Info: JBJ Nanocube (6 yrs) SPS and other life with pretty colors

05/03/2007, 06:20 AM	#3
papagimp COMAS Rocks! Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 8,185 Blog Entries: 2	I have a double ended cheapy fixture and a single ended nicer retrofit. The retro looks better in my opinion, The double ended jjust doesn't seem as bright or intense, but I think that has more to do with the fixture being cheap. __________________ 58g Softie & 75g Stoney Member, Central Oklahoma Marine Aquarium Society Current Tank Info: 58g Mixed Reef Project - Started June 2011

05/03/2007, 07:36 AM	#4
Travis L. Stevens Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Perry, OK Posts: 13,946	HQI bulbs tend to put put slightly more PAR, but in the long run it's a matter of personal preference. I like Single Ended better because it's easier to find replacement bulbs, you don't have to worry about touching the bulb since it is already encased in a glass shield, and you don't have to have a UV shield to protect you and your livestock. __________________ Travis Stevens Current Tank Info: Restarting 28g Bowfront

05/03/2007, 09:09 AM	#5
TheMcs Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Broken Arrow, OK Posts: 2,272	I've always prefered the mogul socket bulbs. Can't tell you exactly why, just what I see. __________________ Evaporation and top off don't count as water changes... Current Tank Info: 185g Deep Sea display, 2x 40g frag tanks, 90g fuge, 60g sump (400+ gal system)