differences between single-ended and double-ended metal halide?

grayson · 09/05/2009, 03:46 PM

what's the differences between single ended and double ended MH bulbs? I know there are more bulb choices on the market for single ended MH.any other differences? any efficiency difference?

luther1200 · 09/05/2009, 04:11 PM

The DE bulbs must have UV shielding glass inbetween them and the tank. SE bulbs don't need it.

IFbettas · 09/05/2009, 04:49 PM

I've used both, and like the single end bulbs better. Supposedly DE bulbs put out more light, but then you have to put glass in front of them, so I think that they are about even. In the end it comes down to personal preference for which one to use.

reefrad · 09/05/2009, 06:12 PM

all the really nice MH aquariums i have seen were running SE bulbs. i cant explain it though.

Typlus5 · 09/05/2009, 06:49 PM

Reef Rad, I'm not following your logic on your statement

"all the really nice MH aquariums i have seen were running SE bulbs. i cant explain it though."

I think these MH aquariums are running pretty well on DE bulbs...

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/20...totm/index.php

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/20...totm/index.php

I think it's more of a timing issue when you purchase equipment vs. which MH is really better. Your not comparing T-5, VHO and MH so don't see much of a difference between each type of MH.
Just an opinion though...

luther1200 · 09/05/2009, 07:21 PM

I agree I have seen awesome tanks with either type of lamp. But the nicest tank I have ever seen runs DE. So it really is all about husbandry and a thousand other things that makes a great tank. 1 lamp type over the other isn't going to be the deciding factor. It may be the factor on which bulbs you can buy buts that about it.

joncohen · 09/05/2009, 07:33 PM

I think the design of the light fixture also dictates what type of bulb to use. The slim profile fixtures like Giesemann and Aqua Medic use the DE bulbs. The bulkier dimensions of SE bulbs simply require a bulkier light fixture. If you consider ease of installation, the SE bulbs win. Simply screw it in. Installing and removing DE bulbs can sometimes be a bear. As far as light quality is concerned, I think you will be hard pressed to tell the difference.

09/05/2009, 03:46 PM	#1
grayson Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Twin Cities, MN Posts: 123	differences between single-ended and double-ended metal halide? what's the differences between single ended and double ended MH bulbs? I know there are more bulb choices on the market for single ended MH.any other differences? any efficiency difference? __________________ Nothing else is more exciting than reef. Current Tank Info: 180g

09/05/2009, 04:11 PM	#2
luther1200 Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: NJ, shore Posts: 4,376	The DE bulbs must have UV shielding glass inbetween them and the tank. SE bulbs don't need it. __________________ Matt, 65G reef tank Current Tank Info: 65g reef, mix of sps, lps, few softies. Hoping to upgrade within the year.

09/05/2009, 04:49 PM	#3
IFbettas Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Woodridge, IL Posts: 1,953	I've used both, and like the single end bulbs better. Supposedly DE bulbs put out more light, but then you have to put glass in front of them, so I think that they are about even. In the end it comes down to personal preference for which one to use. __________________ Current Tank Info: 180G SPS Dominant, 75 Gallon Sump/Fuge, 3x250w Reeflux 12k in Lumenbrights, Octo Extreme 250 Skimmer, Lots of flow

09/05/2009, 06:49 PM	#5
Typlus5 Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Gonzales Louisiana Posts: 966	Reef Rad, I'm not following your logic on your statement "all the really nice MH aquariums i have seen were running SE bulbs. i cant explain it though." I think these MH aquariums are running pretty well on DE bulbs... http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/20...totm/index.php http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/20...totm/index.php I think it's more of a timing issue when you purchase equipment vs. which MH is really better. Your not comparing T-5, VHO and MH so don't see much of a difference between each type of MH. Just an opinion though... __________________ TY I'm sure there's a way...and I have the will Current Tank Info: 110 Reef Savvy rimless, 40B sump, Current EFlux Return, XR15 Pros w/Reef Link, BK Mini 180 skimmer, MP40wES...driven by Apex

09/05/2009, 07:21 PM	#6
luther1200 Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: NJ, shore Posts: 4,376	I agree I have seen awesome tanks with either type of lamp. But the nicest tank I have ever seen runs DE. So it really is all about husbandry and a thousand other things that makes a great tank. 1 lamp type over the other isn't going to be the deciding factor. It may be the factor on which bulbs you can buy buts that about it. __________________ Matt, 65G reef tank Current Tank Info: 65g reef, mix of sps, lps, few softies. Hoping to upgrade within the year.

09/05/2009, 06:12 PM	#4
reefrad Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: NYC Posts: 134	all the really nice MH aquariums i have seen were running SE bulbs. i cant explain it though.

09/05/2009, 07:33 PM	#7
joncohen Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Clarksville, MD Posts: 17	I think the design of the light fixture also dictates what type of bulb to use. The slim profile fixtures like Giesemann and Aqua Medic use the DE bulbs. The bulkier dimensions of SE bulbs simply require a bulkier light fixture. If you consider ease of installation, the SE bulbs win. Simply screw it in. Installing and removing DE bulbs can sometimes be a bear. As far as light quality is concerned, I think you will be hard pressed to tell the difference. __________________ Jonathan If you're lucky enough to be a reef aquarist, you're lucky enough. That fish didn't jump, he was pushed. Current Tank Info: Elos System 120, 48" Giesemann Infinity, Vortech MP40w (x2), RKE