Yet another Metal Halide question

[sjordan]

Hi guys,
In what seems to be my endless search for a MH/VHO or MH/PC setup I have stumbled on the following:
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant ... e=Wonhoods

I have done searches and have found nothing about them. The only reason why I ask this is because I have found a really nice deal on a setup with the bulbs!

Now with that said I have one other question. Is a HQI setup really that much better?

 

[Len]

I've never used or seen this item, but from what I can gather from the specs, it's a pretty snazzy setup for a smaller tank (under 24" wide, 20" deep). Double ended bulbs and T-5's are definitely a winning combo, and the enclosure doesn't look half bad either I can't say how well the reflector is designed, but it should be noted that reflectors are very important in how much light gets into the tank and where light gets distributed. I'm sure it's a decent enough design; my guess is it probably won't compete with the well-tested Sunlight Supply and Aqualine Bushke designs however (in past issues of www.advancedaquarist.com).

HQI is a term that's commonly used to describe double ended (DE) bulbs. It's actually an inaccurate usage of the term (HQI is a specific type of MH system designed by Osram), but it's been used so much that everyone pretty much says "HQI" when they see a DE system. DE is significantly better then single-ended mogul socket bulbs. The way DE bulbs and ballasts are designed simply allow more current to pass through the bulbs with greater efficiency, thus resulting in greater output for the watt applied. DE bulbs are extremely simple compared to most SE bulbs and this simplicity lends itself to generating more PAR for the watt.

 

[Anonymous]

And the DE reflectors generally focus more light in the right direction than mogul reflectors. That makes a huge difference.

That setup looks nice for a small tank. I'm not familiar with that company as a lighting manufacturer; I'm assuming it is the same company that makes Won heaters. I use those heaters and like them, but there have been a lot of reliability issues reported by others.