DE halide ques

[GeoB]

I'm trying to decide if I should get the DE or SE bulbs. I've about decided I want to use an electronic ballast (Icecap probably) to save on heat and electricity.

I understand that electronic ballasts under drive DE bulbs, does this mean you get more life out them?

According to Sanjay's tests the SE bulbs produce more PPFD on both electronic and HQI ballasts. Does the smaller DE bulb allow for more efficient reflectors (in the same way the slimmer T5s do) that help make up for the difference in PPFD?

Any recommendations on a DE bulb that is a good match to the Icecap e-ballast? How about the XM 10K DE?

[GeoB]

I've seen the Phoenix 14K bulbs on a HQI ballast, do they look much different on an electronic ballast? How often do you replace them?

I've experienced the "tank doing better after neglect" a few times myself. :roll

[JimD]

I like the CoralVue Reeflux 10K SE on an electronic ballast.

[GeoB]

Your tank looks great! Are you using actinics?

[JimD]

If youre talking to me, yes, Im using VHO actinics, but, if youre looking at the pics in my gallery, most of those are with XM 10K's and actinics. The Reeflux bulbs are a bit more plesant to the eyes in my opinion, not as harsh.

[GeoB]

Jim - Yes, I was speaking to you, I checked out your gallery. Thanks for input!

[ckorb7]

im using a 250 15k xm and after seeing the reeflux, i have decided to switch.

[alton]

I am switching from DE to SE. You can do that with CV Electronic Ballast. The reason is two fold, one if I buy 14K they will look like 14K not something inbetween 10K and 12K SE Lamps. And the big one is the Dangerious UV rays that DE produces. Remember you must always run DE with there protective lense. There was a great article in one of the Coral Magazines on this, sorry I can't remember which one. Old age I guess

[matt]

I am switching from DE to SE. You can do that with CV Electronic Ballast. The reason is two fold, one if I buy 14K they will look like 14K not something inbetween 10K and 12K SE Lamps. And the big one is the Dangerious UV rays that DE produces. Remember you must always run DE with there protective lense. There was a great article in one of the Coral Magazines on this, sorry I can't remember which one. Old age I guess

Actually, one "14K" does not necessarily look anything like another, but I guess what you're saying is that you like the color of a particular SE 14K bulb. If so, fair enough, but for sure the 14K phoenix DE bulb is bluer than any other 14K bulb I've ever seen. Regarding the UV, I'm not sure where you're getting your info, but I can tell you that running a DE pendant with the glass shield in place is not dangerous to either yourself or the tank.

[alton]

Your right on the glass as long as it is in place it is not harmful the problem if it gets busted and you cannot replace it in time. According to the article the writer said he lost most of his fish after only one day of running DE lamps without the lense. As far as the color thing there seems to be no standard between manufactures?

[GeoB]

As far as the color thing there seems to be no standard between manufactures?

From what I've read it seems like sometimes there is not a standard within a manufacturer; color sometimes varies between the same bulbs by the same manufacturer. Add other variables like which ballast is used and the age of the bulbs and it almost seems like a craps shoot.

How long do the DE bulbs last on a electronic ballast vs hqi ballast? Are the reflectors better for the DE bulbs?

[brewercm]

I've liked the Hamilton 14K DE bulb myself. It's is much more blue than the coralvue and appears brighter to me also. Not sure about what it looks like next to a Phoenix but have wanted to see what they look like also just don't have the $$ to blow on different bulbs to test one side by side and turn around and sell it after a weeks use for a 50% loss.

[matt]

How long do the DE bulbs last on a electronic ballast vs hqi ballast? Are the reflectors better for the DE bulbs?

I can't answer the part about how long the bulbs last on electronic vs HQI, but regarding the reflectors, I think it's pretty tough to beat the performance of the lumenarc reflectors and they're for SE bulbs. They do now make a reflector for DE bulbs and I imagine it gets more out of the bulbs than other fixtures, and it includes the UV shield.

http://www.reefexotics.com/lumenarc.htm

[brewercm]

That's great news, I've been waiting for a smaller DE version.

[GeoB]

Finally found a great thread on RC that discusses Lumenarcs as well as SE vs DE: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=560167&perpage=25&highl ight=lumenarc&pagenumber=1

How does this deal from ReefExotics sound (nice link Matt!) -
Lumenarc Retro Kits:
Coralvue electronic ballast
choice of Reeflux SE MH bulb 10,000K/12,000K
Large or Mini Lumenarc Reflector
adjustable mogul socket and power cord
Mini Lumenarc Retro Kit $284.99
Large Lumenarc Retro Kit $284.99

[matt]

I don't know anything about the bulb, but JimD was running 'em I think. I'm pretty sure you'll be very happy with the reflectors. You can go to Sanjay's site and look him his reflector comparison and you'll see how the lumenarc is much better than the others.