single ended bulbs vs. double ended bulbs

[fkshiu]

SE pros:
-higher PAR output (because no tempered glass shield is required)
-slightly greatly light spread
-easier to install than DE

DE pros:
-compact size
-easier to clean salt spray off of (because of the tempered glass shield)

It used to be that there was a greater variety of SE bulbs, but that's no longer true although many DE guys still long for the day that Radium comes out with a DE bulb.

[bignose]

Is it harder to get SE bulbs?

[burrows14]

Im switching from DE to Se at the moment myself mainly for the radium bulb. If radium had a DE bulb I dont think I would make the switch.

[fkshiu]

Originally Posted by bignose

Is it harder to get SE bulbs?

Nope

[bignose]

any thoughts on degenbao fixtures?(probably seen the ad)

[lastlight]

Originally Posted by fkshiu

many DE guys still long for the day that Radium comes out with a DE bulb.

Not THIS guy =) Although I'm only rocking 150w it's DE Radium. I love this bulb!

Having said that...when I upgrade I'll be right back to 250w SE to keep the Radium glow alive. Not sure how easy that will be now that nobody is making an M80 ballast to my knowledge.

[burrows14]

Originally Posted by lastlight

Not THIS guy =) Although I'm only rocking 150w it's DE Radium. I love this bulb!

Having said that...when I upgrade I'll be right back to 250w SE to keep the Radium glow alive. Not sure how easy that will be now that nobody is making an M80 ballast to my knowledge.

Aqua medic is producing the reeflex cube that is a true m80 mag ballast and its pretty cool looking IMO

[lastlight]

Well that's tasty news indeed. I had heard the actual main manufacturer of those ballasts (Blue waves and PFO used them) had ceased production. Good news!

[burrows14]

heres a link and sorry for the thread hijack lol

http://www.aqua-medic.com/reeflex_ma..._ballast.shtml

[whatcaneyedo]

A typical DE setup usually sucks more electricity as well as magnetic ballasts overdrive the bulbs making them burn brighter (which also reduces their usable lifespan).

On the plus side though there is the Phoenix 14K that isn't available in SE unless you count Aquaconnect's bulb which costs a lot more.

Even if you do go SE I feel it is still important to use a glass shield. Last year two people on this site reported large losses in their tanks when some water was splashed onto their unguarded SE bulbs causing them to explode... With a shield in place on both types DE would then be the bulb type that produces higher PAR.

With all things considered I'd probably buy SE if I were to purchase new pendants again. Mainly because most reflectors seem to be designed for them and produce a more even distribution when they are used.