DE bulbs vs mogul

[mech-a-nic]

I am setting up my Reef 120, 48x24x24. I am buying new lighting and the LFS that I use have 2 opposite opinions

1 says DE are the best lights and the other says Mogul base

Please help I plan to use 250 Watts the setups are about the same price what is better the DE or mogul base.

 

[bulldog123]

Im glad you are posting this. I have the same tank and am trying to determine the lighting myself. Did you find a sump for this?

 

[mech-a-nic]

Im glad you are posting this. I have the same tank and am trying to determine the lighting myself. Did you find a sump for this?
a 75 gallon,
heres a link to my tank build
https://forums.saltwaterfish.com/t/358714/120-upgrade

 

[mech-a-nic]

any one I need to get somthing ordered. I am Leaning to the 250 MH DE with T5 True Blues. I can get the hole setup 2x Icecap Ballest, 2x Icecap HQI Pendants, and the 2x T5s with reflectors and ballest, for 550.00 + 60.00 each for Phenix 250 watt 14k DE Bulbs. It seams like a good deal to me.

 

[bulldog123]

Are they sprider reflectors.

 

[mech-a-nic]

Nope, made by Icecap,
http://www.icecapinc.com/01/mh%20pendants.htm
They are made to work with the ballest ... you can buy from SWF

 

[natclanwy]

In the end I think it is splitting hairs, but Moguls generally have a higher par rating and have more bulb choices. The choice is yours just depends on what you like, one thing though if you go the route of building your own fixture I would definetly go with moguls since you don't have to worry about providing a UV shield for the bulb.

 

[salt210]

arent the DE bulbs usually higher priced as well?

 

[natclanwy]

Depends on the bulb:
14k Phoenix DE $79.99: 14k Phoenix Mogul $99.99
15k XM DE $69 : 15K XM mogul $79

 

[stanlalee]

Originally Posted by salt210
http:///forum/post/3056861
arent the DE bulbs usually higher priced as well?
DE bulbs are usually marked up (or cheaper) because they are cheaper to manufacturer. whatever the case profits are bigger for the manufacturers with DE
As for performance I agree is splitting hairs but for the most part those who've had both prefer mogul. Despite what DE are suppose to do SE just seem to provide more coverage and better PAR (which in no small part is due to the required sheilding for DE bulbs that saps significant par). That said get whats convienent for you. I use DE because thats what the sunpod is and it only occupies 8" front to back leaving me plenty of room to access my tank. I like SE better but I dont plan on going back anytime soon with my current tank.