HQI vs Mogul

[maxalmon]

I understand the whole ballast thing, but my question is this, Are HQI's that much better than Moguls?

 

[bang guy]

HQI are basically a mogel without the outer glass shield. They are an advantage if you use a glass shield. Magnetic HQI ballasts overdrive the bulbs so you get more light but they do use more power. This isn't true for electronic ballasts.

 

[maxalmon]

"HQI are basically a mogel without the outer glass shield. They are an advantage if you use a glass shield"
This statement confused me, I thought they both had to have a glass shield?
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Is a HQI bulb better than a Mogul type bulb? I'm having a hard time finding a 2x250w HQI retrofit for the new sps tank, there are 2x250 mogul types everywhere (hamilton)
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With all your experience, what type of retrofit lighting would you use on a 48" sps tank? :help:
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Am I correct in saying that Magnetic ballast are the best?

 

[maxalmon]

My brain hurts and it feels like my head is going to implode! I've been working on this lighting issue for 2 weeks, finally decided to make my own retrofit, but can't find a good HQI double ended reflector that can go in a canopy, should I just skip the double ended part?

 

[bang guy]

Google "250w HQI Pendant"
Mogel bulbs do not require a glass shield. The glass envelope already blocks a sufficient amount of UV light. The DE HQI bulbs require another layer of glass to block excess UV.

 

[maxalmon]

Are these ok to use in a canopy, it's the reefstar from hamilton

 

[acrylic51]

Yes they would be fine to use in a canopy.....DE vs SE is preference IMO.....

 

[maxalmon]

Acrylic, thank you....I've never worked on a retrofit before and just wasn't sure if they would work, heat issue etc...

 

[acrylic51]

I would still mount them up a good bit just like Bang stated.....They are going to add heat just like any other MH light......I honestly don't believe they run any color than other MH's....JMO

 

[lobstergrabber]

I have two 250 watt hqi fixtures similar to the ones posted above mounted approximately 6-7 inches off the top of my covered acrylic 125. They work great but with the acrylic covers on I do have heat issues so I added a chiller. With the lids off the temp never gets above 79 with two icecap fans on hood but evaporation is an issue. I was topping off about a gal and a half a day. Would have to imagine the evaporation would be similar with same size moguls but hopefully something in here helped.
Rich

 

[acrylic51]

Shouldn't have lids on the tank anyways, but I do agree with your point.....I don't believe they actually run any cooler than SE as well.....maybe the ballast do though?????

 

[lobstergrabber]

WHy no lids on the tank?

 

[maelv]

Are lights 12" off the tank okay? Mogul based 250w MH

 

[acrylic51]

Originally Posted by maelv
Are lights 12" off the tank okay? Mogul based 250w MH
Yep that height is plenty......The answer to no lids on top of the tank is your not allowing the tank to naturally evaporate and cool itself through evaporation, and besides your limiting or hindering the gas exchange at the surface of the tank......HTH