Which MH setup is better?

[dougers31]

Which MH setup is better?
So if you had the choice between 150watt DE fixture and a 175watt SE fixture(assuming both have similar reflectors) which one would you go with and why?

In the past I've heard DE is better but can't remember why...

 

[m and m]

There is aloe more bulb options with the SE then DE how deep is the tank its going on though that would play a role too.

 

[dougers31]

It would be going on a 40 br. Also thinking about going wiht t5's. Things I'm looking at are how much it would cost to replace bulbs, how much for elect., shimmer is a bonus but not a make or break deal.

 

[Jcr's Reef]

I would probably base my opinion on what brand of bulb you want to run. I don't think 175w have the same selection of variety, but its been a couple of years since I've looked.

 

[dougers31]

There is aloe more bulb options with the SE then DE how deep is the tank its going on though that would play a role too.

Huh.... someone(very knowledgable) said there are more options with the DE bulbs vs the SE....

 

[Paul_N]

If you don't plan on upgrading anytime soon I would go T5 over a 40b. If you plan on upgrading in the future, I would just skip the 150/175 and go with 250w and hang them higher.

FWIW I just switched last year from DE to SE because of selection.

 

[butts182]

150 watt so that you can run Radiums if you want

 

[m and m]

I just did a quick look on PA and it seems there is a ton more SE then DE... Take a look for yourself. What are you looking to primarly keep in this tank?

Premium Aquatics -?

 

[dougers31]

If you don't plan on upgrading anytime soon I would go T5 over a 40b. If you plan on upgrading in the future, I would just skip the 150/175 and go with 250w and hang them higher.

FWIW I just switched last year from DE to SE because of selection.

Yeah, I'm starting to lean towards t5's. The wattage is about the same and bulb replacement would prolly be close. But I'm sure I'll get better coverage with t5's, just am going to miss the shimmer.

 

[m and m]

You can add a LEd for a little shimmer, I use and like t5's due to bulb selection you can creat so many color combo's.

 

[dougers31]

So what would be a good led setup that could add shimmer and not break the bank...

 

[m and m]

The reefkio led fixture is pretty cheap 2 year warrenty and comes in many differnt budgets.

 

[aalvarado87]

ive seen people running one reefkoi evolution led rock a tank your size of course they are pretty high up but they have gotten the job done. so i myself would go with that but if you wanted to go with mh i would def go de i know it is hard to find some bulbs made in se

 

[dougers31]

Thanks for the help guys! I think I'm going to go with an ati sunpower 4bulb fixture and check out reefkoi's site for led supp.