Difference between MH and HQI MH

[rambolam]

JUst wondering what the difference between the regular MH Lights and the HQI ones?

I'm about to setup a 240 (96 X 24 X 24) and am making a lighting plan. I wouldn't mind some corals as well as some fish. If you have any sugggestions (including manufactorer's, or were to buy), please let me know. I'm building a wall around the tank, so there's lot's of room overhead.

Thanx
Rambolam

[scubadude]

Hi rambolam Welcome to Reefland!

JUst wondering what the difference between the regular MH Lights and the HQI ones?

There are many differences, probably the most important, atleast in my eyes is that HQI put out much more PAR for the electricity they consume VS. standard mogul based MH lights. There is a downfall and thats the spread on them is not as good as standard mogul base bulbs. Another thing that I will bring up about HQI is that not all HQI bulbs are DE (double ended) it is just a common association people have grouped together with the term HQI. HQI stands for Mercury Quartz Iodide.....I know where does H come from mercury right? The scientific table code of mercury is HG thus HQI