Do the HQI bulbs give that "shimmering" effect?

[Grouper]

I'm trying to decide between (a) 2 HQI 250 watt mini-pendants and (b) 2 250 Watt 6500K Iwasakis with 2X96 watt PCs.

Shimmering effect is important. Any difference between these two?

[Ninong]

All metal halide lamps give that shimmering effect because they are point sources of light.

Ninong

[golfish]

I have two 250 watt HQI mini pendats. If I could do it over I would go with the Iwasaki's and Actinics.....

[Grouper]

I've read your posts golfish, and I see your point in light spread.

My tank is a 90 gallon 48X18X24. I figure 2 HQIs will cover the 18" width pretty well.

I would go with the Iwasakis, given that I already have a 2X96 Watt PC kit that I could use to supplement, but my biggest problem is the size of my canopy: It's only about 6" tall. I figure the Iwasakis would be only 3" above the water, and this seems to me like a disaster waiting to happen, although I don't know for sure. Any thoughts?

Even the HQIs would be around 4-5" above the water, and obviously not the optimal height. EVENTUALLY I will get a new hood, but I'd like to have something I could use now, even if not optimally, and then transfer it later to a new hood.

For this application, it seems to me like the HQIs are more suited. Any comments would be appreciated as I'm tired of debating with myself on this issue!

[golfish]

Check the distance from the underside of the top of the canopy to the water surface. If you canopy is only 6" tall your going to be getting some wet pendants. I would cut holes in the canopy and mount them flush with the underside......