A typical DE setup usually sucks more electricity as well as magnetic ballasts overdrive the bulbs making them burn brighter (which also reduces their usable lifespan).
On the plus side though there is the Phoenix 14K that isn't available in SE unless you count Aquaconnect's bulb which costs a lot more.
Even if you do go SE I feel it is still important to use a glass shield. Last year two people on this site reported large losses in their tanks when some water was splashed onto their unguarded SE bulbs causing them to explode... With a shield in place on both types DE would then be the bulb type that produces higher PAR.
With all things considered I'd probably buy SE if I were to purchase new pendants again. Mainly because most reflectors seem to be designed for them and produce a more even distribution when they are used.
|