Bulbs

Which Metal Halide Bulb is Right for Me?

There are three main considerations to decide upon when choosing metal halide bulbs: type of bulb, wattage and color temperature. There are two different types of meatal halide sockets for aquarium metal halide bulbs.

Mogul based, also referred to as single ended or SE. Mogul lamps have a threaded end like a normal light bulb that screws into a mogul socket.

Double ended lamps often referred to as  HQI or DE. DE lamps lack the threads and UV casing found on single ended bulbs. A sheild is recomended with the usage of these lamps

Wattage & Color Temperature

Both single ended and double ended bulbs are available in wattages from 150, 175, 250, 400 and 1000 watts depending on the lamp. Bulb and ballast wattage must match. The color temperature of metal halide aquarium bulbs are rated using the Kelvin (K) rating scale. Lower Kelvin temperatures (10000k) are more yellow and green in color, while higher Kelvin temperatures are more white and blue in color like the popular 20000ks.