Mogul to double ended conversion.

[tat2z_21]

I know theoretically it is possible to convert from a mogul base to the DE bases. Would all ballasts power the light no matter what kind it is right. As long as the voltage is the same and the current draw is the same. If there is anyone out there that has done this please let me know. Thank you.

 

[MC Lighting]

I have heard this is possible although to be honest being a DE owner not sure I would do it again bulbs are much harder to get and more expensive at that and I don't see any output difference between those that have a SE.

 

[trido]

I have heard this is possible although to be honest being a DE owner not sure I would do it again bulbs are much harder to get and more expensive at that and I don't see any output difference between those that have a SE.

Ditto........

 

[tat2z_21]

So there is no difference between the SE and the DE. I was under the impression that the life of the bulb is longer and the output was better. So maybe I should stick with the SE halides. I currently have 1 250w 20k and wanted to add 2x150w 20k

 

[MC Lighting]

I am not syaing there might be a small output advantage but for the sake of the cost difference I do not think it was worth it... even if the bulbs last longer they should still be replaced anually at min. for sake of spectrum shift . I would just stay with the SE 's and not invest a bunch of money for minimal gain.

 

[chadmace]

I use single end and dont really see a reason to switch to DE.

 

[dnjan]

Theoretically, a DE bulb will be more efficient because you won't have all of that glass that a SE bulb has blocking the reflector. But I doubt that a conversion (using the same reflector) would work well.

 

[DonW]

Alot of ballast wont fire a DE bulb and the reflector needs to have a way to mount a glass uv shield in order to do the conversion.

Don

 

[bc_slc]

Before luminarcs (and the mini's) I thought a DE setup was totally the way to go. The DE pendants (Reef optix III and PFO mini's) focus the light really well into the tank, and as a result, 250 DE setup tends to have intensity like a 450w SE setup.

However, now that there are SE pendants that are really efficient, not spilling light out the side, back and front of the tanks, I would also not do a DE setup again. Almost everything is more expensive, including the every 9-12 month bulb purchase.

If you already have a SE setup and want to upgrade, get better pendants but don't switch to DE.

Mat