| Nick,
I switched to DE from SE not long ago. The reason for that was I didn't like how my old lights were mounted with a not-the-best reflector, my ballast was HQI style, and I would have better air circulation with just 2 fixtures. Rather than how I used to have it. And part of the reason is that with how the new lights were mounted there would be less heat added to the water and the hood would be much more open for access. I did notice when you put your hand 5 inches below the DE's it's noticably a lot hotter. I never actually measured the difference in light coming from the bulb, but I know its not noticable to the eye. As far as coral growth, there are way to many variables to say that one light is better than the other for growth.
That was my reason for going to DE over my display, I still run SE over frag tanks, mainly for like what you said about it being easier setting up SE fixtures. |