HQI vs. PC = Heat which is best?

[RoverJim]

I know that I just recently posted that I was going with the 4x36 lights, but in my endless research I came across these HQI bulbs.  I am now adding this in as a factor in the search for brighter lighting.  I have a lot of surface area in the hood, but not alot of height.  

 

I am wondering, if any one has measured heat coming off of a PC bulb (or series of bulbs) vs a single HQI.  It would seem that if I have just one hot lamp it will be easier to cool then four of them.  

 

Does anyone have experience with mounting an HQI in about 4" of vertical space?  

 

I think I have a plan to disapate heat, I can mount it to a large flat white painted aluminum plate and then connect if necessary some heat sinks to it.  With a smaller fan in the back, I think it would be cooler.  However this is only theory.  

 

Any input would be appreciated.

 

Thanks,

Jim

[NanoReefer53]

4" is just way to low unless you have an open top with plenty of water evap. Something like 6-9" would be better. I've felt the heat under 150w HQI's at my LFS and I must say they're hotter than my 175w MH. Remeber though if you do use it, keep a UV filter between or else all your corals will burn.

[Nishant3789]

heh, whats HQI stand for again?

[NanoReefer53]

I guess it'd acutally be HgQI

 

stand for Mercury Quartz Iodine......i think

 

O yea, just if you didn't know the Hg is the abreviation for Mercury

 

(Edited by NanoReefer53 at 10:54 pm on May 14, 2002)

[RoverJim]

It figures... I actually measured it this morning and I have 3".  Looks like my decision is definately PCs.

 

Thanks.. Everyone.... Jim

[Dave ESPI]

PC are better suited fre home aquarium uses and are more widely avail on the market. as far as heat, halides run hot , but mercury vapor are REALLY HOT thye are like quartz worklights. I used to cook eggs on the back of my worklight in the garage..... :flame: