Metal Halide Question

so what's the "best" brand of bulb? I know it's more of an opinion thing but..

 

Oh and what's the difference between HQI and others?

 

HQI -My understanding is that the HQI has double ended connections.
I know Matt has a link to a light bulb test and I will try and find it.
The XM 10,000 250 came in 2nd but the cost difference between 1st and 2nd was worth the PAR difference IMO.
XM is a brand name.

 

Here is the link with different bulb and ballast tests that has pictures.

http://www.cnidarianreef.com/lamps.cfm

The magnetic ballast has a higher PAR but also burns the bulb out much quicker. So if you use one of these ballasts you buy more bulbs and pay higher electric bills.

I am looking at the ARO and the IceCap 250 ballast but have not pulled the trigger yet.

 

Thanks Naut.
The CoralVue 10,000K looks good think I'll probably go with that