What gives you the highest light output

[onetrickpony]

Hello all
I am in the research part of my next project
For a shallow tank, light penetration will not be a problem
What is the most efficient way to light a reef tank?
What gives you the highest light output for the same amount of electricity input?
Magnetic or electronic ballast
HQI MH
VHO
T-5
SE MH
Other
Thanks
Ken

[jay24k]

There is a lighting thread but imo your magnetic are going to overdrive the bulbs which will make them stronger. Also the HQI put out stronger as well. Using both will pretty much outdo any. Then you have kelvin as well. 6500K will usually put the most up till 20k but each bulb is different.

[reptoreef]

250 for example... HQI ballast and XMDE 10k bulb. There will be changes with larger wattage bulbs/ballasts.

[moonpod]

For a SHALLOW setup, probably T5HO IMO is the way to go. Enough penetration for a shallow setup, relatively cool, broad coverage.

Other options include a single SE MH in the lumenarc III reflector held up higher to provide broader coverage.

DE MH isn't such a good option in this case IMO b/c you tend to get focused output and penetration isn't an issue here.