So I'm in the beginning stages of putting together my 180g tank(by putting together, I mean, in Excel as a proposed budget/purchase list, not physically). I'm leaning towards a 3x~150w MH and 4x80w T5 retrokit available on Catalina Aquarium.
My question: What's the difference between HID and HQI? From my searches, it seems that all HQI are HID, but when something is listed as HID and another is HQI, what's the difference? It seems that HQI is single ended, smaller, and more intense. Is this the basic difference.
I'm looking at two fixtures:
3x150w HQI/4x80w T5 for $950
3x175w HID/4x80w T5 for $600.
My plan is for the T5 to be my primary lighting for 8 hours a day, but run the MH for ~3 hours a day as a burst/for my viewing pleasure.
For my needs, is there any reason to get the HQI? It would sell so much easier to my wife if I can use the HID's. I'm in the range of $2200 for the upgrade from a 45g to a 180g tank, so cutting my cost I can is a big plus.
My question: What's the difference between HID and HQI? From my searches, it seems that all HQI are HID, but when something is listed as HID and another is HQI, what's the difference? It seems that HQI is single ended, smaller, and more intense. Is this the basic difference.
I'm looking at two fixtures:
3x150w HQI/4x80w T5 for $950
3x175w HID/4x80w T5 for $600.
My plan is for the T5 to be my primary lighting for 8 hours a day, but run the MH for ~3 hours a day as a burst/for my viewing pleasure.
For my needs, is there any reason to get the HQI? It would sell so much easier to my wife if I can use the HID's. I'm in the range of $2200 for the upgrade from a 45g to a 180g tank, so cutting my cost I can is a big plus.