Underdriven Radiums or another 250w Option?

Stlouphil · 05/09/2014, 09:40 AM

Just got a used MH setup with an Coralvue electronic ballast need to change change out the bulbs. I would like to run Radiums, but do not currently have the HQI ballasts although I'm looking to pick up a couple used.

The question is the bulbs need to be changed. Is it better to go ahead and get a couple Radiums and under drive them until I get the correct ballasts or go with a non-radium bulb until I get the proper ballasts?

What are some alternative to Radiums for an electronic ballast?

sirreal63 · 05/09/2014, 10:26 AM

Considering you already have the CV ballast, I would run it, you may decide you like the color of the Radium with it.

tmc1313 · 05/09/2014, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sirreal63

Considering you already have the CV ballast, I would run it, you may decide you like the color of the Radium with it.

^+1 -- If I was still running Radiums this is how I would do it anyway. I like to run them a little bluer as long as you can sacrifice some par.

Stlouphil · 05/09/2014, 02:34 PM

Thanks. I went ahead and ordered 1 radium from Premium Aquatics. I ll check the color with the electronic ballast. If I like it I'll order another. If not, I'm sure there is market here on RC for a 2 week old radium. ; )

alton · 05/09/2014, 03:42 PM

Most of my Radium lamps on CV ballast last from 16 to 24 months with a 10% drop in PAR levels. I did have one drop 10% in 12 months. I love the color and it is white with a blue tint. FYI to match my CV levels using a Luxcore Ballast I have to put it on 250+.

05/09/2014, 09:40 AM	#1
Stlouphil Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Wildwood, MO Posts: 393	Underdriven Radiums or another 250w Option? Just got a used MH setup with an Coralvue electronic ballast need to change change out the bulbs. I would like to run Radiums, but do not currently have the HQI ballasts although I'm looking to pick up a couple used. The question is the bulbs need to be changed. Is it better to go ahead and get a couple Radiums and under drive them until I get the correct ballasts or go with a non-radium bulb until I get the proper ballasts? What are some alternative to Radiums for an electronic ballast?

05/09/2014, 10:26 AM	#2
sirreal63 Go Spurs Go!!! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Meadowlakes Texas Posts: 13,357	Considering you already have the CV ballast, I would run it, you may decide you like the color of the Radium with it. __________________ Jack No One has ever been seriously injured by using the search function. Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms should be a convenience store, not a government agency. Current Tank Info: Reefing the Pentagon.

05/09/2014, 02:34 PM	#4
Stlouphil Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Wildwood, MO Posts: 393	Thanks. I went ahead and ordered 1 radium from Premium Aquatics. I ll check the color with the electronic ballast. If I like it I'll order another. If not, I'm sure there is market here on RC for a 2 week old radium. ; ) __________________ Current Tank: 90RR mixed reef, 150gal additional volume, 40gal sump, algae reactor, ASM G-3 skimmer, 3 - modified Marsaqua Led Units 2- 165w 1- 300w, Kalwasser reactor ATO, Auto Dosing 3 part plus tra Last edited by Stlouphil; 05/09/2014 at 02:53 PM.

05/09/2014, 03:42 PM	#5
alton Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Zuehl, Texas Posts: 4,460	Most of my Radium lamps on CV ballast last from 16 to 24 months with a 10% drop in PAR levels. I did have one drop 10% in 12 months. I love the color and it is white with a blue tint. FYI to match my CV levels using a Luxcore Ballast I have to put it on 250+.