bulb ballast combo

Estevon · 03/15/2009, 08:22 AM

Im currently running 12K reeflux on a m58 ballast.250 watt se.I have no supp.lighting.I like the look of the reeflux but am in a position to upgrade the lights.I would like to get more attincs from the bulb since its metal halide lite only.A few of my picks would be,bulbs radium/ reeflux 20k/phoenix/aquaconnect(pricey) .Ballasts gallaxy/lumatek/bluewave/pfo m135.Would like to stay away from hqi due to bulb life.Idont think par is much of an issue being im running 12k reeflux now and my clams are on the sandbed.I contribute this to the lumibright reflectors.Ihave read till im blue in the face plz help push me over the edge.Suggestions plz.

THNX IN ADVANCE

Estevon · 03/15/2009, 10:54 AM

BUMP.HELP SPEND MY MONEY

wildcat9lives · 03/16/2009, 02:22 AM

Galaxy's are a great ballast choice. I've heard little to no complaints on these. As far as a lamp choice, the Radiums seem to be pretty popular.

DarG · 03/16/2009, 07:07 AM

You want more "actinic" or more blue?
Actinic is generally considered to be the light in the 420nm range ... the purplish blue / violet color light. Unfortunatley, the halides that produce decent amount of energy at this spectrum are the 10K halides, most of which need to be supplemented with blue flourescents to offset the yellowish tint.
The blue light is in the 450 - 470nm range. Bulbs like the Radium and Phoenix that you mention will give you more of this color light. The Phoenix is a DE HQI lamp unless they have come out with an SE version that I am not aware of. The Radium is actually and HQI rated SE lamp. So both are spec'd for M80 HQI (magnetic) ballasts. Regardless, you can run them on electronic ballast if you wish. Usually a slightly bluer appearance on electronic compared to HQI magnetic ballasts.

So if you want more blue without flourescent supplements, you are heading in the right direction with the higher K halides.
But if you want more actual actinic, 420 nm, light, you need to supplement the higher K halides with 03 actinic flourescents or use a 10K halide with good actinic energy and supplement with blue flourescents.

03/15/2009, 08:22 AM	#1
Estevon Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Albuquerque,NM Posts: 49	bulb ballast combo Im currently running 12K reeflux on a m58 ballast.250 watt se.I have no supp.lighting.I like the look of the reeflux but am in a position to upgrade the lights.I would like to get more attincs from the bulb since its metal halide lite only.A few of my picks would be,bulbs radium/ reeflux 20k/phoenix/aquaconnect(pricey) .Ballasts gallaxy/lumatek/bluewave/pfo m135.Would like to stay away from hqi due to bulb life.Idont think par is much of an issue being im running 12k reeflux now and my clams are on the sandbed.I contribute this to the lumibright reflectors.Ihave read till im blue in the face plz help push me over the edge.Suggestions plz. THNX IN ADVANCE

03/15/2009, 10:54 AM	#2
Estevon Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Albuquerque,NM Posts: 49	BUMP.HELP SPEND MY MONEY

03/16/2009, 02:22 AM	#3
wildcat9lives Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Vancouver, WA Posts: 4	Galaxy's are a great ballast choice. I've heard little to no complaints on these. As far as a lamp choice, the Radiums seem to be pretty popular.

03/16/2009, 07:07 AM	#4
DarG Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 5,515	You want more "actinic" or more blue? Actinic is generally considered to be the light in the 420nm range ... the purplish blue / violet color light. Unfortunatley, the halides that produce decent amount of energy at this spectrum are the 10K halides, most of which need to be supplemented with blue flourescents to offset the yellowish tint. The blue light is in the 450 - 470nm range. Bulbs like the Radium and Phoenix that you mention will give you more of this color light. The Phoenix is a DE HQI lamp unless they have come out with an SE version that I am not aware of. The Radium is actually and HQI rated SE lamp. So both are spec'd for M80 HQI (magnetic) ballasts. Regardless, you can run them on electronic ballast if you wish. Usually a slightly bluer appearance on electronic compared to HQI magnetic ballasts. So if you want more blue without flourescent supplements, you are heading in the right direction with the higher K halides. But if you want more actual actinic, 420 nm, light, you need to supplement the higher K halides with 03 actinic flourescents or use a 10K halide with good actinic energy and supplement with blue flourescents.