Radiums on Galaxy and Lumatek ballast

kevin_e · 07/08/2015, 09:02 AM

I know the recommendation is to use an M80 ballast, but is it possible to run the radium on the above ballasts as well? What are the negatives to doing so?

http://www.hydrowholesale.com/galaxy...t-120240v-4988

http://www.hydrowholesale.com/lumate...t-120240v-4451

trueperc · 07/08/2015, 09:23 AM

I am interested as well. I have galaxy select a watt and am thinking about giving radiums a try as there are most like bulb.

alton · 07/08/2015, 11:45 AM

Radium Lamps are Pulse start and therefore can run fine on Electronic Ballast. I have been running mine on Coral Vue Electronic ballast for 5 years and lamps last on average 16 to 18 months with less than a 10% drop in PAR. My worst was one lamp at 12 months, my best wasn't changed until 24 months. My tank contains SPS, LPS, and Softies

kevin_e · 07/08/2015, 12:08 PM

Thank you. I have another question. With my ballasts having the ability to fire 250 or 400 watt lamps, would I be best served going to 400-watt lamps? Basically, is it worth the slight rise in electrical costs compared to the increase in color and growth rate?

alton · 07/08/2015, 02:58 PM

I run 3 x 250w MH Lumen Bright Pendants on a 300DD. What size tank do you have?

Tigé21v · 07/08/2015, 03:10 PM

Here is a good read.
http://premiumaquatics.com/articles/radium
Just one of the many reasons I love PA.

tkeracer619 · 07/08/2015, 06:53 PM

Yes, as others said you can. Still I prefer the hamilton m80 ballasts.

kevin_e · 07/09/2015, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alton

I run 3 x 250w MH Lumen Bright Pendants on a 300DD. What size tank do you have?

I have a 4' x 2' x 2' 120 gallon aquarium running 2x 250-watt 20,000K Hamilton bulbs.

kevin_e · 07/09/2015, 08:20 AM

Is it worth thr trouble going to 400s from 250s? Will I see a significant bump in PAR?

alton · 07/09/2015, 08:34 AM

I have a PAR reading of 200 to 250 on the sand or at 25". I would say 400's would be a waste of power plus increased heat to the room. All my SPS frags sit on my sand and do very well

07/08/2015, 09:02 AM	#1
kevin_e Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,083	Radiums on Galaxy and Lumatek ballast I know the recommendation is to use an M80 ballast, but is it possible to run the radium on the above ballasts as well? What are the negatives to doing so? http://www.hydrowholesale.com/galaxy...t-120240v-4988 http://www.hydrowholesale.com/lumate...t-120240v-4451

07/08/2015, 06:53 PM	#7
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	Yes, as others said you can. Still I prefer the hamilton m80 ballasts. __________________ Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers. Current Tank: Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k.

07/08/2015, 09:23 AM	#2
trueperc Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Ottawa, On, Canada Posts: 788	I am interested as well. I have galaxy select a watt and am thinking about giving radiums a try as there are most like bulb.

07/08/2015, 11:45 AM	#3
alton Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Zuehl, Texas Posts: 4,460	Radium Lamps are Pulse start and therefore can run fine on Electronic Ballast. I have been running mine on Coral Vue Electronic ballast for 5 years and lamps last on average 16 to 18 months with less than a 10% drop in PAR. My worst was one lamp at 12 months, my best wasn't changed until 24 months. My tank contains SPS, LPS, and Softies

07/08/2015, 12:08 PM	#4
kevin_e Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,083	Thank you. I have another question. With my ballasts having the ability to fire 250 or 400 watt lamps, would I be best served going to 400-watt lamps? Basically, is it worth the slight rise in electrical costs compared to the increase in color and growth rate?

07/08/2015, 02:58 PM	#5
alton Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Zuehl, Texas Posts: 4,460	I run 3 x 250w MH Lumen Bright Pendants on a 300DD. What size tank do you have?

07/08/2015, 03:10 PM	#6
Tigé21v Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: St. Charles, Mo. Posts: 1,369	Here is a good read. http://premiumaquatics.com/articles/radium Just one of the many reasons I love PA.

07/09/2015, 08:20 AM	#9
kevin_e Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,083	Is it worth thr trouble going to 400s from 250s? Will I see a significant bump in PAR?

07/09/2015, 08:34 AM	#10
alton Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Zuehl, Texas Posts: 4,460	I have a PAR reading of 200 to 250 on the sand or at 25". I would say 400's would be a waste of power plus increased heat to the room. All my SPS frags sit on my sand and do very well