Is it my bulb? What gives?

[rodcpierce]

Originally Posted by waverz

Your nick kinda gave that away, that and the fact you knew my first name.

Heh

I don't think its the bulb, its the fact my bulb and ballast aren't compatible.

Thats what i mean. Not that the bulb itself is bad, but the combo.

[luther1200]

Sorry I should have used the correct termonology. HQI isn't really what many on RC or in the hobby in general think/say it is. HQI actually means Halogen Quartz Iodide, ( which is any type of MH bulb). But when most of us say HQI we mean a Magnetic core and coil ballast. I am guilty of it also. But to be more accurate the Radiums need to be run on M80 or M81 type ballasts.

Here is a great read on lighting
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-03/sj/index.php

[PaulErik]

The link provided by luther1200 the Radium 20,000K has a note (* Note Radium Blue/20,000K (HRI-TS 150W/230/B/RX7S) is rated at 160W and may not operate on electronic ballasts with safety shutoff.)

Some electronic ballasts will not allow the Radium 150-watt lamp to stabilized overtime and will draw more power. This can cause the ballast to shutoff because the ballast circuit thinks the lamp is aged or failing.

[waverz]

Originally Posted by PaulErik

The link provided by luther1200 the Radium 20,000K has a note (* Note Radium Blue/20,000K (HRI-TS 150W/230/B/RX7S) is rated at 160W and may not operate on electronic ballasts with safety shutoff.)

Some electronic ballasts will not allow the Radium 150-watt lamp to stabilized overtime and will draw more power. This can cause the ballast to shutoff because the ballast circuit thinks the lamp is aged or failing.

Inteeeeerrreeesting. That would explain it then.