Best 250w MH bulb for low light demanding SPS

[xenon]

I run six 400w Radiums on one system and LOVE IT!

With that said, I would like to use 250w MH bulbs on another system and keep montipora, birdsnest, deepwaters and other low light demanding acro's in that system.

What bulb/ballast combo would suit my needs?

I care more about coloration than I do growth.

[Stlouphil]

Go with 250 watt Radiums. 😄

[xenon]

Originally Posted by Stlouphil

Go with 250 watt Radiums. 😄

If the 250w Radium offers the best coloration and is not too intense, I am all over it.

[Peter Eichler]

Originally Posted by xenon

If the 250w Radium offers the best coloration and is not too intense, I am all over it.

It's a great all around bulb and shouldn't be too intense for the corals you describe. I'd suggest a Lumatek 250/400 watt variable ballast and running it on the "HQI" setting.

[xenon]

Originally Posted by Peter Eichler

It's a great all around bulb and shouldn't be too intense for the corals you describe. I'd suggest a Lumatek 250/400 watt variable ballast and running it on the "HQI" setting.

Awesome. Thanks for the tips!

I don't have access to the Lumatek brand from any of my current suppliers but I can get LuXcore.

Example: http://www.coralvue.com/luxcore-400w...tronic-ballast

[Stlouphil]

If you are concerned about the Radiums being too intense run them on a electronic ballast. Less Par and more blue.

Although I pesonallybdid not see it on my electronic ballast. I added royal blue LEDs to get more blue pop.

I'll say it before 50 people jump in. Radiums run at spec when run on a magnetic M80 ballast. Lol

[xenon]

Originally Posted by Stlouphil

If you are concerned about the Radiums being too intense run them on a electronic ballast. Less Par and more blue.

Although I pesonallybdid not see it on my electronic ballast. I added royal blue LEDs to get more blue pop.

I'll say it before 50 people jump in. Radiums run at spec when run on a magnetic M80 ballast. Lol

I currently use Vertex 400w ballasts and they do fire the bulb pretty white. I use the ReefBrite Hybrid reflectors so I am supplementing with four 6ft blue XHO strips.

Here is a picture of one 8ft x 4ft bed. There is another bed attached to this same system on the other side. I have 6 GHL Mitras that I am replacing with more ReefBrite Hybrids.

[Constrictor6090]

For best color i've found that a Radium bulb with Actinic VHO T12 supplements make coral, especially SPS, just glow with color imo

[xenon]

Originally Posted by Constrictor6090

For best color i've found that a Radium bulb with Actinic VHO T12 supplements make coral, especially SPS, just glow with color imo

I totally agree that VHO would be a much better choice than LED for actinic but there is no way to retrofit them without it looking ghetto.

I also can't have wires everywhere in a retail setting.

Anyone else comment on the LuxCore ballasts? I can get them for much cheaper than the Lumatek. If the Lumatek is worth the premium, I really don't mind paying for it. It just starts to add up when I need 7 ballasts (1 for backup).

[Aquattro]

I would try and look at a 250w first, I find the color is very different than the 400w bulb.

[xenon]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

I would try and look at a 250w first, I find the color is very different than the 400w bulb.

That's the plan.

I am only going to buy two 250w Radium bulbs to see the color temp first.

[Bill@IA]

Originally Posted by xenon

I totally agree that VHO would be a much better choice than LED for actinic but there is no way to retrofit them without it looking ghetto.

I also can't have wires everywhere in a retail setting.

Anyone else comment on the LuxCore ballasts? I can get them for much cheaper than the Lumatek. If the Lumatek is worth the premium, I really don't mind paying for it. It just starts to add up when I need 7 ballasts (1 for backup).

I am using the LuxCore Ballast on 400w Radiums and it has worked out excellent for me. The Super Lumens setting really pumps the PAR I wanted out of my 400w Radiums. Just like the old Agro does on another system. Although I haven't switched the bulbs and tried it with my 250w Radiums I very pleased with these ballasts.

Good Luck

[xenon]

Originally Posted by Bill@IA

I am using the LuxCore Ballast on 400w Radiums and it has worked out excellent for me. The Super Lumens setting really pumps the PAR I wanted out of my 400w Radiums. Just like the old Agro does on another system. Although I haven't switched the bulbs and tried it with my 250w Radiums I very pleased with these ballasts.

Good Luck

Glad to hear. Thanks!

[Constrictor6090]

Originally Posted by xenon

I totally agree that VHO would be a much better choice than LED for actinic but there is no way to retrofit them without it looking ghetto.

I also can't have wires everywhere in a retail setting.

Anyone else comment on the LuxCore ballasts? I can get them for much cheaper than the Lumatek. If the Lumatek is worth the premium, I really don't mind paying for it. It just starts to add up when I need 7 ballasts (1 for backup).

See I prefer the old style Reefbright xho leds are the only thing better imo than the VHOs, they're just a little expensive..

[Poseidon]

I have a 250W Radium on a Galaxy eBallast, with Luxeon LED's. It is by far my favorite lighting to date.

It can totally be done without looking ghetto as well, you just have to have some basic skills.