20K Radiums

[apedroza]

Does anyone know a good place to get these??? I'm thinking of switching to these since I'm all "growed" to the max in my tank. I would like to give these a shot after seeing them at austin aqufarms. Do any lfs carry them??

[TexasTodd]

Darn, I can't remember the site. It's the company that sells EVC as their own brand. The guy's name is Vince or Vic. He has the best prices on them.

BTW these bulbs are only good for 6 months and must be run on the HQI ..not electronic ballasts to get the desired color. Reeflux 10kk on HQI is pretty darn close, cost less, and last 12 months. And still have good growth.

Go look at GreenMako's tank first. ;)

TT

[MissT]

We can get them for you, Anthony. Give us a call up at the store and we'll get you a price.

[cpreefguy]

6 month bulb life on HQI ballasts? Ouch!

[apedroza]

I'm running SE bulbs with ICECAP 250MH ballast. Will this be a problem with these bulbs??

[TexasTodd]

Yes, you need the HQI/Sodium ballast. Icecap is electronic....it'd probably fire them, but won't run the bulb at the proper power and color to get what you saw at AquaFarms. Unless he's running on electronic for some reason, but I highly doubt that.

Todd

[JimD]

You're gonna need something like the Sunlight Supply Blue Wave lll (M-80 I believe) to run those bulbs properly, the reason for the short life is those bulbs need to be over driven to get the effect theyre known for and the HQI ballast does just that.

[apedroza]

Hmm don't really want to swap out my ballasts. Whats another good 20K bulb that I can use??

[TexasTodd]

I don't know if the make a 250w, but the Ushio 20kk 150w bulb on an electronic is sweet.

Todd

[acropoorer]

Folks, Pretty sure aquafarms is running 400 watt coralvue electronic ballasts with his radiums -- same ballast I'm using with 10k and 12K reeflux bulbs. 12K reeflux is close to radium spectrum and less $$ (little more par). I have only looked at data on 400 watt SE stuff but I'm Pretty sure radium makes a 250. Check sanjay's lighting data at reefcentral to get comparison data for spectrum and par for a given bulb/ballast/wattage.

[TexasTodd]

Interesting. THat would be a bit off, but they do still work.

99% of the gurus running them do it with HQI (non-electronic) for the very reason JimD stated.

TT

[ismvel]

I'm running SE bulbs with ICECAP 250MH ballast. Will this be a problem with these bulbs??
I have a couple of 20K radium bulbs that were used for 2 months in Missouri and have not been touched since. I may be able to help you out with a bulb. PM me.

And it is similar to your set up. 250w, SE, and ran off of IceCaps...

[thedude]

Matt at Austin Aquafarms is running his radiums on electronic overdriving coralvue ballasts. They fire the bulbs at 430w instead of 400 which is why you're seeing the colors traditionally associated with that bulb.

[Bill S]

Try www.fragfarmer.com (http://www.fragfarmer.com). Eric has the Radiums, but he's told me he and several others like the Helios better, and that they last longer.

[apedroza]

Anyone carry helios locally!!!

[TexasTodd]

I believe reefermadness (chris) uses Helios too.

Todd

[apedroza]

Can the helios be used on Icecap ballasts??

[Bill S]

Sanjay's site has it: http://www.reeflightinginfo.arvixe.com/selectperformancedata.php

[beareef19]

On the efficiancy rating is higher # or lower # better
Barry