20K vs 14K Metal Halide Bulb?? Advice Needed

[DarkXerox]

Oh and one more thing, Giesemann has a new 17.5k DE bulb coming out soon that they claim lasts "3 years". I might try that one out next.

 

[t4zalews]

I run 2x250w radiums using sunlight supply galaxy electronic ballasts. These ballasts run the bulb at ~290w so its perfect for radiums. Its a nice white color, I even use actinics with them and it is not over blue.

 

[Nanook]

Folks, you really need to specify if you are running 250 watt or 400 watt Ushios. On the 400 watt Ushios, there is a CWA and M135, two completely different bulbs. The 250 watt bulb is CWA only and I agree that it is pretty yellow on any ballast.

 

[njreefermadness]

Before switching to LEDs, I used to run Radium 250 single enders on electronic ballasts (cheapie Chinese electronics). These had a bluer color, which I really liked. I also got ahold of a "twin" hqi ballast that was driving 2 of my 3 Radiums for the last few years of my MH experience. I could barely tell the difference between the look of the hqi driven bulbs and the electronic. I used to run my Radiums on a 1 year replacement schedule as well. I did not notice any shifts or any other "issues" either from the electronic or the hqi. I did not notice any growth problems, as I was constantly trimming and fragging stuff on a regular basis. Colors where good as well.

Hope this helps.

Herb