DanW
Certified Stick Killer
Dave do you see a difference between 250 and HQI?
DanW's 187 SPS Dominated Reef Journal
- Thread starter DanW
- Start date
Dave's Reef
New member
The 250's on the HQI setting are almost as bright as the 400's I had going on them. Definitely brighter than the straight 250w setting!~
Silly me though, I didn't do a side by side comparison and I can do it easy enough with these snazzy switchable ballasts. I can tell you there is a big difference between the regular 400w setting and the "Turbo" setting that's an option for the 400's. I liked the 400's (Radium's mind you) on just the regular 400w setting vs. the Turbo.
I'll do a side by side on the 250's and let you know for sure. But knowing what they looked like before and seeing them now I can tell HQI is definitely gonna be brighter. Pushes it like a M80(I believe?) ballast is supposed too, like the Blue Wave 7's....
Dave's Reef
New member
Selectable Wattage Ballast Comparison
Ok, I've done a side by side and the HQI setting is definitely brighter & crisper (not as blue) as the normal 250w setting. Another thing I noticed is that when powering up on the regular 250w setting the Radium starts out very yellow and takes about 60 seconds or more until it warms up and looks normal. On the HQI setting the time it takes to warm up and go right into normal appearance is drastically reduced and there isn't the huge color shift you get in the regular 250w setting.
Hope this helps....
Ok, I've done a side by side and the HQI setting is definitely brighter & crisper (not as blue) as the normal 250w setting. Another thing I noticed is that when powering up on the regular 250w setting the Radium starts out very yellow and takes about 60 seconds or more until it warms up and looks normal. On the HQI setting the time it takes to warm up and go right into normal appearance is drastically reduced and there isn't the huge color shift you get in the regular 250w setting.
Hope this helps....
DanW
Certified Stick Killer
Thanks for the report Dave. Gotta think this through but likely gonna pick these up.
Very nice Dan, I guess this corals means no angels in the near future :sad1:.
DanW
Certified Stick Killer
Thanks Brian, yup not ready to be a real reefer yet. Perhaps when the time comes (if the time comes) I can trade it for an angel :idea:
pookstreet
Registered Stick Killer
Dan, I'll bring over a couple of nippers next time we come for a visit :lol:
Reefer08
New member
Hey Ramzy. 3:33 AM dude! Whole lota drama over there, huh? Unbelieveable! My OT was added April 08 as a 1 1/2" frag and has been cut several times. Weird thing is that over the last 4 mos or so the color has lightenedI'll try to get a shot of it up soon.
Yeah reef drama is always entertaining though :lol:
I look forward to seeing that OT colony picture
Reefer08
New member
Dan I recommend going with 400w Radiums instead
I love the growth & color I get from these bulbs.
Dave's Reef
New member
Dan I recommend going with 400w Radiums instead
I love the growth & color I get from these bulbs.
Yeah, I like the color too... After my GHA clears I will make my decision.
It's nice to have options now!~
DanW
Certified Stick Killer
I wouldn't mind trying 400s but I'm concerned with the heat. I don't run a chiller and during the summer my tank gets up to 81+ (then halides turn off).Dan I recommend going with 400w Radiums instead
I love the growth & color I get from these bulbs.
aquariumclown
New member
Try them in the winter.
DanW
Certified Stick Killer
Thanks Ryan. I've not taken pictures but it looks like a brown rock at the moment.
DanW
Certified Stick Killer
Hey Terry, I've not been to Vivid...yet. It's about an hour away (with no traffic) on the other side of LA, so there's always traffic. I've heard good things about them though. What are you interested in?
pookstreet
Registered Stick Killer
Is that what one of mine will grow up to be some day??? Cool!!!
