Electronic Ballasts and 250W Radiums

[Reefist]

This part of an article about radium bulbs really struck me with what I know some people are running. So I would like to know if they think this is the case:

If you attempt to fire either on an electronic or probe start magnetic ballast, in most cases, it will fire. But you will lose a very significant amount of output (read 20-30% loss of brightness and PAR) which means less growth and an overall dimmer bulb. Not to mention, the color spectrum will shift, and the delicate balance of color that is a product of over a century of German lamp-manufacturing expertise, will be destroyed.

Heres the whole article:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1802877&highlight=paulerik

So the questions are for radium/e-ballast users is:
Do you think this is true?
How often do you change your bulbs?

 

[bigsink]

I change mine every 12 months.

 

[DgenR8]

That would explain why I'm disappointed with the look of my very expensive Geismann 250 watt D/E bulbs.

 

[chuckbuc]

i run them on icecap ellectronic ballast ,i have heard that the run better and give more par on magnetic ballast but i havnt tryied them yet ,ive been using raduims for over 3 years now and i get good growth and color

 

[cdamiano]

Most electronic ballasts will not run the Radium bulb properly and will look very blue. I spoke to the manufacturer of the Galaxy ballast prior to purchasing and they advised that this ballast was produced with the Radium bulb in mind and that it will drive the bulb properly. If you get the selectable model it also has an HQI setting. I tested the Radium with a Coralvue electronic ballast and it was extremely blue with very low par. With the Galaxy ballast the color was much brighter with much higher par. I change my bulbs every 12 months. If you do a search on the forums you will find many people who confirm positive results with this bulb/ballast combination.

 

[MIKE NY]

I think I'm going to give them a try on my PFO magnetic ballest...

 

[Reefist]

Thanks for the info Chris . I have Lumatek 250W selectable with HQI. Think thats OK? I hope so. I read somewhere that Galaxy and Lumatek are from the same source.
Tom

 

[MIKE NY]

I think I'm going to give them a try on my PFO magnetic ballest...

they are brighter than the 12k reeeflux bulbs I ran before, but still with a nice tint of blue..