New Radiums?

[t4zalews]

Just replaced my 250w radiums with new ones. Noticed they look different than before, the arc has burnt? ends and a thing that looks like a christmas light. Still look great. Anyone know if this makes a difference in the bulb?

New on left, Old on right

 

[PaulErik]

Radium slightly changed the aquarium line of lamps. The performance should be similar. The newer lamp pictured has an enhancer (looks like a mini Christmas light). This just aids in starting of the lamp and allows for more reliable starting over time.

 

[alton]

I sure hope they have not changed anything I just got three in sitting at the fish store!

 

[James77]

The "burnt" ends are almost always on Radiums, at least mine have. HEck, even their stock photo shows it .

 

[PaulErik]

Radium has not given any details on the changes. They state the lamps should not be different in performance. A few people have noticed a slight color difference though. The added part makes it seem like they may have altered the chemistry inside the arc tube hence the added enhancer. Sometimes an enhancer is added to halide lamps with a lower mercury dose and/or change in the halide mix. This aids in starting the lamp as stated before. Changes inside the lamp may have caused the need to add the enhancer.

 

[t4zalews]

Soooo...first time ever that I have 2 radiums that arent the same. the left one totally has a different color than the right one.

 

[philosophish]

Could you take a picture? Even a poor shot, just to see how different they appear to be.

 

[t4zalews]

I'll try, the change is subtle but noticeable. the left side is really white and the right side is much bluer. I'll try and take a pic later, but as you know, capturing correct lighting is pretty hard.

 

[rc1626]

If the bluer one is a brand new bulb it may need time to "burn in".

Rob

 

[moondoggy4]

Thanks for the info Looking forward to trying these bulbs out, I wish they had a 175 SE bulb.

 

[t4zalews]

I tried to take a picture of it, couldnt get a good picture to show the difference. Both bulbs are brand new and installed at the same time

 

[rc1626]

Interesting. I have about 3 months before I change mine out. I just received 2 new ones the other day and out of curiosity went and checked them out. Yup, they are the new style as well with the Christmas light in them. I hope it isn't too blue over the old style....I like them too much and don't want it to be too blue.

Rob

 

[jamey1015]

I'm curious were the new ones bluer or whiter or both lol. I run icecap ballast and last time I tried some they were much too blue for me and I was bummed out, But probably always be too blue on the icecaps' but here's to wishful thinking... Switched back to 14k Phoenix bulbs.

 

[philosophish]

No worries, it was worth a shot (pun intended).