Radium Burn in?

[mako199]

Just replaced my Reeflux 12k bulbs after a little over a year of use with 400w SE Radium 20k. The one bulb is burning blue after a couple minutes and the other bulb is still a white color and noticably brighter. I used my par meter on them and the whiter one is showing 1262 at the surface and the blue one is 1092 so the whiter one is deffinatley brighter. They are still the same after a few hours does anyone know if they will even out with burn in or will one always look brighter and whiter?

I indexed and adjusted them when I installed them so the nipple was pointing up and the pillow was center in my mini Luminarc reflecters. They are both the same orientation so it must be the bulbs. These are on new style Ice Cap 400w ballasts.

 

[luther1200]

I would try switching bulbs and see if maybe its the ballast.

 

[mako199]

I'll give it a try but the same ballasts were powering my reeflux bulbs the same color.

 

[luther1200]

At least that way you will know 100% its the bulb and nothing else.

 

[jjk_reef00]

I have 3 radiums over my tank and 1 of the 3 is a little brighter than the other 2.

 

[mako199]

Switched the ballast and the par reading followed the ballast although the color diff seems to be getting less noticable. Going to let them burn in for a week and see what happens.

 

[ryshark]

Re: Radium Burn in?

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15575656#post15575656 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mako199


I indexed and adjusted them when I installed them so the nipple was pointing up and the pillow was center in my mini Luminarc reflecters. They are both the same orientation so it must be the bulbs. These are on new style Ice Cap 400w ballasts.

Is this something which should be done? I always wonder about this when I screw the bulb in, but I just leave it however it is when tight.

 

[mako199]

I have read its a good idea to center the pillow in the reflector for uniform spread. And the nipple thing has to do with the color output up ,down ,sideways they should at least be the same direction. All things Ive read but have no proof of.

 

[grigsy]

generally 100 hours is the normal burn in period for any halide bulb. I have used Radiums for years. They are good bulbs. As with any halide though, the appearance of each may be slightly different from the next - even of the same brand.