Radium with which ballast?

[Skeptic_07]

I've read conflicting information about the radium galaxy combo. Some people say they run the lamps bluer and others say they run the lamps whiter like a 10k. Can someone shed some light? (no pun)

 

[Bolo Tran]

The decision grows increasingly more difficult...as stated above, I currently have the Icecap Eballasts. Galaxy/Radium combo seems to a popular choice as I've seen lots of RC-ers with nice tanks use them. I currently have dual 250 Icecaps and would rather not switch to Galaxys unless I absolutely have to. Could anyone vouch for the Radium/Icecap combo? Or should I swap out to the Galaxys? Thanks

 

[LunarDDS]

How about just getting the radiums and firing them up? If they are too blue for your liking then get a ballast that will run them a bit hotter.

 

[Bolo Tran]

Ok. Thanks for that advice. I would have never thought of that. One of the reasons posts are made here is to get a consensual opinion on a particular subject. This is my quests here. If I had the time and money to arrange trials of a bunch of different ballasts, I would have already done so. Again, I'm looking for advice. Thanks

 

[jbird69]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14878715#post14878715 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by LunarDDS
How about just getting the radiums and firing them up? If they are too blue for your liking then get a ballast that will run them a bit hotter.

This is good advise.

I ordered a radium bulb and a coralvue dimmable ballast. The bulb came but the ballast was a long time backordered. I fired the radium onmy old eballast and words cant describe how beautiful it burns. I canceled the coralvue ballast order.

 

[LunarDDS]

I am running 250w radiums on cv dimmable ballasts cranked up all the way. I like them but everyone is seeking something different with lighting. I will say the my coral has never looked better. The color definitely intensified under the radiums. I was running reeflux 12k before. You are welcome to stop by the office anytime to check it out. I'm in midtown.

the good thing about the cv dimmable is you can crank them up or back them down and run pretty much anything you want on them. the bad hasn't happened yet but after that cv bashing thread in feedback I worry a bit.

 

[SuperR*]

I am also considering the Radium 250w 20k. Not sure what ballast to use. Looking for a crisp blue tint. But not too blue...and not white.