SE bulbs on an HQI ballast?

[tahoe98]

Okay I am trying to make up my mind about what bulbs/ballast I want. I am planning on two 250w SE bulbs retrofitted into the canopy. I have read about people using HQI ballasts for Radium bulbs to make them look brighter/whiter. Are the Radiums the only SE bulbs that can be safely overdriven on an HQI ballast? I have also thought about the 14K Aquaconnect bulbs but wasn't sure if they could be run on an HQI ballast or should be run on a standard ballast. I don't want to buy an HQI ballast and then not be able to run anything but Radiums on it. Any help is appreciated.

 

[mattseattle]

i run hamilton 14k's on a pfo hqi ballast. perfect color and intensity. they've only been running for 2 months though so i can't tell you how they are over a long haul.

i like the way the hqi ballast overdrives SE bulbs.

 

[Tom Berry]

I run my 250W Aqua Connect SEs on HQI ballasts, and highly recommend it to get the best out of these bulbs.

Most any quality SE bulb can be run on an HQI ballast. The only caveat is that the HQI does overdrive the bulb, and will shorten the useable life somewhat. IMO, it's worth it.

Tom:fish2:

 

[phishlet]

How would you describe the color of the hamilton 14ks on PFO HQI's? more white? Less blue than on standard or electronic ballasts?

 

[mr pink floyd]

i heard it would be like overdriving T5s, more PAR, less bulb life

 

[Mirror Pond]

I just set up my 120 using SE 250w Coralvue Reeflux 12k on a dual PFO HQI ballast. So far I really like the color but they have only been running for about 45 hours. No problems starting or running the bulbs.

 

[phishlet]

That's what I've been using too. On the HQI ballasts though they seem pretty blue. I am hoping for something a bit more white with a hint of blue.