Should new radiums look like this?

[SPotter]

I'm swapping my bulbs and just took the new out and they all look like they've been used. Should they have these brown marks? The bulbs that are 11 months don't have them.

 

[d0ughb0y]

I used to use radiums, and I know there is some kind of off color, wax like substance in the bulb. I think that is they way to tell if the bulb is really brand new or not. And if you fire it, it will burn off and disappear. I can't remember what it exactly looks like or if it looks like your pictures.

 

[SPotter]

I just googled images of the bulb and the interesting thing is on all of the pictures for the 400w bulb they look the same as mine and on all of the images for the 250w bulb they are all clear with no discoloration.

 

[d2mini]

I have a brand new bulb sitting here and it does have a very slight dark area in the spots yours does.
Maybe not as pronounced but it's there.

 

[tkeracer619]

They look just like that, you're fine.

 

[SPotter]

I have a brand new bulb sitting here and it does have a very slight dark area in the spots yours does.
Maybe not as pronounced but it's there.

They look just like that, you're fine.

thank you!!!!!

 

[tkeracer619]

Bulb on the left is brand new, one on the right has 2 years of run time. Just took it for your peace of mind

 

[SPotter]

Now that's service!!!!!! Thank you so much!!!!!

 

[tkeracer619]

You're welcome! I use m80 ballasts.

 

[SPotter]

You're welcome! I use m80 ballasts.

i am currently using galaxy select a watts but I have been thinking about making the switch mainly because you can't get the galaxy's anymore.

 

[tkeracer619]

I also use galaxy select a watts on my bta tank (paid $40 shipped nib). You can still get the lumatek, which are pretty much the same except they worked a bit better. Hamilton still sells the m80 but they may still be back ordered. They are rock solid ballasts and if you switch that is the route I would go.

That said I would wait for yours to burn out first as they are close enough. If one dies though and you replace it with a lumatek the only one who will notice is you :lol:

 

[SPotter]

Is there a market for used bulbs?

 

[tkeracer619]

Not really that I know of.

 

[Hamilton Tech]

It's normal. You're good.

 

[SPotter]

You're welcome! I use m80 ballasts.

It's normal. You're good.

thank you!

 

[moondoggy4]

market

market

Is there a market for used bulbs?

Depends on age and if they are popular or not.

 

[moondoggy4]

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2515208 M80 ballast he may break up the set.