Show me your 20k Radium tanks?

[Reefer33]

Has anybody tried a Radium 250 on a lumatek ballast? If so, what was the color like, more blue or white with that hint of blue like running on the HQI ballast? Thanks!

 

[GhostCon1]

Has anybody tried a Radium 250 on a lumatek ballast? If so, what was the color like, more blue or white with that hint of blue like running on the HQI ballast? Thanks!

Instead of writing it, I will show you:

Growth:

My camera has messed up with the color recently, still trying to fix it (have a simple camera). I love the color of my Radium, has a hint of blue after running for awhile, but I like the tanks having the blue look *NOT an abundance, though.*

 

[Reefer33]

GhostCon1,

Very nice! Need to switch away from these aquamaxx bulbs, one already color shifted on me to a pinkish hue, and it wasn't even lit a month. Blah!

 

[GhostCon1]

GhostCon1,

Very nice! Need to switch away from these aquamaxx bulbs, one already color shifted on me to a pinkish hue, and it wasn't even lit a month. Blah!

Thankyou.

I have been running my radium since July, same bulb. Probably need to get a new one soon...

 

[Reefer33]

Well from what I've read on this thread, the 250 bulb is really designed for HQI ballasts so you're significantly underdriving the bulb so it should in theory last longer which is pretty nice.

 

[bagz727]

how will these 250w bulbs run with icecap hqi ballasts, will they be too blue? thanks

 

[GhostCon1]

Well from what I've read on this thread, the 250 bulb is really designed for HQI ballasts so you're significantly underdriving the bulb so it should in theory last longer which is pretty nice.

Not true, James77 and I had a discussion on this. He has used these bulbs before and underdriving them shortens their lifespan.

The Lumatek Select-a-Watt 250 ballast has an HQI setting which runs the bulb at either 275 or 298ish and extends the bulb's life.

 

[Reefer33]

I bought my lumateks before they came out with the selectable wattage feature. However, according to this website, http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2009/6/review the standard lumatek 250 ballast is supposed to push 284 watts which is exactly the same amount as the Galaxy 250 ballast. If I can get around 8 months to a year out of the bulb without color shift I would be really happy. GhostCon what do you think?

 

[GhostCon1]

I bought my lumateks before they came out with the selectable wattage feature. However, according to this website, http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2009/6/review the standard lumatek 250 ballast is supposed to push 284 watts which is exactly the same amount as the Galaxy 250 ballast. If I can get around 8 months to a year out of the bulb without color shift I would be really happy. GhostCon what do you think?

Don't have time to look at this now as I am heading out the door to Jax. Will look later for you, though.

 

[drummereef]

3x 250 watt Radiums on Galaxy Select-A-Watt Ballasts running HQI mode, Lumenbright Mini Reflectors. Picture comes across darker than in reality. Crisp white with a hint of blue running HQI.

 

[GhostCon1]

I bought my lumateks before they came out with the selectable wattage feature. However, according to this website, http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2009/6/review the standard lumatek 250 ballast is supposed to push 284 watts which is exactly the same amount as the Galaxy 250 ballast. If I can get around 8 months to a year out of the bulb without color shift I would be really happy. GhostCon what do you think?

Just looked at it, the two are so closely together that you probably don't have to worry. Looks like you will be good:bounce2:

 

[fishdoc11]

3x 250 watt Radiums on Galaxy Select-A-Watt Ballasts running HQI mode, Lumenbright Mini Reflectors. Picture comes across darker than in reality. Crisp white with a hint of blue running HQI.

That's gonna be nice

 

[Reefer33]

Just looked at it, the two are so closely together that you probably don't have to worry. Looks like you will be good

Yeah I saw a local reefer using the Radiums on galaxy's and it came out to a nice ice blue but very bright! Definitely want to try some out now!

 

[drummereef]

That's gonna be nice

Thanks fishdoc. I hope so.

 

[mnestroy]

I have two 250's over my 90 Gallon, No actinics.. love the color but am still wanting more pop/glow...

I have the lumex elite reflectors which take up almost every last inch in my canopy...

I have about 4 inches on the far left and 4inches on the far right...

Do you think adding some type of LED Actinics going front to back maybe 1 or 2 on each side would do the trick?

I know the ideal spread would be to place the lights long ways for best coverage, but I'm thinking if i angle the lights i should get enough spread to get the color pop I'm looking for..

Any thoughts?

 

[Reefer33]

I have two 250's over my 90 Gallon, No actinics.. love the color but am still wanting more pop/glow

Mnestroy,

If you want sheer just actinic pop, nothing beats UVL VHO actinics. I would put two four footers just underneath your lumex reflectors and I think you will get that "pop/glow" you're looking for. Good looking cabinet by the way...

 

[stonecold]

Here's mine with 2 - 250Watts. Taken with a point and shoot camera.:-(

 

[stonecold]

Here's mine with 2 - 250Watts. Taken with a point and shoot camera.:-(

How come I don't see my pictures unless I sign in?

 

[Reefer33]

Stonecold,

I can see your pics just fine. Nice tank by the way! What kind of ballasts are you running? Looks a little more blue than those running the galaxy ballasts?

 

[mnestroy]

Mnestroy,

If you want sheer just actinic pop, nothing beats UVL VHO actinics. I would put two four footers just underneath your lumex reflectors and I think you will get that "pop/glow" you're looking for. Good looking cabinet by the way...

So you think VHO bulbs right up at the bottom edge of the lumex reflectors (without any reflectors) will give good results??

If you look at the first picture there is only 1inch in front and back of the reflector. Isn't a VHO bulb around 1.5inches wide?

Do you think having the bulb overlap the bottom ledge of the reflector will impact the spread? (I guess I could experiment with a piece of PVC to see)

Another option is to move the reflector forward or back and then i'll have 2 full inches on one side..

I know the UVL VHO Bulbs are famous, but I was hoping maybe to get the same results with LEDs along the sides.

If I go with VHO do you not use a reflector?