Why Radium Bulbs?

[huskysglare1]

it seems like a lot of people are using radium bulbs. why is that? is it that superior compare to other bulbs?

 

[Jorober]

Try looking at this page, and then you'll have a better idea. Probably end up scratching your head like me, as the par levels of other bulbs are better.

http://www.reeflightinginfo.arvixe.com

 

[Macimage]

Every time I have seen a tank with gorgeous lighting and colors I've asked what the bulbs are. The answer has been Radium 20K every time.

Joyce

 

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15393090#post15393090 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Jorober
Probably end up scratching your head like me, as the par levels of other bulbs are better.

PAR isn't everything.

COLORS

 

[Jorober]

True, but PAR rating is huge in the growth of corals. Kelvin rating is a big factor in the coloration of corals. Personally I like this tank, so I use the same bulbs, and I'm getting great results in my tank.

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-09/totm/index.php

 

[Pacific Reefs]

Well since 20Ks have lower par must people jump up to a 400w to increase par.

 

[xtm]

I'm running 2x Radium 20K's on Icecaps right now.. I just wanted to try them out. To be honest, I think they're good, but nothing to write home about. The best bulbs I have ever used were Hamilton 14K's and Ushio 20K's on M80. For what it's worth, the 'ultimate combo' seems to be the M80 and Radium or Galaxy and Radium. I've seen them on these combination and frankly I'm not too thrilled either. I don't know- something about their color that throws me off. My next bulbs will either be Reeflux or XM10K's.

 

[Jorober]

I use reeflux 12k bulbs on galaxy eballasts. They're an awesome combo! Radiums were too blue for me, and the corals overall seemed ok. However, bulb choice comes down to two things...
1. What color do you like your tank to be when you look at it.
2. How do your corals do in terms of growth, and coloration under the bulb?

If you find a bulb that meets those two things, then most people stick with it. It's very subjective. To each their own.

 

[James77]

Radium tanks:
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showt...6177&perpage=25&highlight=radium&pagenumber=8

 

[James77]

When you run Radiums on their spec'd ballast, the M80, they are more of a 14k with good PAR.

 

[Macimage]

Originally posted by James77
When you run Radiums on their spec'd ballast, the M80, they are more of a 14k with good PAR.

Yes, that is the combination!

Joyce

 

[ryshark]

Do the Radiums or any 20k bulb when in comparison to a 10k bulb make the colors of the coral look better instantly or does the coral itself actually "color up" better under 20k lighting over time? Or is it a combination of both?

 

[Peter Eichler]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15394163#post15394163 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ryshark
Do the Radiums or any 20k bulb when in comparison to a 10k bulb make the colors of the coral look better instantly or does the coral itself actually "color up" better under 20k lighting over time? Or is it a combination of both?

It's a combination of both, more of the former than the later IMO. In fact it wasn't until recently that there was any evidence that higher kelvin bulbs would really make a color more colorful.

 

[Jorober]

Corals seem to color up over time with those bulbs. They do look better with higher kelvin bulbs immediately, but i think they work best in the long run. However, to my eyes the 20k bulbs make only some look better, and seem to make others look worse. You really have to try different bulbs until you find a color combination that makes your corals look good, and you like to look at. Everyone is different, and as long as your corals are doing good, what else really matters?

 

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15393158#post15393158 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Jorober
True, but PAR rating is huge in the growth of corals.

Eh... so are a lot of factors. It all depends what you're into. Personally, I'm more concerned with color than growth. Radiums offer a great combination of both. Sure you can get better growth rates out of other bulbs, but you won't match the color. The nicest tanks I've viewed in person run Radium bulbs. Definitely leaps and bounds above other 20k alternatives IMO.

 

[ccradr]

I sold my 400 watt Radiums. The tank looked ok, but little growth and greens werent as good. I used Hamilton 14k..they were good until 6 month color shift. I then tried Reeflux 12k...made the tank look great...but corals were just ok...then I tried XM 10k..wow. My Blue Milie, that was more brown than blue, turned bright blue in 1 week! The colr is a little yellow, but I supplement with ATI Blue T5's

 

[plyle02]

I agree Tswifty, best looking tanks/colors I have seen are also running 20k Radiums....Incidentally, I also run this bulb, 250watt Radium 20k SE on a PFO HQI ballast...Simply amazing!