Ballast question ?

[mikesmith34]

I'm getting ready to buy new 250w bulbs. I have the coralvue 20k's that are getting some age on them. I want the radiums everyone seems to rave about. First question.. Can I use them with my Hamilton m58 ballast. Next question. I've been reading a lot of info that states the 10k bulbs promote more growth and the 20's are more for coloration. I've seen a lot of people on here with 20s that seem to get outstanding growth. I want to make sure before I drop 170.00 on bulbs.

 

[mikesmith34]

Bump

 

[skriz]

You will get MUCH more par with a good quality 10kk lamp versus a 20kk lamp.

Best way to describe the difference:

400w 20kk lamp = 250w 10kk lamp

A lot of people tend to prefer the look of a bluer lamp, hence the popularity of 20kk lamps. You can also go with a 10kk or 14kk lamp and supplement with blue (LED, t5, or VHO) and get the same colour effect with great growth.

Hope that makes sense.

 

[mikesmith34]

It does. That is what I was thinking but everyone seems to run Radium's. I have 4 48" actinics on my tank now. I'm looking for growth so you think the 10k Oshio is the way to go?

 

[skriz]

Mikesmith34;931599 wrote: It does. That is what I was thinking but everyone seems to run Radium's. I have 4 48" actinics on my tank now. I'm looking for growth so you think the 10k Oshio is the way to go?

Yep. Look at the Ushio 10kk & 14kk lamps. The latter is my favourite; nice colour & output.

 

[acroholic]

I think as long as your tank is not too deep, you can grow any SPS coral anywhere in the tank with a 250 watt halide for every two feet of tank length and the proper reflector. But, you should buy the brand bulb that gives you the best color to your eye. IME, the only 250 watt bulbs I would use stand alone for good color is the Radium SE or the Phoenix DE.

I haven't used what Raj has recommended, so I cannot comment on the Ushio 10 or 14K bulbs. If you are looking for simplicity in a lighting setup, then only having to use a halide bulb without any others is nice. But T5 or VHO supplements can even make SPS under Radium 20ks look better, so you need to decide how complex you want your light system to be, and generally the more complex, the more expensive and the more electricity you will use, hehehe!

 

[jdavid]

I just run a single 400w radium and the color is great. No supplemental lights.

CoralVue lumen bright mini & luxcore ballast.

Anyone run their radiums on "super lumens"?

 

[mikesmith34]

Went with the 14k 250 x 2 and 2 48 inch actinics from BRS. I'll be glad when they get in here tomorrow. I'm almost not wanting to change anything. My coral are growing better right now than they ever have. Just tired of the brown and red sand which makes me think there may be a color shift with being apprx. 1 yr old. Santa Claus is coming too town