Radium 20k DE

[tripinpn01]

does this exist (radium 20k DE 250w)? i cant seem to find it if it does. if not, what is the best 20k bulb DE 250w?

thanks,
marcus

[surge19us]

As far as I know they do not. They only come in mogul base.

[dkh0331]

250W 20K Radiums are in mogul base only.

[tripinpn01]

ouch. so what is the better 20k bulb?

[kdblove_99]

I would look at the Helio 20K. Brighter and nicer blue than the Xm IMO

[DarG]

The Helios does have pretty good par, especially for as blue as it is. And I agree, it is a pretty, rich, blue color, probably because it does have a fair amount of actinic energy as well. But they are among the bluest bulbs out there and probably the bluest of the 250 watt 20K's. There are also reports that they dont last very long in terms of maintaining their par. They are chinese made and not the greatest quality and overpriced in my opinion. But if you love the color, you pay for them anyway.

The Ushio 20K is a beautiful bulb if you like a whiter bulb. They have a blue tint but it isnt overwhelming and there are 14K labeled bulbs that are bluer than the Ushio 20K. They also dont have the highest par but they are a quality bulb and they supplement beautifully with a couple of 420nm actinics ... T5s or T12 VHO. Not nearly as blue as the Helios though.

There is always the Phoenix 14K which is actually a 20K bulb and has very good par. Very popular although some find it to create a monotone, washed out blue look. I dont like the color at all but lots of fans of these bulbs.

There really isnt a best 20K in terms of color ... its a personal preference and depends on how much blue you want and how much par you need. My personal favorite 20K is the Ushio 20K but I dont like halides with heavy blue look.
There are definitely quality differences though.