Radiums on Galaxy and Lumatek ballast

[kevin_e]

I know the recommendation is to use an M80 ballast, but is it possible to run the radium on the above ballasts as well? What are the negatives to doing so?

http://www.hydrowholesale.com/galaxy-galaxy-electronic-250-400-watt-mhhps-dimmable-ballast-120240v-4988

http://www.hydrowholesale.com/lumatek-lumatek-electronic-250-400-watt-hps-dimmable-ballast-120240v-4451

[trueperc]

I am interested as well. I have galaxy select a watt and am thinking about giving radiums a try as there are most like bulb.

[alton]

Radium Lamps are Pulse start and therefore can run fine on Electronic Ballast. I have been running mine on Coral Vue Electronic ballast for 5 years and lamps last on average 16 to 18 months with less than a 10% drop in PAR. My worst was one lamp at 12 months, my best wasn't changed until 24 months. My tank contains SPS, LPS, and Softies

[kevin_e]

Thank you. I have another question. With my ballasts having the ability to fire 250 or 400 watt lamps, would I be best served going to 400-watt lamps? Basically, is it worth the slight rise in electrical costs compared to the increase in color and growth rate?

[alton]

I run 3 x 250w MH Lumen Bright Pendants on a 300DD. What size tank do you have?

[Tigé21v]

Here is a good read.
http://premiumaquatics.com/articles/radium
Just one of the many reasons I love PA.

[tkeracer619]

Yes, as others said you can. Still I prefer the hamilton m80 ballasts.

[kevin_e]

I run 3 x 250w MH Lumen Bright Pendants on a 300DD. What size tank do you have?

I have a 4' x 2' x 2' 120 gallon aquarium running 2x 250-watt 20,000K Hamilton bulbs.

[kevin_e]

Is it worth thr trouble going to 400s from 250s? Will I see a significant bump in PAR?

[alton]

I have a PAR reading of 200 to 250 on the sand or at 25". I would say 400's would be a waste of power plus increased heat to the room. All my SPS frags sit on my sand and do very well