Lighting switch from led to radium bulb

[vincemo22]

I have a 50 gallon column aquarium which makes life owning an aquarium very difficult. I've always had leds but never get great color on colors. Want to try radium bulb but know nothing about the set up for them. I am assuming I need only one 250w bulb. I have a space of 20in wide, 18 deep, and 7 inch height to fit a reflector. anyone have any suggestions as to what I should do?
Thanks!

[slief]

I would think a 250 watt radium might be a bit excessive for that size tank and the heat implications will be severe. I'd look at a 150 watt halide and or T5;s if that is the route you intend on going unless you have a chiller. That or look into better LED's.

[ReefCowboy]

I have a 57 gal ran by a 250w phoenix 14k with reefbrites for pop. Every corner if the tank is covered and all corals are doing very well. What is the height of the tank and what corals are you planing to keep?

[vincemo22]

Greatly appreciate the feedback. A couple of things, will 150w be able to reach bottom which is 31 inch from fixture? Also, I looked into t5s but don't think I found anything that would fit space I have. Any suggestions? Thanks!

[vincemo22]

I currently keep zoas, favias, chalices, and acans. Don't really plan on playing with sticks until I get my water situated better.

[vincemo22]

I'll add that everything currently grows great, just lacks the color pop.

[ReefCowboy]

Your tank is high, so the 250w should work fine. You can always start placing the fixture higher and after watching the corals react, lower it in case needed. For your corals it should be no problem, but again, start slow as any lighting change must be done gradually.

Since you are used to the pop leds give, i would sugest you supplement the MH with with some blue led strips. Even with radium bulbs, that do pop colors, the blue leds are still a must...