WTB: 250w Radium 20k SE
 

Hey all,

I'm looking for a 250w Radium 20K SE that is gently used (LOL) so that I can try it over my tank and see if I really like it. I don't want to spend the money on a new one just in case I don't like it. I have Icecap ballasts and I've heard they are not the best to use with the Radiums. If anyone has one let me know.

Joe

Buy one, you won't regret it. FAOIS has them for 72$

ditto on the above. you will love it. and johns has them cheaper then you will find anyplace. nothing gives a coral nicer color thena radium in my opinion.

PS: i say this assuming you know that you have the proper ballast to run it

you're right tho about the ice cap thing. test one out, and still be forewarned if you get a used one. as you know the spectrum shifts towards the red end of the spectrum.

problem is those bulbs burn very blue when new on ice caps. which means slow growth and blue biased colors. most corals appreciate a full spectrum to some extent.

for the longest time great results were achieved by overdriving the 400 watt variety on ice caps, b/c the 400 radiums are actually rated at about 360 watts. or by burning any watt with a PFO HQI ballast.

Times have changed. gallaxy ballasts overdrive the 250 variety to a point where you get a blue-white color comparable to an aquaconnect and very good PAR values.

that's the trend for a reason.

when i placed my radiums on the tank it was like a growth explosion, went from phoenix to radiums and never missed a beat.

Joe,

You can come check out how mine look if you want. I have 3 of them over my 180 on Galaxy electronic ballasts and I think they are plain SICK!!! Awesome color and I don't even have any supplement yet!

Oh, and you could bring that SCWD with ya ;)

Aaron

Thanks guys, But I wanted to try it over my tank so I can see it side by side with my SE 14k Aquaconnect. I get what you mean about spectrum shift at the end of bulb life, which is why I said "gently used." I just want to see it over my tank on the icecap before i decide to go with galaxy ballasts. I was told if you overdrive them you get only 6 months before spectrum shift. What everybody's opinion on this?

Joe

cheek out sanjay lighting guide. If you want to use one of my bulbs PM me .

I switched from XM 20K's to 20K Radiums. Personally I prefer the XM 20K.. I was running the 400W with no supplementation at the time.

I run 2x250w SE Aquaconnects and supplement with 2x110w VHO (one URI superactinic and 1 URI 454.) I have the ability to run two additional 110w VHOs on the same ballast (for a total of 4x110w) if I wanted. I have great growth IMO, but I would really like to get better color. I have seen some beautiful SPS tanks with amazing colors and many were running 2x250w Radium 20k with VHO actinic supplements, I think they were right where I want to be color/ growth wise. I really want to see how the Radiums look on my tank.

I got a PM from someone who has a Radium 20k SE with less than 300 hours on it for $40, I think I might jump on it just to see if I like it.

Joe