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dotcommer · 07/01/2014, 01:26 AM

Jeremy,

Thanks for creating this thread very informative.
I have a 300 Gallon tank that is 10' x 2' x 2' and currently have a mixed reef that will be SPS dominant. I have the canopy set up on linear actuators that can be raised up an extra 2 feet when needed.

I purchased a 4 MH Light systems from fellow reefer who had them on his 10' x 30" x 30" 540 gallon tank (he decided to move to LED for heat issues ). I know that 400Watt on a 24" tank is a bit overkill.

Two of the ballasts are the switchable 250watt/400watt Lumatek ballast, one is a vertex and the other is a Galaxy.
I am running the Radium “B” (20K) bulbs.

Before reading your thread I didn't know how important the ballast were. Is running 3 different ballast really bad?
Should I look to purchase two more of the Lumatek ballast? Below are the specs for them?
Lumatek 400 Watt 120V/240V Multi-Wattage Ballast
Dimmable Electronic Ballast
Dual-Voltage - The only E-Ballast with the same light output on 120V or 240V
Multi-Wattage – Powers 250W, 400W and HQI Lamps
The Super Lumens setting on the 400 Watt Ballast provides 10% MORE Light!

Last question is recommendation on supplemental lighting when using these radium bulbs ie: Actinic , VHO or blue LED's ?
A local shop using Radium 20K recommend the Reef Bright Actinic Blue LED for the supplemental. What are your thoughts on supplemental lighting?

07/01/2014, 01:26 AM	#32
dotcommer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Scottsdale Posts: 1,645	Jeremy, Thanks for creating this thread very informative. I have a 300 Gallon tank that is 10' x 2' x 2' and currently have a mixed reef that will be SPS dominant. I have the canopy set up on linear actuators that can be raised up an extra 2 feet when needed. I purchased a 4 MH Light systems from fellow reefer who had them on his 10' x 30" x 30" 540 gallon tank (he decided to move to LED for heat issues ). I know that 400Watt on a 24" tank is a bit overkill. Two of the ballasts are the switchable 250watt/400watt Lumatek ballast, one is a vertex and the other is a Galaxy. I am running the Radium “B” (20K) bulbs. Before reading your thread I didn't know how important the ballast were. Is running 3 different ballast really bad? Should I look to purchase two more of the Lumatek ballast? Below are the specs for them? Lumatek 400 Watt 120V/240V Multi-Wattage Ballast Dimmable Electronic Ballast Dual-Voltage - The only E-Ballast with the same light output on 120V or 240V Multi-Wattage – Powers 250W, 400W and HQI Lamps The Super Lumens setting on the 400 Watt Ballast provides 10% MORE Light! Last question is recommendation on supplemental lighting when using these radium bulbs ie: Actinic , VHO or blue LED's ? A local shop using Radium 20K recommend the Reef Bright Actinic Blue LED for the supplemental. What are your thoughts on supplemental lighting? __________________ 300 Gal DT 10’x2’x2’ Mixed Reef, 180 Gal Sump, SRO 5000 Skimmer, APEX, Algae Turf Scrubbers - Scottsdale AZ - "Knowledge isn't Power -- It's Potential Power - It becomes power only when, and if, it i Current Tank Info: Redsea Max 250 Mixed Reef, 125 Gal FOWLR, 90 Gal Mixed Reef, 30 Gal Fresh Water Last edited by dotcommer; 07/01/2014 at 01:31 AM.