help with metal halides

[jrice]

I have two 250w 20k radiums and two 55w 8500k power compacts lighting my 100g reef with sps, hard and soft corals. My problem is that the 20 k radiums dont fire properly with my standard dual 250w ballast. I have heard this is a common problem when not using an HQI ballast. My year old 10k ushios still fire fine, however I always felt the 10k ushios even with the 03 actinic power compacts were too yellow. Has anyone used the Coralife 20k bulbs which I believe should be fine on a standard ballast. Is the intesity significantly less than the European made radiums. My only other choice besides the Ushios is to buy a $250 dual HQI ballast and keep my current Radiums. I would appreciate any opinions that could help me with this decision.

Thanks

 

[Will C1]

the only thing that could be wrong is the light bulbs them selves i had similar problems with bulbs firing and was on the phone for hours with coral life's support staff, and once i switched the bulbs they worked just fine. i was told the firing mechanism for the lights were contained in the bulbs them selves. also some bulbs are made to hang vertically and some are made to hang horizontally you shold check with the manufacturere of youre ballast to make shure you have the correct bulb. i use coral life 6500k bulbs they are nice. i have also used 10,000k bulbs which are very blue compared to the 6500k you might like them.

 

[ZigZagZombie]

I myself like the Ushio 10k. I was using a 10k Blueline, and i felt it was too blue. I think the Ushio gives off a nice white light... Just a matter of taste i guess....