Best 250 watt SE bulb?

[nanoreefer22]

Thinking about going with Radium bulbs, but worried about the short lifespan on these bulbs.

Looking for opinions on what to run.

Thanks,
Kris

 

[tunicata]

what do you include in the definition of best?

I have been using and a fan of the Phoenix 14k 250 w SE bulbs.
I like the color for viewing, not too much 'pop' factor though, which is why I suppose you're going for the 20k?

Ii will be changing one bulb over to the Hamilton Teck 20k only because of the price point and I want to see what 20k looks like.

 

[Geraud]

Radium all the way for all things metal halide. They are very white with a light hint of blue that makes coral colors pop without sacrificing the warmer colors.

 

[nanoreefer22]

Geraud,

Have you run the 250 radiums? How long is do they last?

Tuni,

Best for growth, color, longevity of the bulb. I understand the have one, most times your giving up in the other places.

 

[Geraud]

I am using the 150W version and run them for 10-12 months, 11 hours a day. On a magnetic ballast, aka not under-driven.

You need an M80 ballast (magnetic, or "HQI") in 250W to drive them properly by the way. (unless they do like for the 250W and replace them with an "electronic friendly" version)

 

[nanoreefer22]

Hmm I've already got eballast (coralvue dimmable ballasts) or I have 3 x icecap ballasts.

Thinking about going with phoenix 14k SE, just not sure how they'll compare to my 250 DE.