400W Radium, or Reeflux 14K???

bstreep · #1 10/02/2007, 09:34 PM

Understanding that I have 3 Coralvue 400w electronic ballasts, AND I know that there are some differences with how the Radium bulbs perform with an electronic ballast, which should I choose?

Tank: 215g Oceanic Brick (no brace), 29" deep. I also have 2x72" VHO Actinic supplements. The PLANNED reflector is the new Lumen Bright times 3.

I also hear that the Radium has a life of around 6 months. I really, really don't want to go to twice a year replacements.

Thanks in advance,

Purple Haze · #2 10/02/2007, 10:17 PM

Didn't know Reeflux made a 14k.

E.Smith · #3 10/02/2007, 10:58 PM

Radium's have a life of 6-8 months if driven on a PFO HQI ballast or the like. Otherwise the bulb life is around 10-12months.

bstreep · #4 10/02/2007, 11:27 PM

Haze, thanks for catching that. My current bulbs are Hamilton 14K DEs. What I meant to say was Reeflux 12Ks.