Radiums to Ushios???

[Nano-Neophyte]

I have PFO HQI ballast (I'm guessing - see pics) right now firing my 400W Radium moguls in pendants. I love the color but the bulb change frequency is kinda freak'n me out. Can I use this same ballast/pendants with a different mogul bulb?

What would you recommend? I want 400s over my 120G reef but I'm looking for a popular 400W bulb (20K or 10K) that won't fade in six months. Suggestions? Here are some shots of my current ballast.

http://home.wi.rr.com/cyberplot/lable.jpg

http://home.wi.rr.com/cyberplot/ballast.jpg

Thanks!

[Aged Salt]

I currently am running 400W 20K Ushio's on my PFO HQI ballasts.

[Nano-Neophyte]

Thanks for your response Aged Salt. That is a definite option for me. What bulb life can you expect out of the 20K Ushios on a PFO HQI? What has your growth been like?

I'm starting to wonder if I should go with a 400W 10K for faster growth. Can I use a 10K mogul bulb with my current ballast? I'd have to add actinics but I'd like to know my options?

Thanks!

[Aged Salt]

Nano-neophyte, I have not noticed any difference in growth rates on SPS's using either Radiums[20K] or 20Kuhio's. On my ballasts, the Ushio's[20K] seem to be slightly more blue than the Radiums. Your ballast can run 10K ushio's or AB[400W]. Imo, my choice on 10K would be AB as they run"crisp white" while the 10K uhio;s are too yellow. I have not personally noticed any better growth rates with the 10K's over the 20K's on the HQI ballast!!

[Nano-Neophyte]

Any thoughts on how long 10K Ushios will last on my PFO HQI ballast? Is it the same recommended 6 months as the radiums?

[Aged Salt]

Larry, that's a good question. I rotate my MH's/actinics on a alternate 6 mo. basis. I have not tried longer intervals,Bob