Radium vs. XM

[phishlipripper]

I have a 250W Pulse start ballast and am thinking of running 20,000K bulbs.

First can I run Radiums on this ballast and if I can what about XM's and which ones are better?

Thanks,

phish

[griss]

Yes, you can run Radiums on a pulse start ballast. I am not sure about the XM bulbs, as I have never used them. However, Hellolights website the XMs are designed to be run on electronic or probe start ballasts.

George

[brianlena2000]

JB NY recently did some lighting comparisons and the 250 watt Radiums had a higher PAR than the XM's.

Here is the thread:

http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=230327&perpage=25&pagenumber=2

[PaulErik]

You can use the 250W Radium lamp but you will underdrive it with a standard Pulse Start ballast (ANSI M138 / M153).

The XM will operate (run) on the Pulse Start ballast fine (without overdriving or underdriving). The only problem is the XM lamp is designed for use with a probe start ballast. Using the XM lamp can cause excessive stress on the external ignitor and ballast during ignition and restrike.

[phishlipripper]

So, if I want to run a 20,000K bulb what would you recomend that I use for my current equipment?

Thanks,

phish