Back to halides?

jda · Jun 2, 2022

Just a reminder, but check the literature or ask the manufacturer how long to burn in a bulb to see the real color... it varies and while some don't appear to need it, some certainly do.

RedoubtReef · Jun 2, 2022

Great to see the halide love coming back.

Superlightman · Jun 2, 2022

jda said:
Just a reminder, but check the literature or ask the manufacturer how long to burn in a bulb to see the real color... it varies and while some don't appear to need it, some certainly do.

Could be but on all my bulbs before you could rapidly see the real color,this one look very yellow more a 6500 than a 17500 I will write to giesemann

jda · Jun 2, 2022

My phoenix look different for like 1-2 days, but not much difference. I can probably only tell since I have used them for so long. Hamilton 10k that I used to use took like 4-5 days to get that full clear with a the blue pop - these were the most dramatic that I can remember.

Superlightman · Jun 2, 2022

Sorry I checked ,it was the megachrome coral 14500 not the 17500

bobnicaragua · Jun 2, 2022

Superlightman said:
I bought last year a used giesmann infinity because I wanted to go back to halides .I wanted to try different hqi bulbs, unfortunately this fixture seemed not to be huge quality as when you try to change the bulb you have 80% chance to broke them . The insertion off one broke too ,so I could never use them ,maybe I should repair them?
But one off the bulb I tried was the megachrome 17,5 ,I just have them15min over my tank, but they looked very yellow!but maybe in addition with blue bulb they could be ok? But I was not very amazed by the color

Try using vasoline or bulb grease before putting in a new bulb.

JCOLE · Jun 2, 2022

jda said:
My phoenix look different for like 1-2 days, but not much difference. I can probably only tell since I have used them for so long. Hamilton 10k that I used to use took like 4-5 days to get that full clear with a the blue pop - these were the most dramatic that I can remember.

My Radiums say 100 hours. Is that about right? I have never ran them before but will on the new build. Until then they just wait on the shelf calling my name...

chadfish · Jun 2, 2022

Don’t bother. Too big, too much power, too much heat. Hard to control.

jda · Jun 2, 2022

Maybe close to 100 hours on full output, but I find that they look pretty "normal" within about a day, or two. Only a discerning eye would be able to tell the slight difference.

gbru316 · Jun 2, 2022

chadfish said:
Don’t bother. Too big, too much power, too much heat. Hard to control.

halides are tried and true.

so long as one is prepared for the heat, electricity, and bulb replacement, there’s no reason to not use them if one chooses.

dantdodge · Jun 2, 2022

Om84 said:
I also run 250 W Radiums but with ATI T5s and Reef Breeders actinics. Very happy with this set up and color looks great.

I initially had Hamilton 20K bulbs and honestly cannot tell a difference from the Radiums except the lower price.

I have heard the same. I think I may try those when halides are due for change.

jda · Jun 2, 2022

The new 20k hammy was made to look like 20k radium but not need m80 ballasts.

TX_Punisher · Jun 3, 2022

JCOLE said:
My Radiums say 100 hours. Is that about right? I have never ran them before but will on the new build. Until then they just wait on the shelf calling my name...

since I’m finally home during the time my radium is on, this may be true. I only run mine 5hrs/day, but it Did shift to a nice blue after a few weeks. I like the look.

on a side note, the frags I cut from my g5 tank and placed under 250w radiums have grown faster under the halide compared to the g5 pro only tank. My pink Cadillac frags exploded under the halides.

ymmv

dantdodge · Jun 3, 2022

TX_Punisher said:
since I’m finally home during the time my radium is on, this may be true. I only run mine 5hrs/day, but it Did shift to a nice blue after a few weeks. I like the look.

on a side note, the frags I cut from my g5 tank and placed under 250w radiums have grown faster under the halide compared to the g5 pro only tank. My pink Cadillac frags exploded under the halides.

ymmv

Punisher what are you running with your radiums t5?