Availability of Radium bulbs

[lastlight]

So after going to great lengths to find the proper ballasts for this bulb it seems the rumors about stock running out were true.

Can anyone suggest a mogul bulb that will look similar that is readily available?

Thanks!

[StirCrazy]

in my opinion nothing looks like a 250 watt radium on a proper M80 ballast.

I ended up going with AB10K's which are realy 13K's with two URI super actinic VHO's this was close to the radiums, but I actualy liked it better. the AB's give a ice white look.

Steve

[marie]

The 14K phoenix SE's are pretty close to Radiums on a M80 ballast. At least on my tank they were

They are cheaper too

[lastlight]

Marie where do you buy these?

[Skimmerking]

The 14K phoenix SE's are pretty close to Radiums on a M80 ballast. At least on my tank they were

They are cheaper too
yawhere do you get those from

[marie]

I bought them from Premium Aquatics in the states, shipped by usps so no brokerage fees and for some reason no taxes either

http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-supplies/14K-250SE-PH.html

[lastlight]

So Marie you're not running those bulbs any longer? Can I ask why and what you run now?

I'm even considering going the opposite direction and going with XM 10ks lol.

PAR monsters (also wattage monsters though). I know everything is relative but I have heard some people refer to the XM 10k as a crispt white light? Is this just a nice way of saying super bright yellow?

I imagine the growth (and coral burn) potential would be unreal.

On Sanjay's site the Radiums output 85 ppfd each on M80s and the Xm 10ks are 182! Thinking I could raise my hood a bit to improve the terrible access I have easily with such output.

[phi delt reefer]

run some t5 or royal blue leds to bring the color closer to 14k

[Aquattro]

400w Radiums would be a great replacement :)

[lastlight]

Funny guy! Yeah it seems all Radiums are currently not being imported. There are still a few US vendors with the 250s I've found today.

I'm not against trying new bulbs I've just used so few before. In my very first tank I tried an EVC 14k and an aquaconnect 14k.

I'm torn between paying more for the Radiums while there are still some to be found and going with a cheaper bulb that could very well give me much better growth. At what cost is the question...

[marie]

I personally do not like the blue look.....I have tried XM 10k's, Geisemann 14K's, Radiums and the phoenix 14K's on my M80 ballasts. (Keep in mind I do not run any supplemental actinics)

My preference is for the XM 10K's, they are superbright (I mean blindingly bright) and not as yellow as the XM 10K DE's on the same ballast, the geisemann are alright colourwise but not as bright......The radiums and phoenix look almost exactly the same colour to me and are really really blue

[lastlight]

Just fired up the xm 10ks. After I recovered from the near blindness inducing brightness I discovered my aquarium was maybe 2 colours. Yellow and green yellow. Radiums are back in while I cry for the next week and raise/modify my canopy for these things.

[Skimmerking]

so the 10XM's are making your tank yellow too i bought those cheap Chinese 10K they made algae grow like mad. how many 10 K do you have Brett

[lastlight]

I have two of them. So far I think I'm going to just grin and bear it since I don't have a budget for experimenting with bulbs. I am more curious how this will affect growth than I am grossed out by the colour.

I think many of the people claiming these bulbs appear to be a white look are running electronic ballasts.

[Aquattro]

Brett, one thing I've found over the years is not to go for too much growth. It'll happen, and the sooner everything grows, the sooner you have to start chopping. Radiums take a bit longer, but I love the color and I'm happy with the slower growth...

[dave_C]

I have two of them. So far I think I'm going to just grin and bear it since I don't have a budget for experimenting with bulbs. I am more curious how this will affect growth than I am grossed out by the colour.

I think many of the people claiming these bulbs appear to be a white look are running electronic ballasts.


or you can stay with the radiums that you like:lol: jk

spoke with our supplier and they say supplies will not be a problem, still have three if you like one:biggrin:

[lastlight]

Brad I know =) Had Radiums been available when I was doing my recent BRS order (where I usually get my Radiums) I'd definitely be running them. I have these bulbs now though and I sorta need to make do.

[bkelly]

got my 14k Phenix Mogule 250w from Ocean aquatics in vancouver, they gave me a good price. Not cheep mind you. Love the light.

[Aquattro]

For my 400s, I might try the Ushio 14k. I used to run the 10k, and they weren't too bad, so the 14k might do it. Or the 20k, I'd have to see them first.

[lastlight]

or you can stay with the radiums that you like:lol: jk

spoke with our supplier and they say supplies will not be a problem, still have three if you like one:biggrin:

I so wish I'd know this before Dave =) I'll see what happens. I may come running your way like a little school girl.

[dave_C]

I so wish I'd know this before Dave =) I'll see what happens. I may come running your way like a little school girl.

can't beat $79.95 for radiums lol, by the way if you dress like a school girl i well give you a bigger discount :redface:

[lastlight]

can't beat $79.95 for radiums lol, by the way if you dress like a school girl i well give you a bigger discount :redface:

Dave I'll take two please. I'll hopefully have a chance to swing by this weekend. I'll look into a costume =)

[dave_C]

Dave I'll take two please. I'll hopefully have a chance to swing by this weekend. I'll look into a costume =)

ok i change my mind, i'll give you a deal IF you don't come in a costume:wink:

[GMGQ]

I recently got radiums from here:

http://www.soslightbulbs.com/radium20kse250wattaquariumlamp.aspx

Cheapest I've found, and now in stock.

[TRS]

THE REEF SHOPPE has 250W SE PHOENIX and RADIUM bulbs in stock. :wink:

[Skimmerking]

How much are the Phoenix bulbs

[lastlight]

Thought I'd update this thread as I have discovered that the import restrictions on these amazing bulbs have been lifted (for some time too!). Good news for the halide crowd.

Both BRS and ReefGeek have these back in stock. J&L does (according to their site) not but I'm sure they will.

[Delphinus]

Very good news!!

[muck]

I may come running your way like a little school girl. Its true he does run like a little school girl... cept about half as quick. :twised: :twised: