Hi Reefers!
It's about time to replace my 250 watt Radium bulbs and I'm considering switching bulbs to Reef Brite twin-arc or Hamilton, either 14k or 20k. I love the crisp, bright look of my Radiums and am nervous to switch. Only reason I'm considering switching is the other bulbs are cheaper and more energy efficient. Figured I would switch if I can get the same look for less, but I will pay the extra and stick with Radium if the others aren't as bright and aesthetically pleasing. Please describe your experience using the different bulbs, and ideally, provide photos of your tank under the different bulbs. Thanks!
FYI: The ballasts are Sunlight Supply Galaxy selectable watt, currently running the Radiums on the 250 watt HQI setting in Lumen Max Elite reflectors. I'm also supplementing the 2 halides with 2 x 54 watt T-5 bulbs (tropic 6500K and ATI Blue Plus) and 4 x 48" Orphek OR3 LED strips (Blue Plus, Sky Blue, UV/Violet and Reef Day Plus).
Cheers,
Colin
It's about time to replace my 250 watt Radium bulbs and I'm considering switching bulbs to Reef Brite twin-arc or Hamilton, either 14k or 20k. I love the crisp, bright look of my Radiums and am nervous to switch. Only reason I'm considering switching is the other bulbs are cheaper and more energy efficient. Figured I would switch if I can get the same look for less, but I will pay the extra and stick with Radium if the others aren't as bright and aesthetically pleasing. Please describe your experience using the different bulbs, and ideally, provide photos of your tank under the different bulbs. Thanks!
FYI: The ballasts are Sunlight Supply Galaxy selectable watt, currently running the Radiums on the 250 watt HQI setting in Lumen Max Elite reflectors. I'm also supplementing the 2 halides with 2 x 54 watt T-5 bulbs (tropic 6500K and ATI Blue Plus) and 4 x 48" Orphek OR3 LED strips (Blue Plus, Sky Blue, UV/Violet and Reef Day Plus).
Cheers,
Colin