Ballast for Radium 250w

[Koigula]

I can say a few nice packs from World Wide Corals did transfer well to t5s.

 

[rc1626]

Lets hope Hamilton would get it done and we would have the M80s back in stock! I'm sure they are probably working hard trying to figure that out.

Not sure this is happening. They've reduced the number of Metal Halide reflector options recently as well. I thought the m80 ballast removal was pandemic related but according to Hamilton they could no longer source the parts (assuming transformers). I use both led technology with the Phillips Coral Care and MH with 250 watt Radiums. I prefer the Radiums all the way but have to say I am concerned long term for MH survival in this niche.

 

[Koigula]

Not sure this is happening. They've reduced the number of Metal Halide reflector options recently as well. I thought the m80 ballast removal was pandemic related but according to Hamilton they could no longer source the parts (assuming transformers). I use both led technology with the Phillips Coral Care and MH with 250 watt Radiums. I prefer the Radiums all the way but have to say I am concerned long term for MH survival in this niche.

I spent an hour sourcing parts for the M80 and it uses a very specific Advanced transformer no longer available. It is something like 3. 0 amp from 110 v. There is an article on Boston Reefers showing all M80 parts previously sold as a kit from Hello lights.

Radium 400w with the Icecap ballast is still readily available. 250 W radium bulb is also an option with Icecap. I think the 400 watt solutions will be around longer as the ballasts are more commercially common.

I am ok for 3 or 4 years and radiums are still made. Rumors of them discontinuing are 10 years old.

 

[rc1626]

I don't think Radiums are going anywhere soon. There has been a sure sign of a downshift in aquarium MH tech. in the US over the past few years though and not sure it's ever coming back. My fingers are crossed that I'm wrong.

 

[Koigula]

Some simple hammertone reflectors are hard to come by. Hamilton seems to be at mercy of importers not delivering.

Having LEDs I really do appreciate the modularity of halides. Nothing is a critical failure and a throw away after 5 years of use. Probably not a popular opinion but radium 400 is tought to beat. I think it is really just a 10K with less white,

 

[Reefahholic]

I spent an hour sourcing parts for the M80 and it uses a very specific Advanced transformer no longer available. It is something like 3. 0 amp from 110 v. There is an article on Boston Reefers showing all M80 parts previously sold as a kit from Hello lights.

Radium 400w with the Icecap ballast is still readily available. 250 W radium bulb is also an option with Icecap. I think the 400 watt solutions will be around longer as the ballasts are more commercially common.

I am ok for 3 or 4 years and radiums are still made. Rumors of them discontinuing are 10 years old.

Aquarium Specialty shows the M80’s in stock.? Have they not updated their website this whole year?

 

[Koigula]

Ill take a look. They are not know for keeping things updated but maybe...

I just sourced selectable electronic ballast. I am of opinion Aquarium Specialty will not really have it available but good luck. It has a limiting part you could make yourself but too much trouble I think.

 

[YOYOYOReefer]

ive got several dual 400 watt pfo ballasts,, i think radium changed thier bulb design the newer bulbs dont last very long when being overdriven

 

[Koigula]

I ended up with this on over drive wired to a Reefbrite pendant. About only solution left besides a Geisseman special order of the spectra light. I suspect 250 watts and lower are impossible to get as they are no longer a commercial size.

https://www.coralvue.com/icecap-250w-selectable-wattage-electronic-ballast