switching from DE to SE

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JGoslee

JGoslee

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Currently I have 2-250watt de 14k phoenix on icecap ballast. I might switch over to mini Lumenarc reflectors for 20k radiums. I'm thinking I will get better light spread with se bulbs in the Lumenarcs. The tank is a standard 90gal. Should I stick with the de 14k's or make the switch to the se radiums?
 
Avast
I know Radium makes a DE bulb, if that is another alternative. Dunno about 250 watt, but I have a 150 watt. I could be mistaken also, but doesnt DE/HQI give out better par than SE bulbs?
 
AS
lumenarc makes a de reflector but it is not the same IMO. Jesse I just made the switch from 4 250 de pheonix 14k to 4 250 radium 20k se with lumenarc minis and I could not be happier, they are great if you are seriously thinking about it just do it I dont think youll regret it.
 
Jesse... you know how me and Chris like the Radiums so you know where I stand on this.. ;)

but if you'll make the switch, I would recommend 4 T-5's instead of just 2 so if you need more lighting, you can turn on all 4 T-5's with the halides... :)

good luck bro...
 
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MarvinsReef said:
Jesse... you know how me and Chris like the Radiums so you know where I stand on this.. ;)

but if you'll make the switch, I would recommend 4 T-5's instead of just 2 so if you need more lighting, you can turn on all 4 T-5's with the halides... :)

good luck bro...
Click to expand...
I have to take some measurements to see how many T5 bulbs I can fit over my tank with the lumanarcs.
 
MarvinsReef said:
Jesse... you know how me and Chris like the Radiums so you know where I stand on this.. ;)

but if you'll make the switch, I would recommend 4 T-5's instead of just 2 so if you need more lighting, you can turn on all 4 T-5's with the halides... :)

good luck bro...
Click to expand...

I agree! You should do the radiums. I like vhos and T5s so I mixed both. Two T5s and two VHOs.
 
Funny how what used to be old is new again! SE here since the early '90s. Radiums/Lumenarcs, esp. with HQI or overdriven ballasts, are an awesome combo.

Dave
 
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For those of you who are using the 250w radiums, what ballast are you using? From what I've read the radiums recommended ballast by the manufacturer is the HQI ANSI M80 ballast.
 
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JGoslee said:
For those of you who are using the 250w radiums, what ballast are you using? From what I've read the radiums recommended ballast by the manufacturer is the HQI ANSI M80 ballast.
Click to expand...

You need to have a HQI Ballast to run SE Radiums. I didn't realize that and used a standard one ... it fired the first day, but it would not again. I called and you need a HQI ballast. I had one I intended on hooking up eventually, but I did it sooner than later and it works great.
 
no doubt they make a DE bulb.

as for the switch you will be VERY happy you did. radium is a great bulb. i use 400 SE bulbs with the elite reflectors and LOVE them. nothing makes a coral look nicer IMO

as for ballast i use pulse start magnetic ballast only. they will run on electronic but to blue for my taste. they were originaly designed to run on a pulse start magnetic ballast so i have always used them. been using them for 7 years now. used to be VERY hard to find and when you did find them it was not in the aquarium trade. you would find them at glass MFG web site used by optics buiilds for detecting imperfections. i used to have the story behind them but lost it years ago
 
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