reef-fisher Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 I am currently running a 20k xm 250w se on an Ice Cap electronic ballast. Wondering if there is a better BLUE than this. Im just not getting the colors I want. Not much room for suppliments, so for now, lets keep that out of the equasion. Thanks all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R-3 Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 I think I remember the XM's being pretty close to the bluest. I think the Helios 20k are pretty blue also. I look around and see if I can find a ol thread about this. Later ryan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reef-fisher Posted June 12, 2008 Author Share Posted June 12, 2008 I found a thread on RC, but they are all so confusing...One person says yes, the next says Hell no, and so on. I was hoping to find specific info from anyone using the same, or similar, ballast. But if you find something, please let me know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andy Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 Nothing beats seeing the bulbs with your own eyes. What looks blue to someone else might not look as blue to you. Can you visit a couple of LFS and see what they've got? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reef-fisher Posted June 12, 2008 Author Share Posted June 12, 2008 I like the 20k Radiums at Upscales, but I dont think my ballast will support them. I have also tried a Ushio DE on a 150w HQI set-up, but didnt really like those either. Maybe its just time to upgrade my light to something with suppliment. My only problem is my tank is only 20"wide! Any Ideas on a good fixture? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamatSLS Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 You shouldn't have any issues fitting supplemental VHO or T5 and halides with 20" front to back. How big are your current halide reflectors? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reef-fisher Posted June 13, 2008 Author Share Posted June 13, 2008 Actually, my tank is a 20" cube. Im more worried about the length of the bulbs than the room they take up in depth. I dont know the 'name' of the reflector...pretty basic, just a bent piece of polished aluminum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamatSLS Posted June 13, 2008 Share Posted June 13, 2008 Hmm. That poses a bit of an issue of course with supplemental lighting. I've never ran Radium on the Ice-Cap, but I don't see at all why it wouldn't support the lamp. Electronic ballasts in general run Radiums very blue. Much bluer than a Pulse start or HQI magnetic. Your best option should be the Radium. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reef-fisher Posted June 14, 2008 Author Share Posted June 14, 2008 Thank you Sam. Now if I can only convince the wife I need another new bulb(scary) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ocboat Posted June 14, 2008 Share Posted June 14, 2008 reef-fisher- where are you located? I have a used Radium and a used Helios 20k that you could borrow for a day if you are anywhere close to Oregon City. David Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reef-fisher Posted June 15, 2008 Author Share Posted June 15, 2008 I appreciate the offer. I am in Salem. If I make it up there soon, I may take you up on that. Maybe trade for some frags? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ocboat Posted June 15, 2008 Share Posted June 15, 2008 I still use them on and off but your more than welcome to just borrow them to compare color for a few days, no charge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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