Honestly, the color is better than I remember. And this is a used bulb in an old PFO pendant. IME though, the 250w radium is very different in color vs the 400w. More of a purple tinge to it.
I'm only going to supplement actinic with T5, the Radium is more than enough.

maybe I just need a 400 watt radium and call it a day

Maybe :)

Makes me want to buy a 400 pendant though I'm sure it be overkill on a 12" tank

Unless you like soup :)

I am seriously considering going back to Radiums. I never sold my ballasts or reflectors since lately you pretty much have to pay someone to take them. Radiums are just an awesome lamp, period.

I see a number of people going back. I'm just kinda sorry I switched. But I got to play with LED and T5, so have a good comparison now.

it's definitely trending because I have noticed an increase in stock on halides over the past little while. I'm considering stocking up in the event that a new (plasma?) lighting technology comes out..

lol. I might see if I can buy Radiums in a 10 pack :)

I agree. I feel lucky now that no one wanted to buy my dual DE MH fixture for $100 as I now have the option to go back to it. :)