Just went from Hamilton 10,000k 175w halides to XM 15,000k 175w halides and I am Afraid. I have great color now but tank is no where's near as Bright in my 75 gal tank.I thought that things were getting sunburned before but now it is like they are living in the dark. Will they brighten after they burn in? Will they support my soft and hard corals and maxima clam?Anyone had this situation? Glad I didn't go 20,000k.
10,000k to 15,000k
- Thread starter scubayou
- Start date
Harville
Premium Member
It is my understanding that XM dropped the ball in terms of performance ( and PAR ) on their 15k bulb. I have no experience with this bulb personally, but others I have talked to said nothing good about it.
Even still, there should be no reason why it couldn't keep your softies alive and healthy. Your clam may or may not be a differant story, but I would think it should be OK.
I think most people would prefer the Hamilton 14k over the XM 15k. I also hear that Iwasaki has a 14k available in 175w SE that is supposed to be excellent.
But instead of throwing money away, since you already bought the bulbs, I'd just wait and see how your tank responds to them. If you still don't like them a year from now, check into some of those other brands I mentioned. You'd probably like them a lot better.
Even still, there should be no reason why it couldn't keep your softies alive and healthy. Your clam may or may not be a differant story, but I would think it should be OK.
I think most people would prefer the Hamilton 14k over the XM 15k. I also hear that Iwasaki has a 14k available in 175w SE that is supposed to be excellent.
But instead of throwing money away, since you already bought the bulbs, I'd just wait and see how your tank responds to them. If you still don't like them a year from now, check into some of those other brands I mentioned. You'd probably like them a lot better.
tom obrecht
Active member
I tried XM bulbs in the past and got rid of them right after I installed them. IMO people purchase them for their low price point rather than performance.
dannieboiz
Active member
You'll be fine, I have them now and like them better than my AB bulb.
Harville
Premium Member
I have mixed feelings about their 10k bulb. Most of it has to do with comparing it to other brands. My problem is with the color.
But I wouldn't say it's a bad brand. My corals grow just fine (maybe even better ) under them. I just don't like the color. Lighting is tricky stuff because everyone has differant tastes, but my favorite so far has to be Aqualine B 10k with actinics.
But I don't think that XM is a bad brand ( I hope that's not how I sounded ) I just know that the same peple who love the 10k don't seem to be big fans of the 15k.
But I wouldn't say it's a bad brand. My corals grow just fine (maybe even better ) under them. I just don't like the color. Lighting is tricky stuff because everyone has differant tastes, but my favorite so far has to be Aqualine B 10k with actinics.
But I don't think that XM is a bad brand ( I hope that's not how I sounded ) I just know that the same peple who love the 10k don't seem to be big fans of the 15k.
Nathan
Premium Member
scubayou,
Your exploding bulbs worry me. I had one happen once... but if it is common for yours to explode then maybe they are getting too hot? Or maybe there is another problem? These bulbs SHOULDN'T explode (but sometimes they COULD, but it shouldn't be the norm.)
-Nathan
Your exploding bulbs worry me. I had one happen once... but if it is common for yours to explode then maybe they are getting too hot? Or maybe there is another problem? These bulbs SHOULDN'T explode (but sometimes they COULD, but it shouldn't be the norm.)
-Nathan
nly happend once in ten years and I am glad I was not near it. It was a bomb no doubt. Am I crazy or are these 15k bulbs running a little cooler than the 10k'sSimilar threads
