15k XM's

SeasonedReefer

SeasonedReefer

New member
Well I just ordered some 15K xm bulbs online from hellolights and can't wait to get them in my canopy. I passed up the 20k because I was afraid it would be too much blue. I think I want to replace my PC actinics with some sort of
t5's my question is can I use my retro pc ballast to run t5's? This maybe a stupid question but I figured I would ask anyways I have three dual 65 watt pc ballast that I would hate to go to waste. I will also take fts before and after I install the new bulbs.
 
I don't think you can, but don't hold me to that. I would post in the lighting forum, or research your ballast online and see what it says
 
It says on the ballast that it is approved for lamp combinations of 128 max watts linear T5ho,T8, T12 & T12ho when used per fulhams wiring specs. Sorry i forgot to tell you it is a Workhorse 5 ballast.
 
Oh, for sure the WKH 5 will light up your t5s for actinic supp. for sure man. I might even have some extra endcaps if need be.
 
Wait until you get your 15Ks before making any changes to your actinics. I recently changed from 10K with VHO actinics to 14K Phoenix bulbs. I liked the look of the 14Ks so much that I stopped using my actinics altogether.

-Matt
 
I have 14k bluelines which is champion lightings brand of bulb right now and its not too bad looking for being a cheaper bulb and I dont use actinics to supplement those but.... I do use the actinics for that dusk and dawn effect. I want to switch from PC to T5 because one the bulbs are way cheaper and you have a wider variety of bulb and spectrums to play with and to choose from.
 
I switched my tank from 65 watt PC's to T5's in the Workhorse 5 ballast no problem. Ended up with an extra ballast in the process as well.
I would wait until you get the XM's in place to see how you like the color and if you want the tank to be any more blue, or white depending on your taste.
I currently am running AB 13K bulbs(more like 10K) with an actinic VHO, a blueplus and an aquablue special, and the tank is still not blue enough for me, but my halide bulbs are very bright.
 
Corey I would run the ATI blue + bulbs for your t5. I have the phoenix 14k and the evc 20k. Both are fine with two additional t5ho bulbs. If you want color pop go with the ATI blue +. Stay away from the actinic t5 bulbs. they are dim and just dont compare to the Blue plus bulb or the aquascience 22k. I have bought about all the popular t5's out. Good luck.
Mojo~
 
I will post some pics when I get home tonight. With before and after Xm's and also after burn in of the bulbs. I will keep everyone posted. I will also be buying Aquascape materials as soon as I get back from my buisness trip and will soon be posting a thread on my aquascape techniques. Im going for a more sps driven aquascape. This should be interesting.
 
My over all goal for the Sps aquascape it to make my rock more Tier like for sps that require different lighting needs High med and low Tiers. I also want to incorporate more Places to put frags in the Rock. I plan on doing this using a series of different drill bits to drill out rock for different frag mounts and plug sizes. I hate gluing frags and I hate using putty and stuff like that. I want to try and develop something that will help me secure plugs and frags with out the use of glue and or putty. This is my ultimate goal but.... more then likely I will end up gluing anyways lol. I also want hiding spots for my huge tangs! They don't have anywhere to sleep at night lol. So that's my idea I dunno how its gonna work but we will have to see what happens.
 
Awsome. I've heard nothing but good things about the XM's. You should be happy with them. They have good color and good par. Nice and white with a hint of blue depending on your ballast.
 
I use the drill bit technique. Its nice and easy for frags if you drill the holes the way the rock is going to lay in the tank. Needless to say, I've drilled a rock that doesnt fit quiet the way I intended so all my frags a kinda sideways. Just keep that in mind.
 
We will see later tonight. I have a champion lighting ballast also known as a blueline E ballast. They say on their site it will drive any bulb without issues i.e. flickering etc.
 
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