AB, Ushio, or XM 10Ks 175 watt

[Andrewsreef]

Jeremy, I have another question for you. I am looking at replacing my bulbs which are about 6 months old. I have 2 175 Ushio 10ks and 2 URI VHO Actinics over my 75 reef which has mostly SPS.

I would like a little more Blue look but I do not want to loose PAR or intensity. Your website describes the AB as being more of a true 13kbulb. Are they still bright (250W AB bulb according to reef central test has higher PAR than 250W Ushio)? If so, I may switch.

I have heard the 10K175Watt XMs are very bright but I am concerned they will wash out my Actinics and blue color I like.

Any sugustions?

Thanks so much for all your help. Great company to do business with.

Andrew

 

[Andrewsreef]

I forgot to mention I have a PFO Retro kit from your shop in case the type of balast effects your answer.

thanks again.

Andrew

 

[Jeremy B.]

Hi,

I really like the AB's and Ushio's, with the AB's having a slight edge to the latter. The XM 10k I have not had any long term first hand experience with it, but I am not that fond of the coloration of it. The AB's are a very crisp white color. Keep in mind that a lot of people who say these bulbs have a yellow tinge, also have yellow, discolored water.

Thanks,
Jeremy

 

[Andrewsreef]

Jeremy, thanks for responding. Would the AB10K be a significant reduction in PAR when compared to the Ushio 10K? Also the web site mentions a "blue" look that I would want and says the bulb is more likely 13k. Also, after looking closer to your web site, what about the PFO13K? Which would have a more white/blue look the AB or the PFO? Again, I want a touch more blue but I do not want to loose to much PAR.

Thanks for your help.

Andrew

 

[Jeremy B.]

Hi Andrew,

The PFO's are not available at this time. I'm not sure if they are even going to come back out or not. The AB should not be marketed as a 13k IMO, as it really is a true 10k lamp. I'm not sure why AquaMedic, or other lighting companies do this. The AB has the highest PAR of all the lamps we have mentioned, with the exception of the XM. Keep in mind there is a lot more that plays into besides PAR though. HTH.