New lighting for SPS. 20k XM and Aquablue+ (pic)

[Avast Marine]

Not much pure actinic but, I expect good color and growth. Tank is set up for 4 months.

54 corner

24" PFO parallel
PFO standard m-58
XM 20k se
54w T-5 Aquablue+ on Universal Ballast

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58279226@N00/256925044/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/112/256925044_77faf1658c.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt="DSCN1410" /></a>

I am happy with the color. What do you all think? Bulbs have only burnt in 20hrs at time of the photo.

 

[edwing206]

it looks awesome, do you have any fish in that tank?

 

[Brewen]

Very nice tank how long has it been up and running?

 

[Avast Marine]

Tanks been up for 4 months, wanted to get my lighting just right before I do a lot of stocking. Note longhorn cowfish in middle right of picture. Also a manderin, thats it for fish.

 

[jay24k]

I wouldn't expect great growth with a 20K XM however I think the color will do well and it does look nice.

 

[Horace]

I agree, the 250w XM 20k is really an abysmal bulb for growth...If you want good growth and awesome color, you should have gone with a 400w XM 20k. With that bulb you get best of both worlds...GREAT color, GREAT PAR. I wish I could put two over my 75g w/out heating it up... I would do it in a heartbeat.

 

[Avast Marine]

It's Ok, I don't want a ton of growth, it is only a 54 after all. I hope to get a little growth out of the aquablues, I just want what does grow to look good. I considered 400w but, don't have budget for chiller right now.

 

[NewSchool04]

I think the color is great, very crisp with a touch of blue.

 

[SVXH6]

i also have a 54 corner.. i have a SE250 14K hamilton on an icecap electronic ballast.. very nice color, and i get pretty good growth.. i am getting ready to switch to 2x250 14k hamiltons.., i just dont think 1 250 is enough light IMO.. i get complete coverage with one 250, but i think 2 would be better..