Thoughts on XM 20K vs. 10K

[reefarchitect]

Hello all, long time no post.

Its time to change the bulbs on my 180. I have been using XM 10Ks for the last year on Icecap ballasts (250 W). Now I am considering going to XM 20Ks. Corals have been growing well, and color has been great, but I really want to try something different.

Please post any opinions on the subject or experience if possible.

Choice is between XM 10K or XM 20K.

Thanks

 

[gasman059]

I run xm 20 k just like the deep blue look. Its a matter of taste mainly. off course u sacrifice growth.

 

[ReefWreak]

I personally liked the Hamilton 14ks for that blue color. I found that the 250w 20k XMs looked kind of dull on Ludwigia73s tank when he had them running. Maybe they were just older bulbs though?

 

[nyvp]

you really cant compare. one is a par based(10k) the other is a color based ( 20k ) if your talking a 10k with atinics then you have to think about the added electric of vho/t5's. The xm10k with atinics is prob the #1 setup used for growth and color. I went with the hamiltons 14ks as well for the halfway road