XM 10k

[lotsoftats]

Hey guys....I am in the process of setting up a new 75g that will eventually be dominated by SPS.......I want to use XM 10k for the halides as I have read they are par monsters......I will also be adding 4 24" t5's to the mix in a floating canopy...Here is my questions.

1.What is the best ballast to run the XM 10k bulbs on?

2. what mix of t5's should I go with?....I want to end up with a nice 20k look but not overly blue.

Also if anyone is running XM 10k's I would love to see a pic...also what are you running for supplemental lighting.

 

[Jaymeany]

i ran ushio 6500k's with actinic t5s' I just tore it down or id add pics

 

[lotsoftats]

I guess with all the LEDs out there no one is using MH anymore...lol

 

[Anemonebuff]

I used 10 K XMs and they were good. They are a bit yellow, but can be blued up with some actinic LEDs or T5s. I used Iwasaki 15Ks and they were the best IMO. Crisp white with a slight hint on blue. They have better PAR than the 10K XM and better color. I used 175 watt MHs. I do use LED now.

 

[lotsoftats]

I used 10 K XMs and they were good. They are a bit yellow, but can be blued up with some actinic LEDs or T5s. I used Iwasaki 15Ks and they were the best IMO. Crisp white with a slight hint on blue. They have better PAR than the 10K XM and better color. I used 175 watt MHs. I do use LED now.

Thanks i will look into those....I have read great things about them....If I go the iwasaki route what would you suggest for supplemental lighting?....4 ATI blue+??

 

[NatureNerd]

Thanks i will look into those....I have read great things about them....If I go the iwasaki route what would you suggest for supplemental lighting?....4 ATI blue+??

Before I switched to LED, I always used XM 10k's over my 75g. I used them for many years. I supplemented with two 48" T5's, and that was plenty of PAR. I used one actinic and one blue. It seemed to work great.

 

[lotsoftats]

Before I switched to LED, I always used XM 10k's over my 75g. I used them for many years. I supplemented with two 48" T5's, and that was plenty of PAR. It seemed to work great.

Finally...lol......someone with XM 10k....would you by chance have a pic before the switch to LED's....you you happen to know the Par reading you were getting?

 

[grigsy]

I have used XM 10K but they were too yellow for me. I always thought they should be considered more of an 8K bulb.

They do give good growth though and I would recommend them for you to purchase if you are doing SPS.

If you aren't already sold on the T5 bulbs as suppliments, consider two 75 watt VHO T12 bulbs. URI has a nice super actinic blue bulb that works really nice with halides. Will give you a nice balance and good color.

 

[sirreal63]

I ran them for years...Par Monsters for sure, but you will have a hard time getting a 20K look. I also ran URI (UVL) Actintics which helped, but a 20K color is was not. If you go T5, you may have to try several bulbs, I think a Blue Plus would be the best bet.

What wattage are you running?

 

[RotaryGeek]

I have 150w xm 10k's and personally they are too helps. My LPS is growing like crazy though. I'm going to switch to a bluer bulb when it's time to change them.

 

[cody6766]

I had ran a 250w XM 10K with a pair of ATI Blue Plus bulbs and it looked great but it wasn't QUITE blue enoug for me. I prefer the look of a Radium with the same T5s if that helps you gauge my color preference.

 

[lotsoftats]

This is why I hate a tank build when you get to lighting....lol

to many options out there.
Thanks for all the responses guys.
I am not set on T5....I actually like VHO's quite well....Ran them on my 90g.
I will probably be using 250w bulbs.
Do you think I should kick them up to XM 15k for a little more blue?

 

[Anemonebuff]

XM 15Ks are weak with PAR. With 250s Pheonix 14Ks would be better.