XM 10k

[saleenpwr88]

Does anyone use these SE bulbs. They seem to have a lot of par but how is their color. Any one have any pics/opinions. I really wish there were two types of bulbs and one brand. 10K and 20K...then this bulb decision would be a lot easier!!!

Thanks, Adam

 

[aiko670]

I've got some if you want to come check my tank out your more than welcome...

 

[saleenpwr88]

I'll probably take you up on that since I'm close.

 

[ReefKeepersCorner]

Xm 10Ks are nice for growth. They were a little yellow for me. Reeflux 10Ks were alot easier on the eyes and still give good growth.

 

[saleenpwr88]

I was leaning toward the Reeflux to begin with but saw some stats on how much par the XMs gave...Too many bulbs to choose from!!!

 

[aiko670]

I personally think the XM's look fine with actinics. If you're not going to use actinics go with a bluer bulb.

They do grow corals fast though!

 

[saleenpwr88]

It is a three foot tank and I'll have two SE bulbs powered by a dual PFO magnetic. I also have 2 three foot T-5s I could use as actinics. Do you think those would be enough...I don't want to have to get VHOs because I already have the T-5s.

 

[ReefKeepersCorner]

That should be a good set up with the XMs. I do overdrive my bulbs, so I get a different look than on a reg. magnetic.

 

[aiko670]

Agreed but I also over drive my xm's...

 

[DOTZ]

How do you over dirve a bulb? I'm running the xm 10k right now on my tank and it is more yellow.

 

[aiko670]

If you run a SE bulb with a HQI ballast it being overdriven.

for example a 400watt magnetic ballast is actually 400 watts but a 400watt HQI ballast is actually 430watts.

 

[DOTZ]

Oh, ok thanks.

 

[ReefKeepersCorner]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11201220#post11201220 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by aiko670
If you run a SE bulb with a HQI ballast it being overdriven.

for example a 400watt magnetic ballast is actually 400 watts but a 400watt HQI ballast is actually 430watts.

You're so smart.

 

[aiko670]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11201272#post11201272 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 444reefkeeper
You're so smart.

so I've been told...:smokin:

 

[BlakDuc]

I am running the Reeflux 10k with T5 actinincs and I love them. Once they burn in they aren't as blue. I am also running 2 of each on a 36" tank. If you look at the last page of my build thread(red house) there are some FTS that show the color pretty good. I am running them off of M57 magnetic ballasts.

 

[Roman Ogee]

XM10K= :thumbsup:

 

[3mm3]

Well I just purchased 2 of these bulbs and fired them up today. First impression is a little too much yellow but I'll give them a shot. I needed the par. I hope they get a crisp white when they burn in. My ballast is dual pfo 250watt. Previous bulbs were hamilton 20k. I also decided to add another row of actinics to try to make it look better.

 

[chaseracing]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11198733#post11198733 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 444reefkeeper
Xm 10Ks are nice for growth. They were a little yellow for me. Reeflux 10Ks were alot easier on the eyes and still give good growth.

I agree 100%

 

[chaseracing]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11204633#post11204633 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mmck
Well I just purchased 2 of these bulbs and fired them up today. First impression is a little too much yellow but I'll give them a shot. I needed the par. I hope they get a crisp white when they burn in. My ballast is dual pfo 250watt. Previous bulbs were hamilton 20k. I also decided to add another row of actinics to try to make it look better.

It's probably not fair to yourself to compare the Hamilton 20K and and XM 10K. The reason is that the Hamiltons are probably the bluest bulbs out there, and the 10K XM is about the most yellow you can find.

These are opposites of each other. The Reeflux 12K is a perfect blend of these 2 bulbs.

That's just my opinion of course.

 

[bubbletip2]

Lately I have started to not trust the PAR readings I have seen posted especially about 12K Reeflux bulbs after doing my own testing.

Here is my tank with 400w 12K Reeflux:

I have 2 - 12K 400w bulbs on CV ballasts. The bulbs are 16 inches off the water - my 250w 12K is measuring pretty high as well and I should have measurements on 3 - 12K 250's over a 180g in the near future.

check out this thread for more info.:

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1211402&perpage=25&pagenumber=11

Jim