XM Metal Halide Advice

ccradr · #1 12/25/2007, 01:39 PM

Getting ready tom place lights on the new 265 reef. I like lue tint to the light, but dont want my tank to look totaly actinic. I already have 160 watts of actinics on the tank. So: XM20000k's or XM 15000k"s?????

ccradr · #2 12/25/2007, 02:47 PM

bump

DarG · #3 12/25/2007, 03:33 PM

Double ended or single ended and what wattage? Plus, does it have to be XM and why? Tank dimensions?

chemisfun11 · #4 12/25/2007, 03:43 PM

You get more PAR from the 20K compared to the 15K if that matters.

J. Montgomery · #5 12/25/2007, 03:50 PM

A lot of people here in VA use XM bulbs, and the 15k have a bad reputation. Go with either the 10k or the 20k, those are popular.

rigleautomotive · #6 12/25/2007, 04:02 PM

the 15 k xm bulbs are dimmer than the 20 k.the opposite of what you would think.if you running the actinics with the halides on i perfer 10 k or my favorite would be reeflux 12k.they have nice blues without sacraficing the other colors.

ccradr · #7 12/25/2007, 04:36 PM

Doesnt have to be xm I guess....they will be 3 250's over 7 foot tank. Is there a better brand of 14 or 15k's that yiled a decent blue???

rigleautomotive · #8 12/25/2007, 04:43 PM

the reeflux 12 k are like a 14k i guess.there the only one i liked after trying many others.the xm 20 k is a nice color bulb,and pretty well made along with a good par for a 20 k,but bulbs are like something you personally have to like.totm a couple months ago use the coral vues and i went for them and i am pleased.

JediReefer · #9 12/25/2007, 04:46 PM

I like my XM 20k, very pleased.

Carnavor180 · #10 12/25/2007, 06:25 PM

i use xm 10k also supplemented by vho actinic.

Harleyguy · #11 12/25/2007, 06:59 PM

I really like the aquaconnect 14K Nice bulb

ccradr · #12 12/25/2007, 07:18 PM

Anyone have pics of the 20k xm?

tweetyfish · #13 12/25/2007, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Harleyguy
I really like the aquaconnect 14K Nice bulb

DITTO

bc explore reef · #14 12/26/2007, 02:14 PM

I'm also deciding on new lights...I have Coralife 20k's and hate them...

Are we talking about double ended HQI or screw in??

I know the thread is titled XM but where do you find Aquaconnect? I've seen Aquamedic and Aqualine, but not that one...Does anyone have pics of theirs setup with the Aquaconnect?

rigleautomotive · #15 12/26/2007, 02:23 PM

mogul,single end

kdblove_99 · #16 12/26/2007, 02:53 PM

If you have supps get a 10K. The XM 20 is pretty darn blue and you don't even need supps with this bulb.

The XM 15K is a garbage bulb. I would get the XM10K if you have supps or the XM 20K if you dont have supps

dapettit · #17 12/28/2007, 08:51 PM

I like my 10k's great for growth!