MH Spectrum help...

TomDe · 01/17/2007, 10:49 PM

I got a 2X250 PFO fixture and I looked for new bulbs because I prefer a bluer look.

Where I have a magnetic ballast nothing in the 12-20K was impressive for par. The best on Sanjays data was actually the XM20K which is real blue but I went with it.

Would it be ok to lower my fixture to improve par? It is currently about 6" above the water and I was going to move it to about 3"

I am afraid of getting no growth with my SPS.

Anybody using XM20K or another 20K alone?

TomDe · 01/18/2007, 12:06 AM

I should have made the title more interesting

leeweber85 · 01/18/2007, 12:29 AM

I would worry about splashing and cracking the bulb. You will still get growth where you are at. It may or may not be as good as a 10k but at least your color should be good. I get sps growth under xm 15k and they have much less par than the 20k.

If you want the blue look and excellent growth, why don't you get the xm 10ks and add supplemental VHOS or t-5s? Always a winning combination.

TomDe · 01/18/2007, 08:59 PM

As far as spalshing and cracking it is a PFO fixture with a glass shield. Would this still be a concern? I am concerned about heating up my glass-center brace to much.

And I just feel that 2X250 is enough for a 90 so I did not want to run my VHO's. The heat into the tank is borderline and my electric has gone up a sunstantial amount since my upgrade. Being a college student working full time on my own I try to cut back where I can although that is usually impossible with my reef addiction.

leeweber85 · 01/18/2007, 09:04 PM

I would raise it back up to the 6-8" level.... I don't think having it 3" lower would help growth much anyway.

I think it's too dangerous to keep it that low,

01/17/2007, 10:49 PM	#1
TomDe Keep it simple Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Boston Posts: 308	MH Spectrum help... I got a 2X250 PFO fixture and I looked for new bulbs because I prefer a bluer look. Where I have a magnetic ballast nothing in the 12-20K was impressive for par. The best on Sanjays data was actually the XM20K which is real blue but I went with it. Would it be ok to lower my fixture to improve par? It is currently about 6" above the water and I was going to move it to about 3" I am afraid of getting no growth with my SPS. Anybody using XM20K or another 20K alone?

01/18/2007, 12:06 AM	#2
TomDe Keep it simple Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Boston Posts: 308	par questions.. I should have made the title more interesting

01/18/2007, 12:29 AM	#3
leeweber85 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Cedar Rapids, Iowa Posts: 2,482	I would worry about splashing and cracking the bulb. You will still get growth where you are at. It may or may not be as good as a 10k but at least your color should be good. I get sps growth under xm 15k and they have much less par than the 20k. If you want the blue look and excellent growth, why don't you get the xm 10ks and add supplemental VHOS or t-5s? Always a winning combination. __________________ -Lee Current Tank Info: 120g reef, 20g reef

01/18/2007, 09:04 PM	#5
leeweber85 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Cedar Rapids, Iowa Posts: 2,482	I would raise it back up to the 6-8" level.... I don't think having it 3" lower would help growth much anyway. I think it's too dangerous to keep it that low, __________________ -Lee Current Tank Info: 120g reef, 20g reef

01/18/2007, 08:59 PM	#4
TomDe Keep it simple Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Boston Posts: 308	As far as spalshing and cracking it is a PFO fixture with a glass shield. Would this still be a concern? I am concerned about heating up my glass-center brace to much. And I just feel that 2X250 is enough for a 90 so I did not want to run my VHO's. The heat into the tank is borderline and my electric has gone up a sunstantial amount since my upgrade. Being a college student working full time on my own I try to cut back where I can although that is usually impossible with my reef addiction.