XM 15k vs 20K

AquariaOCD · 12/19/2007, 04:49 PM

Anybody unhappy with their XM 15k 250W DE?? Can anyone tell me if they like the 20K better?? Maybe offer up some tank shots??

Thanks!

oct2274 · 12/19/2007, 06:18 PM

not to be mean to anyone that uses the xm15k but it is a poor excuse for a bulb. it's par output is horrible, even less then the 20k

AquariaOCD · 12/19/2007, 06:45 PM

That's why I was hoping to actually see some visuals on the difference. I am definitely not happy with mine for exactly that reason. Looks a little dim and I'm looking to change.

oct2274 · 12/19/2007, 06:56 PM

here is a website that compares many bulbs and ballasts. color and output does change depending on ballast used. You will see on this site how bad the output is on the 15k xm. I can't get to it here from work otherwise I'd post the results and explain the different columns

http://www.reeflightinginfo.arvixe.com

AquariaOCD · 12/19/2007, 11:23 PM

Thanks for the info! I'd still like to see some comparison pics, though! lazy, cough cough, A.D.D., cough cough................

30reef · 12/19/2007, 11:33 PM

Phoenix 250 DE is prolly best bulb for the money. Looks like 20K with par near 10K.

kdblove_99 · 12/20/2007, 12:45 AM

I agree the 15K is a junk bulb. 20K is pretty darn blue. So make sure you liek the blue look, I do.

ReefRockerLive · 12/20/2007, 01:56 AM

I tried the 15k bulb and IMO, it's a horrible bulb and that should be taken off the market. The 20k XM bulbs on M59 ballasts gave a very nice light blue and as mentioned before, it has greater PAR than the 15k XM.

12/19/2007, 04:49 PM	#1
AquariaOCD Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: TEXAS/ESPAÑA Posts: 306	XM 15k vs 20K Anybody unhappy with their XM 15k 250W DE?? Can anyone tell me if they like the 20K better?? Maybe offer up some tank shots?? Thanks! __________________ Ars longa, vita brevis. Current Tank Info: 180sw (in the works),37 gal cube

12/19/2007, 06:45 PM	#3
AquariaOCD Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: TEXAS/ESPAÑA Posts: 306	That's why I was hoping to actually see some visuals on the difference. I am definitely not happy with mine for exactly that reason. Looks a little dim and I'm looking to change. __________________ Ars longa, vita brevis. Current Tank Info: 180sw (in the works),37 gal cube

12/19/2007, 11:23 PM	#5
AquariaOCD Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: TEXAS/ESPAÑA Posts: 306	Thanks for the info! I'd still like to see some comparison pics, though! lazy, cough cough, A.D.D., cough cough................ __________________ Ars longa, vita brevis. Current Tank Info: 180sw (in the works),37 gal cube

12/20/2007, 01:56 AM	#8
ReefRockerLive GHL Mitras LX7 Club Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: CT Posts: 2,454 Blog Entries: 1	I tried the 15k bulb and IMO, it's a horrible bulb and that should be taken off the market. The 20k XM bulbs on M59 ballasts gave a very nice light blue and as mentioned before, it has greater PAR than the 15k XM. __________________ -ReefRockerLive Current Tank Info: Rimless 67g \| GHL Profilux 3.1T eX \| 2x GHL Doser 2 dosers \| 2xGHL Mitras LX7 LED \| Abyzz a100 \| Bubble King DC 150 \| 2x Vortech MP40w QD \| Fauna Marin Zeomatic 2.2ltr \| Fauna Marin Zeolight System \| Fauna Marin Balling Light Method

12/19/2007, 06:18 PM	#2
oct2274 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Plano, TX Posts: 2,347	not to be mean to anyone that uses the xm15k but it is a poor excuse for a bulb. it's par output is horrible, even less then the 20k

12/19/2007, 06:56 PM	#4
oct2274 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Plano, TX Posts: 2,347	here is a website that compares many bulbs and ballasts. color and output does change depending on ballast used. You will see on this site how bad the output is on the 15k xm. I can't get to it here from work otherwise I'd post the results and explain the different columns http://www.reeflightinginfo.arvixe.com

12/19/2007, 11:33 PM	#6
30reef Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,401	Phoenix 250 DE is prolly best bulb for the money. Looks like 20K with par near 10K.

12/20/2007, 12:45 AM	#7
kdblove_99 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Frederick,CO Posts: 8,683	I agree the 15K is a junk bulb. 20K is pretty darn blue. So make sure you liek the blue look, I do.