Which MH bulb?

Im SpSing · 12/27/2007, 12:46 AM

Ive been looking for a 250w SE bulb to replace my XM 20k. I can't seem to make up my mind but my goal is growth with a crisp white with maybe a hint of blue color. I was considering either the XM 10k or the AB 10k. The AB is supposed to actually be a 13k according to hellolights.com and i like the PAR it has from my m58 ballast.

Can anyone recommend either of these bulbs or perhaps a different one?

All help appreciated
-Ryan

Kennyboy1984 · 12/27/2007, 12:53 AM

Reeflux 10,000k's are good for a crisp white color. Thats what I use. However for more blue you can try em with actinic supplementation. They also make a reeflux 12,000k. A tank of the months a few months back uses them exclusively.

Im SpSing · 12/27/2007, 12:56 AM

Thanks. I have another question. The only reason im replacing my XM 20k is beacause the guy at the LFS said i need a 10k or 14k to actually get good growth from my SPS. I thought having a 250w over a 29gallon would be plenty so i went with 20k for color. Do i really need a different bulb for good growth considering all other variables are ideal?

cato · 12/27/2007, 10:10 AM

250w on a 29g should be more than enough light, regardless of the temp rating. Waste of $$ buying a new bulb for that reason. IMO

Im SpSing · 12/27/2007, 10:48 AM

Thats what i figured. Thank you.

kdblove_99 · 12/31/2007, 02:07 PM

That XM is plenty enough bulb and PAR for growth. You can always get a Aquaconnect 14k

12/27/2007, 12:46 AM	#1
Im SpSing Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: New Orleans Posts: 177	Which MH bulb? Ive been looking for a 250w SE bulb to replace my XM 20k. I can't seem to make up my mind but my goal is growth with a crisp white with maybe a hint of blue color. I was considering either the XM 10k or the AB 10k. The AB is supposed to actually be a 13k according to hellolights.com and i like the PAR it has from my m58 ballast. Can anyone recommend either of these bulbs or perhaps a different one? All help appreciated -Ryan

12/27/2007, 12:53 AM	#2
Kennyboy1984 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: SLC, UTAH Posts: 376	Reeflux 10,000k's are good for a crisp white color. Thats what I use. However for more blue you can try em with actinic supplementation. They also make a reeflux 12,000k. A tank of the months a few months back uses them exclusively. __________________ Anti-Tang Police Current Tank Info: 24g nano cube, 125 g

12/27/2007, 10:10 AM	#4
cato New England Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: CT Posts: 5,450	250w on a 29g should be more than enough light, regardless of the temp rating. Waste of $$ buying a new bulb for that reason. IMO __________________ -Cato I swear it's an illness... Current Tank Info: On Hiatus

12/27/2007, 12:56 AM	#3
Im SpSing Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: New Orleans Posts: 177	Thanks. I have another question. The only reason im replacing my XM 20k is beacause the guy at the LFS said i need a 10k or 14k to actually get good growth from my SPS. I thought having a 250w over a 29gallon would be plenty so i went with 20k for color. Do i really need a different bulb for good growth considering all other variables are ideal?

12/27/2007, 10:48 AM	#5
Im SpSing Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: New Orleans Posts: 177	Thats what i figured. Thank you.

12/31/2007, 02:07 PM	#6
kdblove_99 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Frederick,CO Posts: 8,683	That XM is plenty enough bulb and PAR for growth. You can always get a Aquaconnect 14k