Lighting Help Please!

builderguy · 04/01/2008, 04:36 PM

Okay, I now this has probably been answer ad-nauseum, and it's probably largely a personal preference...but...

I have recently swithced from 250w SE XM 15k's to 10k's because I thought the 15k's were too dim. I have used 10k's in the past and gotten great growth with them, however the seem a bit too yellow for my taste now. I think I'm about 2/3rd's of the way through the 120hour "burn-in" period, so maybe I should withhold judgement.

At any rate, what is anyone's suggestion for a better balance...oh BTW I have (4) T5s overdriven to 85watts as supplemental - I am using 3 geisman blue-plus and one pure actinic for those.

My tank is 24" deep to the top of the sandbed and the MH's are about 10-12" from the surface of the water. I am using Luminarcs...still think it could be a little bluer...but want it good and bright for my SPS and coloration.

Thoughts?

Charlie Davidson · 04/01/2008, 05:05 PM

Standard mag. ballast xm10k is 137par, 15k is 55! 20k is 73

kevin95695 · 04/01/2008, 05:05 PM

I have heard bad things about the XM15's but good things about the XM10's and 20's. Would you consider a 20?

Charlie Davidson · 04/01/2008, 05:06 PM

http://www.reeflightinginfo.arvixe.com/

04/01/2008, 04:36 PM	#1
builderguy Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: North Natomas, CA Posts: 1,470	Lighting Help Please! Okay, I now this has probably been answer ad-nauseum, and it's probably largely a personal preference...but... I have recently swithced from 250w SE XM 15k's to 10k's because I thought the 15k's were too dim. I have used 10k's in the past and gotten great growth with them, however the seem a bit too yellow for my taste now. I think I'm about 2/3rd's of the way through the 120hour "burn-in" period, so maybe I should withhold judgement. At any rate, what is anyone's suggestion for a better balance...oh BTW I have (4) T5s overdriven to 85watts as supplemental - I am using 3 geisman blue-plus and one pure actinic for those. My tank is 24" deep to the top of the sandbed and the MH's are about 10-12" from the surface of the water. I am using Luminarcs...still think it could be a little bluer...but want it good and bright for my SPS and coloration. Thoughts?

04/01/2008, 05:05 PM	#2
Charlie Davidson Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Deltaville , Va Posts: 10,977	Standard mag. ballast xm10k is 137par, 15k is 55! 20k is 73 __________________ Richmond Reef Club Current Tank Info: Doing without for a while :)

04/01/2008, 05:05 PM	#3
kevin95695 Member of the Registry Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Perimeter patrol. Posts: 3,469	I have heard bad things about the XM15's but good things about the XM10's and 20's. Would you consider a 20? __________________ You wouldn't believe it if I told you. Go put on the helmet. Did I say that out loud? Current Tank Info: Color chunks in a big water box.

04/01/2008, 05:06 PM	#4
Charlie Davidson Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Deltaville , Va Posts: 10,977	http://www.reeflightinginfo.arvixe.com/ __________________ Richmond Reef Club Current Tank Info: Doing without for a while :)