xm 15k bulb vs xm 20k bulb which is better

90gal · 03/29/2006, 08:22 AM

trying to decide between the 175 watt xm 15k or xm 20k bulbs. which bulb is better for overall growth and apperance. will be going over an oceanic 58 rr tank. trying to go wothout having to add supplement lighting if possible. any input would be great as this is my first time with metal halide lighting

trevor

hawaiianwargod · 03/29/2006, 10:16 AM

90gal,

I just recently changed my bulbs to xm 20k and it looks pretty blue. No need to run actinics and the coloration on corals are beautiful. I probably most likely not get good growth this year since Xm 20k have lower PAR. Before the Xm's I was using 10 k Ushio's and have excellent growth. If you want growth and nice color, I think your best bet is to get 14k bulbs. hth...

hawaiianwargod · 03/29/2006, 10:20 AM

90gal,

I just found out you have FOWLR....I think you can choose any spectrum since most fish aren't that picky when it comes to lighting.

Ti · 03/29/2006, 11:09 AM

XM 20K

richfavinger · 03/29/2006, 11:10 AM

From my understanding the XM10l's have a better PAR then the 15k or 20k's .. Thus you will get better growth under the XM 10k lamps, then any of the other 2 XM's.

I run 2x 250w XM 10k, and 2x 110w URI 03 over my 75g, color is what I'd call "Bright White", and yes, it seems yellow with the 03's off. I love the XM lamps.

I'd just understand that with the 15k and 20k bulbs, your corals will grow slower.

Rich

03/29/2006, 08:22 AM	#1
90gal Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: regina sask canada Posts: 34	xm 15k bulb vs xm 20k bulb which is better trying to decide between the 175 watt xm 15k or xm 20k bulbs. which bulb is better for overall growth and apperance. will be going over an oceanic 58 rr tank. trying to go wothout having to add supplement lighting if possible. any input would be great as this is my first time with metal halide lighting trevor

03/29/2006, 10:16 AM	#2
hawaiianwargod Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: 11 54' N, 121 55' E Posts: 1,836	90gal, I just recently changed my bulbs to xm 20k and it looks pretty blue. No need to run actinics and the coloration on corals are beautiful. I probably most likely not get good growth this year since Xm 20k have lower PAR. Before the Xm's I was using 10 k Ushio's and have excellent growth. If you want growth and nice color, I think your best bet is to get 14k bulbs. hth... __________________ "To be a successful reefer, one must master the art of mimicry" ~Hawaiianwargod~ [E] levated [L] evel [O] f [S] weetness Current Tank Info: 210+ - "G" Elos 160XL [~]

03/29/2006, 10:20 AM	#3
hawaiianwargod Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: 11 54' N, 121 55' E Posts: 1,836	90gal, I just found out you have FOWLR....I think you can choose any spectrum since most fish aren't that picky when it comes to lighting. __________________ "To be a successful reefer, one must master the art of mimicry" ~Hawaiianwargod~ [E] levated [L] evel [O] f [S] weetness Current Tank Info: 210+ - "G" Elos 160XL [~]

03/29/2006, 11:09 AM	#4
Ti Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 7,927	XM 20K __________________ Hair algae is my Macro algae.

03/29/2006, 11:10 AM	#5
richfavinger Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Pottstown, PA Posts: 866	From my understanding the XM10l's have a better PAR then the 15k or 20k's .. Thus you will get better growth under the XM 10k lamps, then any of the other 2 XM's. I run 2x 250w XM 10k, and 2x 110w URI 03 over my 75g, color is what I'd call "Bright White", and yes, it seems yellow with the 03's off. I love the XM lamps. I'd just understand that with the 15k and 20k bulbs, your corals will grow slower. Rich __________________ Rich Current Tank Info: DSA 135g (48x24x27) Starphire, Elite Aquatics M2 Sump, Reef Octopus Diablo DCS200-INT, GEO 612 Calcium Reactor + AP Carbon Doser, 2x Radion Pro Gen2, 2x VorTech MP40