250w SE MH bulbs

caseymou · 06/15/2006, 06:06 AM

Probably driving over this weekend for a bulb purchase but still haven't decided which to buy. I'm looking in the $60 range for 10k's so choices are XM10k, Coralvue/reeflux 10k, or hammy true 10k. I believe these are all priced about the same. Which is most popular? Suggestions? I like ice white, bright, possibly a hint of blue. No yellow.

Thanks,
Chuck

eckrynock · 06/15/2006, 06:14 AM

Chuck,

I've got reeflux 10ks on my tank if you would like to stop by and see them. I ran XMs for about 6 months, very white but coral colors lacked. The Reeflux is more white with hint of pink/blue. Bryan runs reeflux bulbs on his tanks at extreme aquarium. I have a 6 month old XM and a 3 month old reeflux if you'd like to try them out before buying one.

caseymou · 06/15/2006, 06:22 AM

how is the brightness as compared to the XM? XM par is really fantastic.

eckrynock · 06/15/2006, 06:44 AM

Yes, XM is really bright. Reeflux are a little dimmer but not much. I think you would be pleased with the color of the Reeflux bulb. I was willing to give up PPFD for color. Coral growth is still decent. I bought an acro from extreme 2 months ago and it's doubled in size.

Jeremy B. · 06/15/2006, 08:35 AM

A lot of it has to do with the ballast you will be driving it off of, however for something that is crisp ice white I would recommend the 10k Reeflux, as you get decent growth and excellent coloration with it.

Are you supplementing with any actinic?

caseymou · 06/15/2006, 08:37 AM

Yup, I use 2x110 vho for actinic although they are way past due for replacement too. I run my 250's from IC ballasts.

eclecticvibe · 06/15/2006, 09:52 AM

I agree on the reeflux. They've been very popular, and the vast majority of people I've talked to love the color. They also have a better quality record than XM.

06/15/2006, 06:06 AM	#1
caseymou Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: West side of Indianapolis Posts: 373	250w SE MH bulbs Probably driving over this weekend for a bulb purchase but still haven't decided which to buy. I'm looking in the $60 range for 10k's so choices are XM10k, Coralvue/reeflux 10k, or hammy true 10k. I believe these are all priced about the same. Which is most popular? Suggestions? I like ice white, bright, possibly a hint of blue. No yellow. Thanks, Chuck __________________ 30 oceanic cube with custom sump 1x250w DE aquamedic pendant ER 5-2 Current Tank Info: 30 cube

06/15/2006, 06:14 AM	#2
eckrynock Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 733	Chuck, I've got reeflux 10ks on my tank if you would like to stop by and see them. I ran XMs for about 6 months, very white but coral colors lacked. The Reeflux is more white with hint of pink/blue. Bryan runs reeflux bulbs on his tanks at extreme aquarium. I have a 6 month old XM and a 3 month old reeflux if you'd like to try them out before buying one. __________________ Ed Genesis 1:21 Current Tank Info: 90 gal

06/15/2006, 06:22 AM	#3
caseymou Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: West side of Indianapolis Posts: 373	how is the brightness as compared to the XM? XM par is really fantastic. __________________ 30 oceanic cube with custom sump 1x250w DE aquamedic pendant ER 5-2 Current Tank Info: 30 cube

06/15/2006, 06:44 AM	#4
eckrynock Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 733	Yes, XM is really bright. Reeflux are a little dimmer but not much. I think you would be pleased with the color of the Reeflux bulb. I was willing to give up PPFD for color. Coral growth is still decent. I bought an acro from extreme 2 months ago and it's doubled in size. __________________ Ed Genesis 1:21 Current Tank Info: 90 gal

06/15/2006, 08:37 AM	#6
caseymou Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: West side of Indianapolis Posts: 373	Yup, I use 2x110 vho for actinic although they are way past due for replacement too. I run my 250's from IC ballasts. __________________ 30 oceanic cube with custom sump 1x250w DE aquamedic pendant ER 5-2 Current Tank Info: 30 cube

06/15/2006, 08:35 AM	#5
Jeremy B. Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Indianapolis, IN / Muncie, IN Posts: 8,219	A lot of it has to do with the ballast you will be driving it off of, however for something that is crisp ice white I would recommend the 10k Reeflux, as you get decent growth and excellent coloration with it. Are you supplementing with any actinic?

06/15/2006, 09:52 AM	#7
eclecticvibe Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 583	I agree on the reeflux. They've been very popular, and the vast majority of people I've talked to love the color. They also have a better quality record than XM. __________________ Jay Current Tank Info: Taking it all down.