250w DE 10k XM users....need your input

[ereefic1]

I'm looking for input on these bulbs from users of them. Looking to use these bulbs in a PFO Mini Pendant and would like to hear some feedback on them. How do you like them? Any problems? What ballasts your running them on? Compare them to other bulbs you've used.

Been using the Ushios but would like the benefit of the increased PAR output and cheaper price tag. These will be lighting a SPS tank.

Thanks

 

[Unarce]

I've been using the XM 20K double-ends for over 6 months now. They replaced my Ushio 10K's. Just so you know, you'll be getting much less PAR when switching from 20K to 10K.

Now, the XM's will start off looking really blue, but will look a bit more white after its break in period. The most rewarding benefit is the outstanding color pigments that are brought out by the bluer spectrum. The wavelengths of the 20K are also more conducive to photosynthesis. As for growth, most will say that it is not as fast. IME, it has either increased or stayed the same. Especially with my tortuosa, which really took off after I switched. The tips look almost like blue LEDs.

Another small benefit is that they run a bit cooler, so heat can become less of an issue. Hope this helps. :wink:

 

[ereefic1]

You are running 20k XM double ended bulbs correct? You have never used 10k XM double ended bulbs?

Just so you know, you'll be getting much less PAR when switching from 20K to 10K.

You lost me. According to JBNY's single ended bulb study, which i'm assuming would translate similiarly to DE bulbs, shows that a 10k XM SE bulb run off a PFO HQI ballast will give 936 PAR were as a XM 20k SE bulb on the same ballast would give 314 PAR. Generally the higher the Kelvin rateing the lower the PAR. Am I missing something here?

I'm running a PFO Minipendant with a 10k Ushio on another tank right now and growth is pretty good under it. I'm not a big fan of 'blue' tanks even if the corals color up a little nicer.

We'll be running 2 PFO MiniPendants on the new 110gal. SPS tank. With the XM's being a good bit cheaper than the Ushios and ginving higher PAR to boot makes them an attractive bulb. Any more thoughts?

 

[Unarce]

Generally the higher the Kelvin rateing the lower the PAR.

That's correct.

We'll be running 2 PFO MiniPendants on the new 110gal. SPS tank. With the XM's being a good bit cheaper than the Ushios and ginving higher PAR to boot makes them an attractive bulb. Any more thoughts?

There are a couple of members here that are very happy after switching from Ushio 10K to XM 10K. Sometimes the Ushio 10K can appear a bit yellow.