Does anyone run 250W XM 15k bulbs?

[SteveM]

Just wondering if anyone runs 250W XM 15k bulbs. If so how do you like them? I am running XM 10K now and would like a little better color. Not sure if I want to jump to 20K though.

 

If anyone has a couple of these bulbs laying around and wouldn't mind me borrowing them to see how they would look on my tank please shoot me a PM.

[rocko918]

Hey Steve, i am running 250 xm 15 k's right now. I like the color but the par stinks on them.

I will be looking to change them to something else in 4 or 5 months.

[ReeferMan]

The XM 20k has higher par ratings than the 15k. I love radiums which have a higher par rating than any 20k bulb and most 15k bulbs as well. To me they look more like a 15k bulb than a 20k

[steveoutlaw]

I ran the 15k bulbs on the M58 magnetic ballast on my 90g. I really liked the color (crisp and not too blue)and I was able to keep clams, SPS and anemones on the sandbed of a 24" tank.

[SteveM]

I have a 110gal which is 30" deep and that is one reason I like the XM 10K bulbs. I am just getting very good color with them. I have the ARO electronic ballasts, does anyone know if they will run the Radiums, and if so will be okay on my tank? I have even considered adding another 250W to my tank to give me 3 bulbs or switching to 2 400W bulbs.

 

Any thoughts?