XM 10k vs CoralVue Reeflux 10k

[Whoyah]

Hi All,

I recently upgraded to metal halides and T5s. For the metal halide bulbs I went with the XM 10k 250 watt bulbs. I have heard great things about them regarding PAR however after I had them on for a few days I decided that the color just wasn't what I wanted. The light is a very white-yellow. I was looking for more of a blue-white. After chatting with Davejnz, I decided to change over to the CoralVue Reeflux 10ks. The CV Reeflux have a big spike in the 460nm range.

I got them in today and thought I would share some pictures of the two bulbs side by side.

Picture 1: 2 XM 10k with 2 36" T5 actincs
Picture 2: 2 XM 10k only
Picture 3: 1 CV on left side, 1 XM on right side, no T5s
Picture 4: 2 CV 10k, no T5s
Picture 5: 2 CV 10K with 2 36" T5 actinics

Wow, what a difference in color. I really like the way the tank looks now. Thanks Dave for the suggestion.

[davejnz]

Glad to hear you like those bulbs Shad.I think the pics speak for themselves.

[davejnz]

BTW,I still am yet to see a 10k that looks as good as that bulb.That 450nm peak really helps bring out the colors IME.Most all your 10k's have the 420nm peak where as your 14k+ bulbs that everyone loves for color share the same 450nm peak as the CvReeflux10k.Now that your running the CVReeflux you might consider useing different actinics.Next time you
need to change your bulbs,a 420nm(true act03) would be a better choice IMO to help bring out that end of the spectrum where the CV bulb drops off at.