Why checking Sanjay's Lighting Guide Is Important!

[ErikH]

Ok, so I bought some new bulbs today.

10,000K Aqualine AB HQI Double Ended - 250W
In comparison to these:
20,000K XM DE HQI Double Ended - 250W

I checked Sanjay's Lighting Guide before I ordered. The difference in efficiency between the two lamps is double!

I have an Icecap Ballast and an ARO Ballast. I can only compare to the Icecap.

The efficiency of the XM compared to the Aqualine is
XM: 0.1607
Aqualine: 0.3388

Even other 10k bulbs could not hold a candle! I cannot wait to see the growth I get out of these!!!!!!

[mharmon]

Dude! You don't need any more growth!

[SaltyJim]

Ok, so I bought some new bulbs today.

10,000K Aqualine AB HQI Double Ended - 250W
In comparison to these:
20,000K XM DE HQI Double Ended - 250W

I checked Sanjay's Lighting Guide before I ordered. The difference in efficiency between the two lamps is double!

I have an Icecap Ballast and an ARO Ballast. I can only compare to the Icecap.

The efficiency of the XM compared to the Aqualine is
XM: 0.1607
Aqualine: 0.3388

Even other 10k bulbs could not hold a candle! I cannot wait to see the growth I get out of these!!!!!!

Why would you compare the 10k AB to the 20k XM. Wouldn't 10k to 10k be more relevant? According to the same site, the XM has an efficiency of .3755, and a higher PPFD than the AB, so why not that one?

[CoryDude]

Had a 250W pair over my tank for most of 2005.

AB's are nice, and have good coloration for a 10K, but were a little too pricey for me continue using them.

[ErikH]

Why would you compare the 10k AB to the 20k XM. Wouldn't 10k to 10k be more relevant? According to the same site, the XM has an efficiency of .3755, and a higher PPFD than the AB, so why not that one?

But they're more blueeeeeeeeeeeeee!!! The spectrum is more towards 13k than 10k, which ultimately it was my deciding factor. There are better bulbs than the XMs even, but hellolights doesn't carry them. :( I am just glad to have the extra PAR. I have been needing it!

[hobogato]

dont forget to acclimate your corals to those brighter lights. some layers of window screen or raising the bulbs a bit should do the trick. i would acclimate them for about two weeks.

[brewercm]

If they are made the same way they used to be several years ago the AB 10 actually states (or used to) that they acually I think 12K.

[alton]

If you have more than a 10% difference betwen your new and old lamps when you change them you need to change them sooner. A $100 light meter is cheap compared to either changing lamps too soon or not soon enough. Also remember starting in Jan. 1, 2009 mag ballast can no longer be sold in the US, all new replacement ballast will be Electromagnetic or electronic and the lamps will have to match to get the maximum output.

(Off the subject, but why does Ace have a bug crawling on his post?)

[LoneStar]

(Off the subject, but why does Ace have a bug crawling on his post?)

What bug?? I think you need to clean off your monitor

[allan]

I thought it was an arthropod...