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View Full Version : 12K REEFLUX or 15K XM 175watt SE


tas5tas
02/27/2008, 03:49 PM
What is your experience with either the 12k Reeflux or the 15k XM 175 watt single ended bulb? Which reflectors do you use? What size tank do you use yours on?? Do you run actinics with them or not??

I'm in the process of setting up a 125g reef (SPS & LPS) and plan on using the 3x175w Coralvue electronic ballast with 3 Lumen Bright Mini's. I'm just torn on which bulbs to use.

Feel free to post pics of your setup

Jeremy Blaze
02/27/2008, 03:54 PM
don't waste your time with the 15k, very low par.

italia
02/27/2008, 03:58 PM
I have the 15k XM 175 watt on my 37g tank. No special reflector just the flat panel reflection from the retro fitted halide unit. looks are okay but other than that, not too happy.
I am planning an upgrade in the next week and already bought 2 halides each with 250watt ballast and 12k reeflux bulbs. and lumenbright mini reflectors. I fired them up and they look awesome!

tas5tas
02/27/2008, 04:00 PM
Jeremy Blaze,

Does the 12k Reeflux need actinic supplementation since you say to stay away from the 15k XM?

Jeremy Blaze
02/27/2008, 04:01 PM
Most people who run the 12k say it does not need it, but it really depends on you. Some people like more blue then others.

JRaquatics
02/27/2008, 04:38 PM
I personally would go with the 250 watters. I run Reeflux 12ks without any additional lighting "actinics".

Compguy
02/27/2008, 05:46 PM
I would hate to jump in a little off topic, but does it matter what K rating the bulbs are other than pretty much just different coloring, what I mean to say is, if I go with say a 20K bulb as compared to a 10K
bulb will it limit what type of corals can be kept, or does the K rating not matter, is it just a personal choice.

tas5tas
02/27/2008, 05:49 PM
JRaquatics,

What type of corals do you keep and can you place SPS anywhere in your tank?? I really want to be able to place SPS from the middle and up and keep my LPS and softies on the sand and lower levels. Do your corals "POP" without actinics? I have seen pictures of your tank here before, but pictures are never the same as in person.

tas5tas
02/27/2008, 05:51 PM
Sometimes the color can have a lot to do with penetration and can hinder the types of coral you can keep.

Just my 2 cents

JRaquatics
02/27/2008, 06:40 PM
I have SPS (acros) growing in my sandbed. I get great lighting penetration throughout my tank. My coral absolutely pop with the Reeflux 12k alone. Click my red house and view my build thread. I will try to get an updated FTS this weekend. Honestly the color I recieve in person is closer to the colors that Jim (bubbletip) took of Mike Leonards (acropora nut) 's tank. http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-09/totm/index.php