XM or Hamilton MH???

Home_Depot · Jan 14, 2009

So I am in need of some new bulbs and was wondering what everyones thoughts were on the 2 bulbs in question?
Right now I have XM but was told that Hamilton was a better bulb I have 2 250w and 1 400w and they are 20k

condiman · Jan 15, 2009

My option would be for you is go Ushio they hold there colors much longer then any other bulb out there.

jimmybling31 · Jan 15, 2009

I like xm's they look pretty good. I like radiums more though.

MikeB · Jan 15, 2009

Neither I say Reflux

aquarius77 · Jan 15, 2009

I have ran both and XM blows hammies out of the reflector.

Spiderwoman · Jan 15, 2009

What is your ballast? Have you checked out Sanjay's lighting site for the specs on your ballast/bulb combination? I loved using Radium 20k's in our 400W moguls, but am now running EVC 14k's from Reef Science. Those are awesome!

JR's Reef · Jan 15, 2009

It all depends on the ballast your using on whats the best bulb for that ballast

mfinn · Jan 15, 2009

I have used both XM and Hamilton and I prefer the Hamilton. I use the 250 watt 14k Hamiton with a PFO HQI ballast on my zoanthid tank and I use 3x250 watt 14k Hamilton with IceCap ballasts on my 240.

kgross · Jan 16, 2009

You really should check Sanjays info, since the ballast will effect the bulb output and color quite a bit.

Kim

aquarius77 · Jan 16, 2009

My bad, i run Advance Magnetic M57 ballasts. Hammies par on sanjays site with my ballast is horrible. Sanjays reef lighting page is an awesome resource.

Mr.Firemouth · Jan 16, 2009

Are these double ended or mogul single ended.
There is a big difference in color and performance between the two types of lamps.

Home_Depot · Jan 16, 2009

Does anyone have a link to Sanjays site?
I have got IC ballasts for the 250's and a PFO for the 400. I have not read a lot of good things about the hamiltons so it I will need some really good info on them in order to change my mind.

Theres are mogul or single end bulbs

Thanks for the info everyone!!