Switching from XM 20k to Phoenix 14k?

cMan5 · Mar 23, 2012

Hey reefers!
Up late doing some reefin research... And was curious if I should switch up my metal halide...

Currently on my biocube 29 HQI I am running a 125w XM 20k bulb... I'm not seeing much growth in my corals.. (I have a couple zoanthids, and three chalice pieces so far.)

I understand growth is normally slow for LPS, but I hear nothing but good things about the Phoenix 14k..

Would I notice much if I switched? Also, would I need to do anything specific to prevent my pieces from going into any sort of shock?

I am open to all suggestions as I am pretty new to this hobby

just trying to learn the best way for my LPS to grow and be happy!

THANK YOU!

REEFKEEPER10 · Mar 23, 2012

I don't use mh but if you do switch you might want to put plastic window screen over your tank. Maybe a few layers and remove one layer a week. The 14k is going to have a lot more par than the 20k.

cMan5 · Mar 23, 2012

REEFKEEPER10 said:
I don't use mh but if you do switch you might want to put plastic window screen over your tank. Maybe a few layers and remove one layer a week. The 14k is going to have a lot more par than the 20k.

Nice... Never thought about that...

revhtree · Mar 23, 2012

You shouldn't have a problem if you acclimate the corals a little. As far as growth is concerned, as you know, there are many contributing factors. I think you could get better growth but honestly be prepared for a different look from the XM. You may not like the color over your tank.

cMan5 · Mar 23, 2012

Thanks Rev, maybe I should just be happy with my xm?? I do love the look of it...
"What's so good about the Phoenix" is what has my buttons turnin though...

revhtree · Mar 23, 2012

Are these SE or DE bulbs y6our speaking of?

If you want a killer bulb you should try the SE Radium!

Sfgiants55 · Mar 23, 2012

I just got a 14k 150 watt Phoenix a couple days ago! I could not be more pleased from the awesome color it gives off! It's really blue for a 14k which is nice. As for growth I have heard that the par is excellent and will give you good growth!

cMan5 · Mar 24, 2012

revhtree said:
Are these SE or DE bulbs y6our speaking of?

If you want a killer bulb you should try the SE Radium!

I believe it's only the DE that fits my HQI ballast for the biocube... So I've got a 150w DE XM 20k bulb..

I've read about the radiums.. But I also read that they preform well on certain ballast's? Bah!

I just want my corals to be happy, grow, and my tank to look stellar... that's all anyone want's right?

I think I've got the look down.. Just not quite sure if I've got the happiness and growth down... My zoa's seem to love the light... Not sure about the Chalice's yet..

jonbar1 · Mar 24, 2012

I run the 150w Phoenix and 70w XM 20k. Keep in mind most 70w are much whiter to the eye than the K rating. After a couple months of burn in both are nearly identical to the naked eye in K. The first couple months both were very blue...which I prefer...and again about the same K to the eye.
If you're growing mostly SPS I'd go with the Phoenix, if LPS I'd go with XM. If you want fast growth on LPS, spot feeding 3 or more times a week is more of a factor than the bulb from my experience.

BluegrassReef · Mar 24, 2012

Phoenix 14k are awesome bulbs.....you will love them.

cMan5 · Mar 24, 2012

jonbar1 said:
If you're growing mostly SPS I'd go with the Phoenix, if LPS I'd go with XM. If you want fast growth on LPS, spot feeding 3 or more times a week is more of a factor than the bulb from my experience.

That's what I was lookin for! Thanks man!