as an example of what I mean, this is the 250w 10k hamilton. Note the monti cap looks blue and the open brain on the sand bed is completely washed out.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...05175g0010.jpg

and this is how they looked under 175w 10k xm's. Purple monti cap on the upper left and the brain on the sand on the right

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...7Image0012.jpg

You are right, that is ugly.:sad:

what was wrong with the xm 10k's? i have run them and was quite impressed. i have also heard good things about the coralvue 10k's. i think jessie runs them on his sps tank.

There was nothing wrong with the xms on the 175w system but now I have a 250w hqi system and I just want to be sure of the new bulbs before I spend a bunch of money. Is the 250w de, 10k, xm comparable in colour to the 175w se, 10k bulb?

I don't think any bulb can hold a torch to the AB 10K 250 watt. the actualy color is ~13400K

Sun aquatic 10K have a nive high PAR rating but they are hard to find and the company isn't the most reliable, but for a cheep bulb they were good.

Steve

you're in luck, steve.

http://www.prairiereefsupplies.ca/index.php?id=36