XM 20K, do these get whiter over time?
 

Lost one of my Ushios 14k so installed a XM 20K and WOW is it ever purple (and can't say I like it). It's been in for 2 days, wondering if it will get any whiter.

Remaining 14K on right along with the T5s (Giesemann Actinic+ and Aqua-medic Reef Blue). If anything more purple than the picture.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h3...5/P6150107.jpg

I used XM 20K's before and it is my experience that they do get a bit whiter over time (like all 20K bulbs, I imagine). But it is over a period of months that they get whiter and my experience was that it was still very bluish at the end of even a year of use (which I actually liked, but it's all personal preference). If my memory serves me, I think there is an article somewhere that shows that the XM 20K bulbs have really low PAR compared to the 14 or 10K and even low par compared to other 20K bulbs, though. (maybe it's on advanced aquarist or sanjay's site).

All bulbs fade towards the red spectrum, which in the case of blue bulbs means fading whiter. That XM 20K won't ever match or come anywhere near the color of the 14K though. Also be aware that the PAR coming from the 20K will be A LOT less than the 14K, so some of your corals may not be happy with the light anymore. When you eventually add a 14K back on there you will have to acclimate the corals to the increased intensity.

Personally I think the left looks much better than the right :smile:

I have the XM 14 or 15K's over half the tank. I find they do get less blue over time.

thinking I'll be going back to 14K. I really liked the Hamilton 14k over the 14K Ushio (find yellow) but had a few blow after 6 months or less (the Hamilton's)

not sure what brand to try now

Try Phoenix 14000 k. They have a nice touch of blue.You have a great looking tank.