[Delphinus]

Never tried nor knew anyone before Bob who tried these Xanium bulbs, so don't know. They are kind of new, so there's not much record of experience out there. Unfortunately I suppose there is a risk when trying a new product.

Not to knock AJ in any way, but we don't see J&L and SWC selling these bulbs, nor many places in the U.S. selling them. Is this because they are new, or is this because there is skepticism out there regarding this brand?

Whatever the case. It shouldn't be noticeably less intense by now. Even on my 14000K bulbs that I started out initially, whose lifespan I WAS disappointed with, lasted longer than this. They lasted about 8 months before starting to look a little less bright. (There was no question they were spent after 8 months; I grew copious amounts of hair algae under them after 8 months, couldn't stop it for love nor money, but mysteriously stopped and disappeared within a week of the new bulbs being put in.) But in this case. The bulb is what, 3 months old, tops? There's no way that's acceptable.

I would consider approaching AJ and asking if anyone else is noticing this. If they are then the brand is crap. If they aren't, then something is amiss with this bulb. See if he'll work with you maybe.

How hot does the bulb get in its enclosure? I wonder if you might be further ahead to somehow retrofit a small DC fan in there to keep the bulb from getting too hot.

Have you posted about your experiences on the other boards? I would particularly go to RC, because of the broad coverage there, and to aquariumpros.ca, since that's AJ's board.

Good luck!