New XM 20K Metal Halides

[chinoxl3]

Hello all Reefnicks:

Just got my brand spanking new XM 20K metal halide from Hellolights and so far so good. However they are really blue and I was wondering if they will stay that way or turn a little more white. I have attached some pictures so you can see them 30 minutes after I turned on the lights.

 

[chinoxl3]

Here is another one.

 

[chinoxl3]

While Im at it, here are a few more.

 

[chinoxl3]

Last one.

 

[Reef Geek]

Now thats alotta blue!!
Too much for my taste. Is it really that blue in person or did the camera screw up the colors?
Great looking leather.

 

[chinoxl3]

I forgot to mention I have 4 X 55 PC Actinic that I used for dusk and dawn. Thats why theres a lot of blue. Eventually I will only keep 2 X 55 PC or get rid of the PC's and go VHO.

 

[mnreefman]

i used them as well, after they burn in it will become a much crisper white color. this usualyy takes about 10-14 days... youll really enjoy the color...

 

[mnreefman]

Originally posted by Reef Geek
Now thats alotta blue!!
Too much for my taste. Is it really that blue in person or did the camera screw up the colors?
Great looking leather.

LOL THESE ARE BLUE... once they burn in they are great

 

[Mebigloser]

Isn't 20k suppose to be alot of blue, atleast that is what I have always been told...

 

[chinoxl3]

In person, its not this blue. But since there are actinics on, it makes the picture look really blue. I have to learn how to mess with the white balance.

 

[brian_e]

ye i was going to saythe 20k xm i just got does not look that blue in person

 

[ReefLady]

I forgot to mention I have 4 X 55 PC Actinic that I used for dusk and dawn. Thats why theres a lot of blue. Eventually I will only keep 2 X 55 PC or get rid of the PC's and go VHO.

Would it be possible to put the PC's on timers? Have them come on for the dawn/dusk cycle, but turn off while the MH's are on?

It'll greatly save on bulb life as well.

Great pics ~ nice tank!

 

[SunnyX]

I have the same bulbs and they will look alot better in the coming weeks.

 

[chinoxl3]

I noticed since I added the lights, more bubbles are coming out of the BTA tips. I guess he likes the lights. Also the open brain is looking even bigger than before. I dont like the blue that much, so I'll follow Reeflady advice and use the actinics only for dawn/dusk cycle. Once the lights burn in, I'll post some pics.

 

[JB NY]

It will get a little more white after about 120 hrs but for the most part it will be blue.