Choosing a Light

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Those lights are pretty cool Phreeflow. I’ve probably started wading into this a little deeper than I really need to. Appreciate everyone’s help. Think I have plenty to get started. Definitely have a better idea of what all is out there. You guys are the best
Kessil has different models of the Tuna Sun model so you can size it to your tank. You don’t need the strongest/most expensive one
 
I have 6 Finnex Planted+ (36" and 48") and have been very happy with them. They are all over planted tanks and again, performance has been great as judged by plant growth and development. The first one I bought is now 4 years old and I cannot tell any change in intensity or anything. The model I use are fairly basic (no remote control or fancy settings), because I chose them so. Finnex also has models with all the remotes and other attractions.
 
I’m thinking more than one of those smaller Tuna Sun lights would be better than one big one due to the narrow light cone. That sound right?

I overlooked the Finnex lights. I’ll have to check them out

Those Hyggers do look like good value for the money, thanks

I have tomorrow off. I’ll try looking at them all a little deeper and compare specs/features/price and go from there. Great advice from everyone
 
I've got Nicrew lights on both of my tanks, super affordable and they've done a great job with low to medium light plants.
 
Alright, think I’m settled on the Fluval plant 3.0. I think with this light, one should be sufficient to grow pretty much anything that I would be interested in. Two Hyggers would cost less, but I really prefer to only have one light if I can get away with it. My light will be about 24 inches from my substrate. The Fluval has a par rating of 150 at 19 inches. I know I can expect the par rating to be lower at 24, but the majority of plants will be at least a few inches tall, so I’m thinking it should be plenty. Please correct me if I’m making a mistake
 
Alright, think I’m settled on the Fluval plant 3.0. I think with this light, one should be sufficient to grow pretty much anything that I would be interested in. Two Hyggers would cost less, but I really prefer to only have one light if I can get away with it. My light will be about 24 inches from my substrate. The Fluval has a par rating of 150 at 19 inches. I know I can expect the par rating to be lower at 24, but the majority of plants will be at least a few inches tall, so I’m thinking it should be plenty. Please correct me if I’m making a mistake


Here's a PAR chart for various Fluval 2.0 models that should at least give you an idea of how much PAR values drop off every 6" from the source. If Fluval is claiming a PAR rating of 150 umols at 19 inches for the newer Fluval 3.0 then that's quiet an improvement from their previous models.

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If you're just growing low light java fern, anubias, crypts, and so on then you should be able to get away with just 25 to 50 umols at the substrate.

Good luck!
 
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