Light recommendations for a 125?

[Rob909]

It’s a 72L x 18w x 22 h,
I currently have a 72” Beamswork DA FSPEC (full spectrum with the red, blue, green, and white) this is the one with the 5 rows of LEDs instead of the EA with 3.
at the time, I thought the extra LEDs would be enough to help grow low light plants like Anubias and java fern. Didn’t happen. I also tried some vals that got uprooted in my pool filter sand, and a couple bulbs of tiger lotus. One or two of them threw two or three leaves, then stopped growing after that. The plants in the photos suffered a slow, light lacking death and are pretty much just bare stems now.

Does anyone have a tank of similar dimensions that they’ve planted? What kind of lights have you found success with? I won’t be spending a ridiculous amount on lights, so let me know the approximate price point too please.

I’d ultimately like to stick to anubias, java fern, and keep a few of my tiger lotus bulbs.

 

[TheWolfman]

I had good success with the fluval plant 3.0 on a 30” tall tank. When it comes to planted tanks, and led’s you need a light with enough par. T5s do really well too and are cheaper.

 

[FJB]

I just set up a new 125g, and although the plants are just beginning to take off, I am pleased thus far.
Lights are 2 36" Finnex Planted +, and I think they were ~$ 130 total for both.
Filtration is FX6 + AC110 + Penguin 350.
Plants are Anubias, java fern, 2 different Cryptocoryne, a amazon sword and a tall one that I don't know its name. If anybody can tell, please let me now. All plants have put out new leaves in the last 2 weeks.
Good luck with your tank!

 

[Rob909]

I had good success with the fluval plant 3.0 on a 30” tall tank. When it comes to planted tanks, and led’s you need a light with enough par. T5s do really well too and are cheaper.

The beamswork I have didn’t do well on a PAR test on one of aquarium co-ops videos so I figure I definitely need to upgrade. I prefer LED to T5 lighting, don’t have to replace them as often. Thanks for the suggestion, I’ll take a look at the Fluval Plant 3.0!

 

[Rob909]

I just set up a new 125g, and although the plants are just beginning to take off, I am pleased thus far.
Lights are 2 36" Finnex Planted +, and I think they were ~$ 130 total for both.
Filtration is FX6 + AC110 + Penguin 350.
Plants are Anubias, java fern, 2 different Cryptocoryne, a amazon sword and a tall one that I don't know its name. If anybody can tell, please let me now. All plants have put out new leaves in the last 2 weeks.
Good luck with your tank!

View attachment 1397708

Now THIS is what I need my tank to look like! Your prochilodus is huge too!
That’s not a bad price for two lights, I was actually considering getting 2 36” this time around. I’ll check out the Finnex Planted + as well, thank you!

 

[Rob909]

Has anyone had any experience with the Finnex Stingray 2? Seems like it’s got a lot more PAR than the original Stingray.

 

[mrrobxc]

Aqua Illumination AI Prime HD lights all the way. Depending on type of plants, you can do from two units to three. If you want high light, get three. Bluetooth enabled as well.

I love mine. I have them on two setups. Here they both are to give you an idea. The tall tank is 48” long, the other is 60” long. Both have lights high off the water surface and are also ripariums. If they weren’t, the tank would be much brighter.

 

[Rob909]

Aqua Illumination AI Prime HD lights all the way. Depending on type of plants, you can do from two units to three. If you want high light, get three. Bluetooth enabled as well.

I love mine. I have them on two setups. Here they both are to give you an idea. The tall tank is 48” long, the other is 60” long. Both have lights high off the water surface and are also ripariums. If they weren’t, the tank would be much brighter.

View attachment 1398997

View attachment 1398998

What would the light look like if I mounted them flat against the glass lids? I’m worried it would just be a beam into one place and won’t spread light out enough.

 

[mrrobxc]

What would the light look like if I mounted them flat against the glass lids? I’m worried it would just be a beam into one place and won’t spread light out enough.

You would want to suspend them up at least a few inches.