Best light for Mid light plants?

This is the light I use

https://www.amazon.com/Finnex-Planted-Aquarium-Automated-Spectrum/dp/B07LFVX75N/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?keywords=finnex+planted+plus+24+7&qid=1583946530&sprefix=finnex&sr=8-5&th=1&psc=1

When setting your own custom light settings can you just set a High, medium and low? Or do you have the play with each spectrum?

That is the part I struggle with if I want to screw around will all that or not.

 

This is the light I use

https://www.amazon.com/Finnex-Plant...d=1583946530&sprefix=finnex&sr=8-5&th=1&psc=1

Thanks. A little pricy but idk.

I'm a hypocrite! I think that I'm going to try this light. It's the price that sold me.

 

16”

Ok. I was just wondering so I can compare to other lights' brightness

 

What light?
Results and/or pictures?
(optional) Huw much did it cost you?
Do you have cO2?
Low, mid or high light?

Everyone recommends a different light for a planted tank and I'm curious as to what light you use. I don't have a good light right now but am going to get the Finnex Stingray 2.

Fluval aquasky Cost me 90 bucks.

I am running a fluval COB on my 10 gallon that cost me 48 bucks

No CO2

all low light plants. I can’t show pics right now because my tanks look horrible. I’m in the middle of finishing them.

 

41 DA 120 White Blue 48" LED Aquarium Fish Tank Light Beamswork . Amazing growth after changing to this light!

 

41 DA 120 White Blue 48" LED Aquarium Fish Tank Light Beamswork . Amazing growth after changing to this light!View attachment 674022

Love it! link?

 

Beamswork DA FSPEC LED Aquarium Light Pent Freshwater 0.50W Beamswork Da FSPEC LED Aquarium Light Pent Freshwater 0.50W 80cm - 30" - Google Search

Amazon sells it. Also check Ebay for used.

 

TWiG87 can I see how the planted + works for you? pic?

Final, what light do you use on your planted tanks?

 

It’s not very expensive and my plants are growing very well. Not really using any other products to make them grow just the light and black sand. I have to trim once a month.

 

I use a nicrew light, 50 bucks, 7000 kelvins.

 

Is this it?
Or is it this? Amazon.com : Beamswork DA 0.50W Series LED Pent Aquarium Light Marine FOWLR Cichlid (80cm - 30") : Pet Supplies

It's the first one. For freshwater

 

I use a nicrew light, 50 bucks, 7000 kelvins.

work well? What plants are you growing? Link? What level of light?

 

What light?
Results and/or pictures?
(optional) Huw much did it cost you?
Do you have cO2?
Low, mid or high light?

Nicrew light. I got it for 50 bucks, looks like the price has dropped

Results- very high light, I had algae problems for a decent amount of time.

 

It's the first one. For freshwater

Thanks. May do that light for myself.

Nicrew light. I got it for 50 bucks, looks like the price has dropped
https://www.amazon.com/NICREW-ClassicLED-Aquarium-Spectrum-Freshwater/dp/B07F6XD2FH/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=nicrew+light&qid=1583973043&s=pet-supplies&sr=1-4&th=1
Results- very high light, I had algae problems for a decent amount of time.

I may do that one! pics?

Answered on your thread

saw that. Thanks

I'm freaking out tring to decide on a light. There are WAYYYYYYYYYYYYYY too many options out there!

 

So Just my 2 cents on all this.

If you watch YouTube video or read online reviews I think you will find good and bad reviews for the cheaper models. It seems that many people do have great success growing plants. I see some complaints that you can tell they are made with cheaper materials, plastic vs aluminum not water resistant etc. But for the price points a Nicrew or Beamswork falls in they aren't bad lights all things considered

The Finnex are generally well received as well and have a little more sturdy construction. People love the Planted Plus 24/7 lights but you have to ask yourself if that feature matters or if you want to tune your own light in. Some reviewers say its cool but they tend to not use it.

From what I have seen from my own research the original Stingray is a Low Tech plant only light once you get to you 18in and above tank heights. The Stingray v2 seems that it hits the High PAR range for Low Tech and Low PAR range for Medium Tech plants. So it is a pretty capable light for the price.

And if you really want the light that does it it all and has everyone raving, you pick up yourself a Fluval light.

But at the end of the day I think any upgraded light intended for a planted tank will exceed a stock kit light.

 

Thanks Cody . Like your new avatar. Sorta like a thread for everyone but also to find out a good light for me.

 

The reason I went with Beamswork is it has 5200 lumens vs same size Nicrew has 1700 lumens . Big difference in light output

 

FinalFins is our winner! Thanks so much buddy! I am going to go with that light. For 17 dollars (I have a gift card that I got for Christmas that I never spent)it is a really good deal! Thanks!

Sorry Amya, It just seems like a better light. Your tank is gorgeous and I'm sure that that light works well for you. Hope you have no hard feelings.

 

Haha, I don't work for either company, so it's fine with me!

 

Thanks Cody . Like your new avatar. I'm on this thread now. Sorta like a thread for everyone but also to find out a good light for me. https://www.fishlore.com/aquariumfishforum/threads/best-light-for-mid-light-plants.446814/page-2

Thanks I picked up for juvenile Gold Marbles for my 60 Gallon. We will see in few months how many I get to keep!

 

If it makes you feel better, most of those will probably do. There isn't such a thing as a 'perfect light', many different options are fine. Especially if you don't have CO2 combined with a high fert schedule those insanely high tech lights will just give you algae anyway.

ok, thanks. I decided.

 

ok, thanks. I decided.

What did you choose?

 

https://www.amazon.com/NICREW-ClassicLED-Aquarium-Spectrum-Freshwater/dp/B07F6XD2FH/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=nicrew+light&qid=1583973043&s=pet-supplies&sr=1-4&th=1&tag=fishlore-20

Ha. I have a second-hand, Chinese knock-off of one of those. It lights up my plant nursery. Solid light.

 

@FinalFins is our winner! Thanks so much buddy! I am going to go with that light. For 17 dollars (I have a gift card that I got for Christmas that I never spent)it is a really good deal! Thanks!

No problem, curious, how long is your tank?

 

Ha. I have a second-hand, Chinese knock-off of one of those. It lights up my plant nursery. Solid light.

Well this will only cost me $17 because I have a gift card. haha (evil laugh!) lol

No problem, curious, how long is your tank?

Slightly longer than 30". It is a 36 bow so ~21" ~18 to bottom of substrate.

 

Well this will only cost me $17 because I have a gift card. haha (evil laugh!) lol

well played sir, well played.

 

Ah so you will get the same one as mine.. I don't think you should get as bad algae as me, my tank is 12 shallow.

 

Ah so you will get the same one as mine.. I don't think you should get as bad algae as me, my tank is 12 shallow.

Good, thanks! I'm also getting an algae eater soon (Sat. or Tues.). The one from the poll.

 

I meant staghorn and cyano algaes [twigs and otos won't eat any of those].I got a severe outbreak of those after adding new lights to my tank.

When you get the tank turn the lights to 4 hrs a day then slowly increase.

 

I meant staghorn and cyano algaes.I got a severe outbreak of those after adding new lights to my tank.

When you get the tank turn the lights to 4 hrs a day then slowly increase.

OOh. That's bad. Good to know! Thanks! You've been most helpful!

Kinda empty and blah to me. The light I have right now is garbage. I'm getting a new one in a few weeks. I'm doing a 'root' theme. I'm also doing a south american/amazon biotope. I was thinking about replacing the wood on the left with a more root looking wood. I was thinking of doing a bunch of stargrass on the left by the sword, (ferquently trimmed) stargrass or Helanthium tenellum carpet in the front right, lots of water sprite on the right and a jungle val wall in the back. Sound good? I have a picture here.

 

I like the wood in the left! But it looks very at home to me, surrounded by happy green plants.
So much space potential there!

 

I also like the wood you've got already honestly. Not especially root-like, but it fits in well. If you do swap it, try spider wood or manzinita and get a piece/pieces that hit the top of your tank, or even stick out some if you can. This is what I did in my 70 gallon, if you want some inspiration.
Note: this is the tank with just the hardscape and my carpeting plants right when I started my dry start method. Also, all the wood is manzinita

You could also try moving the pot more towards the front right, and the right piece of wood more to the back center. Don't leave anything perfectly centered. Asymmetry is generally more natural and pleasing to the eye.

As for plants, you ideas sound solid, but I would also try adding some moss to the wood and pot and/or letting algae grow on them to give them a more aged, natural appearance. You might want to add floating plants to complete the look. One of my favorites is salvinia minima.

Since it's a biotope, I would add botanicals- leafs, cones, twigs, ect. If you don't want tannins (blackwater) boil your botanicals for 20-30 minutes before you add them and use carbon in your filter. I personally think tannins make a biotope more natural and realistic, but they're not for everyone.

Good luck with the scape, and update when you change it, if you can. I'm curios now, and I doubt I'll be the only one ;P

 

I like the wood in the left! But it looks very at home to me, surrounded by happy green plants.
So much space potential there!

Thanks!

I also like the wood you've got already honestly. Not especially root-like, but it fits in well. If you do swap it, try spider wood or manzinita and get a piece/pieces that hit the top of your tank, or even stick out some if you can. This is what I did in my 70 gallon, if you want some inspiration. Note: this is the tank with just the hardscape and my carpeting plants right when I started my dry start method. Also, all the wood is manzinita

You could also try moving the pot more towards the front right, and the right piece of wood more to the back center. Don't leave anything perfectly centered. Asymmetry is generally more natural and pleasing to the eye.

As for plants, you ideas sound solid, but I would also try adding some moss to the wood and pot and/or letting algae grow on them to give them a more aged, natural appearance. You might want to add floating plants to complete the look. One of my favorites is salvinia minima.

Since it's a biotope, I would add botanicals- leafs, cones, twigs, ect. If you don't want tannins (blackwater) boil your botanicals for 20-30 minutes before you add them and use carbon in your filter. I personally think tannins make a biotope more natural and realistic, but they're not for everyone.

Good luck with the scape, and update when you change it, if you can. I'm curios now, and I doubt I'll be the only one ;P

Love your tank! There is also tiger wood. Can I get a current pic?

That's another resion that I want to change the wood - I can't move anyting! Is is all very tight. Also, new wood might/could be cheaper. I agree!

There is plenty of algae on the pot. I can't serm to find any sa mosses so......

I am going to get some botanicals. I don't mind tannins.

Thanks

MissNoodle angelcraze

 

I'll just say I also like the wood you have, I like the branches at the bottom, I have something like that going on too in my SA tank. But branches dipping into the tank has a great SA feel.

I also like your plans for plants, as you know stargrass is my absolute favorite. For some reason, I can't grow moss, probably my temp is too high, so I go with algae on the drirtwood. Moss doesn't look too SA anyway.

For vals, maybe Italian Val would suit the tank better. I have the American val, but it's very large! The leaves grow to 6 feet!!! Italian val leaves are not as thick as jungle.

I keep tall tanks as well, and it's always a bit of a challenge to fill the tank up vertically. I used to have drirtwood reaching the top, but now it has eroded and broken off. But the val helps fill in the top portion as well as emersed plant roots and floating plants, so there's always a way to fill it.

So happy you are getting a new light, this is very exciting!

 

I'll just say I also like the wood you have, I like the branches at the bottom, I have something like that going on too in my SA tank. But branches dipping into the tank has a great SA feel.

I also like your plans for plants, as you know stargrass is my absolute favorite. For some reason, I can't grow moss, probably my temp is too high, so I go with algae on the drirtwood. Moss doesn't look too SA anyway.

For vals, maybe Italian Val would suit the tank better. I have the American val, but it's very large! The leaves grow to 6 feet!!! Italian val leaves are not as thick as jungle.

I keep tall tanks as well, and it's always a bit of a challenge to fill the tank up vertically. I used to have drirtwood reaching the top, but now it has eroded and broken off. But the val helps fill in the top portion as well as emersed plant roots and floating plants, so there's always a way to fill it.

So happy you are getting a new light, this is very exciting!

Yes, I'm going to get a new hood too so I may be able to do branches dripping down from that.

Thanks. I agree.

I already have 6 suffering jungle vals. I hope that the new light will help them.

It is a challenge!

yes, a super needed upgrade from the topfin 10watt light with 16 LEDs. <sigh> This is the one that I'm going to get.

FantasyFanVII how did you go the roots dangling down? I like the look!

 

Just had to say, I like that light. I haven't tried Nicrew at all, and idk the wattage of the diodes, but it has more diodes than the Beamswork EA series, so hopefully it will great for ya

The Beamswork EA uses 0.5 watt diodes, for a 3ft tank, it only uses 48 diodes. Even my RBG pink Beamswork fixture that uses 0.2 watt diodes (but 162 of them) has more growing power in a 26" deep tank. So I think you'll be good whether it's 0.2 watts or 0.5 watts.

I saw its 72 PAR at 12". Don't know what that is at the substrate in your tank, but that is helpful and pretty good.

 

Just had to say, I like that light. I haven't tried Nicrew at all, and idk the wattage of the diodes, but it has more diodes than the Beamswork EA series, so hopefully it will great for ya

The Beamswork EA uses 0.5 watt diodes, for a 3ft tank, it only uses 48 diodes. Even my RBG pink Beamswork fixture that uses 0.2 watt diodes (but 162 of them) has more growing power in a 26" deep tank. So I think you'll be good whether it's 0.2 watts or 0.5 watts.

I'm crossing my fingers!

I thought that you said that you couldn't grow moss. I see it in the EBR video that you showed me.

 

I'm crossing my fingers!

I thought that you said that you couldn't grow moss. I see it in the EBR video that you showed me.

Oh you're right! I forgot about java moss. That's the only kind I can grow. But not indigenous to SA, so I guess I don't try very hard. I'm just forgetful, not a liar haha!

 

Oh you're right! I forgot about java moss. That's the only kind I can grow. But not indigenous to SA, so I guess I don't try very hard. I'm just forgetful, not a liar haha!

Haha. I know!

Well the light that @FinalFinsm (thanks) recommended (link above) has ~ 0.2 watts per bulb.

 

In regards to the light, if you're doing an SA biotope (depending on what part of the Amazon we're talking about here), wouldn't you be looking for less bright light and staining the water to mimic a dark water set up?

Maybe a light like the one I linked that you can adjust the brightness on so you can run it as a grow light, but turn down for when you want to show off the biotope aspect?

 

Haha. I know!

Well the light that @FinalFinsm (thanks) recommended (link above) has ~ 0.2 watts per bulb.

Then I'll compare it to my 'asian pink' fixture and I love it! I had just that fixture and supplemental 1W fixture aimed at the foreground for the longest time on my 120 gallon 26" deep tank. By supplemental, it has 18 x 1W diodes with 90° lenses to focus the light downward. They are not available anymore.

 

In regards to the light, if you're doing an SA biotope (depending on what part of the Amazon we're talking about here), wouldn't you be looking for less bright light and staining the water to mimic a dark water set up?

Maybe a light like the one I linked that you can adjust the brightness on so you can run it as a grow light, but turn down for when you want to show off the biotope aspect?

Thank you but I'm going to decline. I would rater have a heavily, healthy, fast growing planted tank than a backwater tank with suffering plants. If the light that I get fails/isn't good I may do with the one you suggested. I hope that I didn't offend you. I can always get some floating plants to make a little shade. Maybe amazon frogbit?

Then I'll compare it to my 'asian pink' fixture and I love it! I had just that fixture and supplemental 1W fixture aimed at the foreground for the longest time on my 120 gallon 26" deep tank.

Ok, will do. I will definitely update you!

 

Thank you but I'm going to decline. I would rater have a heavily, healthy, fast growing planted tank than a backwater tank with suffering plants. If the light that I get fails/isn't good I may do with the one you suggested. I hope that I didn't offend you. I can always get some floating plants to make a little shade. Maybe amazon frogbit?

Ok, will do. I will definitely update you!

I'll just say what I have found with 'subdued lighting'. I go with a 5000k spectrum (pink bc I like it best) and it looks dimmer to our eyes. I supplement with 10000k because the crisp spectrum blends nicer with the pink and reaches farther through the water depth to grow foreground plants. I let tannins build up in my tank (add leaves) and I need more light to permeate the stained water depth to grow the lowest plants. The water will look darker just with the tannins.

So normally on a blackwater setup, plants are minimal with emersed and floating plants, but I like to do something in between blackwater and whitewater and have my low tech carpets.

Btw, you don't need to do Blackwater to have a SA biotope. The orinoco valley where rams are from is whitewater.

 

I like the clunky wood you got too, but branches would offer more places to swim in between and open it up a bit more too

 

I like the clunky wood you got too, but branches would offer more places to swim in between and open it up a bit more too

Thus why I want to replace it. How much do you think I could get for the chunky wood?

Ok, I'm down to these. I just need to grow amazon swords, Helanthium tenellum and water sprite, jungle vals, dwarf chain sword and some other mid light plants.

1. FinalFins recommendation.

2. High rated light on all plant light lists. Amazon.com : Beamswork DA 6500K 0.50W Series LED Pent Aquarium Light Freshwater Plant Discus (80cm - 30") : Pet Supplies

3. Another high rate light on lists but usually ranks slightly lower.

4. Recommend to me by one of you (sorry). Adjustable lighting (I like that feature)

5. Another light recommended to me by one of you. Only white and blue LEDs though.

6. I really don't have anything to say about this.

7. Expensive so I'll have to hold off getting anything new for my tank for awhile. I do like the 24/ feature though.

8. Dennis57 recommended it.

 

Another lighting thread!? Lol. It’s really up to you and what you can afford.
I think the saying holds true with lighting... you get what you pay for

 

Yes, I'm sorry. I can afford all of those. The planted + I can do but is a little above my price range.

 

I’m not sure if the facts behind it, but I have read in numerous articles that having red/blue/green LEDs along with white is beneficial for growth.

 

Did you look at the Vivagrow 24/7 LED light? They work great

 

This really depends on your personal preference
White light is a mix of all colours and is like a mild grow light by itself, but manufacturers don't seem to specify the prescice primary spectrum.
Green light is for you, it doesn't penetrate water and is not beneficial for aquatic plants. But it makes your tank very bright and pretty.
Red light promotes stem elongation and colour.
Blue light is most beneficial for plants, it promotes leaf growth. But too much of it also promotes lots of algae growth.
Have a look at the bulbs on the lights, you'll want one with white as primary, blue as secondary and red as tertiary. A couple of green bulbs are ok if you want your tank to look bright, but that's not necessary for your plants . I hope this helps