Which Light Do You Like Best?

I'm trying to upgrade to an LED but I've come to a screeching halt I found 4 that are the sameish and I don't know which one to pick. Can you guys help me out?

This is the info I have on all so far. I'm leaning toward the VivaGrow just because it has cool features

Optibright -$57.92 + shipping - Good reviews (only a few)

• 48X white LEDs; 6X blue LEDs; 6X red LEDs
• Par=15 @ at 12". Lumens=850
• Remote, customizable, sunrise/sunset

Aqueon OptiBright Plus LED Fixture 30-36''

VivaGrow -$50 free shipping 4/5 stars (19)

• PAR: (on 48") 19 @18", 32@ 12"
• Lumen: 2600
• LED Config: 48x 7000K, 24x RGB
• 6500K
• remote, weather settings, sunrise/set

BeamWorks DA FSPEC -$49.95 + shipping 4.8/5 (7)

• PAR: CANT FIND
• Lumen: 4000
• LEDs: 80x 0.50W
• Config: 51x 10000K, 16x Actinic 460nm, 7x Red 620nm, 6x Green 520nm

StingRAY - $57.19 + shipping 4.3/5 (500 reviews)

• PAR: 21-23@18" 22-25@16" 27-35@12"
• (32) 7000k + (8) Actinic Blue LEDs + (8) 660nm Red LEDs
• True 660nm RED High CRI Scoring LED Bulbs
• 16 Output Watts
• 7000k

P.S. I have low light plants, no co2 and am trying to spend <$60

 

What size tank do you have (or just the depth of the tank)? The Optibright does not look like a good option with the super low PAR.

I personally like Stingrays, though many members really like the Beamswork and have had good results with it. I've just never tried that one, only the Stingray.

 

Oops I meant to put that in the post. It's 18" tall (29 gallons). I keep hearing good things about the beamswork and it's a little cheaper than the stingray but I would rather spend the extra $7 and have my plants grow lol

The VivaGrow seems like a Finnex Planted+

 

I think either the Stingray or the Beamswork would be fine. The Vivagrow seems closer to the 24/7 than the Planted Plus to me. The Planted Plus a higher PAR and doesn't have the sunset/sunrise/etc. modes.

 

Also made by Beamswork, I have a Green Element EVO that has been great growing plants. They are available on Amazon in a variety of sizes. Just look for the plant ones not the reef version. I have one for my 16 gallon bow front and it is fantastic.

 

I think either the Stingray or the Beamswork would be fine. The Vivagrow seems closer to the 24/7 than the Planted Plus to me. The Planted Plus a higher PAR and doesn't have the sunset/sunrise/etc. modes.

Ooh okay lol I think that's what I meant to put. I knew there was one Finnex that was pretty much the same.
Would that one not be a good fit? All of the features (and the fact it has a remote!) seems pretty awesome

Also made by Beamswork, I have a Green Element EVO that has been great growing plants. They are available on Amazon in a variety of sizes. Just look for the plant ones not the reef version. I have one for my 16 gallon bow front and it is fantastic.

I haven't heard of that one yet! Do you happen to know the PAR for that one?

 

It's higher than the Stingray, it puts you closer to low-medium light than just low. There are PAR ratings online. It's a lot more expensive though.

 

It's higher than the Stingray, it puts you closer to low-medium light than just low. There are PAR ratings online. It's a lot more expensive though.

The vivagrow is more low-medium?

 

It'd be low. As you can see, it has a lower PAR than the Stingray. which provides low light.

 

It'd be low. As you can see, it has a lower PAR than the Stingray. which provides low light.

Oh I'm sorry. I got confused lol I guess you were referring to a planted+ or 24/7 when you said it has higher PAR and pricing.

 

The Planted Plus and 24/7 both have higher PAR and are more expensive than the ones you have listed

 

Okay gotcha. I was lost for a moment, oops. Yes, they are great lights and I would love one but are definitely outside my price range right now.
I think I'm going to go ahead and order the VivaGrow since it has a timer etc. I know the StingRay is a little stronger but my plants are all very low light. (java fern, anubias, dwarf sag and eventually amazon sword)

 

The Stingray isn't strong, just a bit higher light than the VivaGrow. Still definitely low light though!

Hope you enjoy all the special features!

 

Is 29 gallons right for a stingray?

 

I hope so too! Thank you for all of your help!!

Is 29 gallons right for a stingray?

It really depends on what kind of plants you have. It seems like it would be perfect for low light plants or fish only tanks

 

Reading through the entire thread. Depth of tank affects par at substrate. But length matters too because as the length of the strip grows so does the number of leds.
But depth rules. A stingray on a 10 will have more par at substrate than a stingray on a 29

Just wanted make sure that was understood.

There great par videos on YouTube.

 

Stingray

 

I went ahead and ordered the 30" vivagrow for my 29 gallon super excited! (The vivagrow has a total 72 leds) I plan to get a stingray for my future 10 gallon walstad tank though.
So theoretically multiple shorter light fixtures could be better than one long fixture?

 

Hard to say for sure. But if the fixture is too short you won't have good coverage. Beam angles get pretty advanced and tricky. Its best to get the light that fits your tank.

 

Hard to say for sure. But if the fixture is too short you won't have good coverage. Beam angles get pretty advanced and tricky. Its best to get the light that fits your tank.

Okay cool, that's what I did. It's 30" long so that's the light I bought