Fluval LED from petco

Gdk414 · Jul 24, 2016

I was talking to the fish guy at petco neer my house and he spoke very highly of the fluval marine led lights they sell. Can anyone give me some feedback on these? Any trouble growing coral or any other issues?
Thanks
Geoff from Boston

Joeganja · Jul 25, 2016

I have the original fluval marine and reef led and it grew corals very well and I actually loved it. the new 2.0 version has more of a controllability. It may not give corals their color pop like higher end LED fixtures like kessil, radions but definitely a good light.

Steve Tobias · Jul 29, 2016

I originally purchased the Fluval Aquasky 48-60. It seemed like a cool light and it was, but I borrowed a PAR meter from my LFS and at the substrate it was around 25-30PAR. The PAR 3 inches down was around 85. That is just not nearly enough for corals. I still use it as moonlight at its lowest setting and through the course of the day use it to add light variance with the cloud setting to the 2 Kessil A160 tuna blues I use now. If that is the unit you are referring to and you want corals you will need better light. You may be looking at a different light, but that was the one I purchased.

Gdk414 · Jul 31, 2016

Thanks for the replys. Im still learning so any first hand experiance is awesome! Thank you!

The other light i was looking at was the coralife t5ho. I am weary about xsive heat though..is thst reasonable?
Keep in mind i want to grow beautiful vibrant healthy sps and lps corals lol attention to parameters will not be neglected.

RobberyinCSharp1824 · Jul 31, 2016

I recently purchased the AI Prime HD Lighting System for my 20 gallon tank (possibly overkill? but oh well!). I started out with OrbitUSA LED's and they just couldn't cut it. All my SPS died. No coral growth at all, no matter how much Ca/Mg I dosed.

The AI Prime lights are a bit more pricey (lighting + stand is about $280) but I honestly encourage you to go for it. I spent almost 2 years fighting against spending a ton on LED lighting, especially being someone who has soldered LED's before - I know how cheap they are and the kind of markup they're pushing with these things. But the fixture comes with it's own app and cloud-controlled functionality of the entire lighting spectrum. I love being able to turn my lights off on any electronic device, whether I am home, at work, or on vacation. My corals have opened and grown like I've never seen them before. I was on the fence and my colleagues encouraged me to take the plunge, and I regret nothing!

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/prime-hd-led-module-white-body-aqua-illumination.html

Gdk414 · Jul 31, 2016

That would be perfect and within my budget! Im also concerned about the 30" t5s and leds fitting on top of my tank as its a pentagon but that light you showed me would fit perfect. I do not want to be cheap w this at all

Gdk414 · Jul 31, 2016

Top of tank

RobberyinCSharp1824 · Jul 31, 2016

Gdk414 said:
Top of tank

Perfect! Yes, I think the AI Prime would be great for your tank. Do you have a lid that fully covers the tank? You may have to go with a different type of stand for the LEDs, since the one AI sells is designed to clamp onto the tank. I guess if this is case, it's perfect that they sell the LEDs and stand separate haha

Gdk414 · Jul 31, 2016

That top covers 98% of the top though

hybridazn · Jul 31, 2016

Ditch the glass top, nothing robs light faster than a glass top.

Gdk414 · Jul 31, 2016

Really?...

njtiger aquariums · Jul 31, 2016

I went from Orbit Current USA light to Kessil A360WE on my 54g tank and loving it.

Gdk414 · Jul 31, 2016

hybridazn said:
Ditch the glass top, nothing robs light faster than a glass top.

Iv never heard this. Sounds wrong....

billw · Jul 31, 2016

Gdk414 said:
Iv never heard this. Sounds wrong....

Condensation, splashing from bubbles bursting, salt residue etc. will definitely cause problems unless you are wiping it down a few times a day.

Gdk414 · Jul 31, 2016

Ok thanks this is news to me ill have to investigate this further!

Steve Tobias · Aug 1, 2016

The glass top IS going to reduce you PAR. Even more significantly, once it get dirty from salt splash. I have seen a drop in PAR of 30 from bottom to top as opposed to no lid. BRS has a great video series on lighting.

Gdk414 · Aug 1, 2016

Steve Tobias said:
The glass top IS going to reduce you PAR. Even more significantly, once it get dirty from salt splash. I have seen a drop in PAR of 30 from bottom to top as opposed to no lid. BRS has a great video series on lighting.

Thank you i just watched the entire video and videos after. I really like the review on the kessil 360w. A bit pricy but i still have time to decide.
What do u guys use for a tank top if any?

Steve Tobias · Aug 2, 2016

I am using the 2 Kessil a160we Tuna Blue LEDs. My tank is 4 foot so I needed two for coverage length, but depending on the depth of your tank you might get by with one a160. the spread on the a160 is 24 by 24, but I am not sure about the depth of your tank. Mine is 22ish? I heard and believe the tuna blue are the better of the two versions of the a160s.

Gdk414 · Aug 2, 2016

I like the controllable LEDs i think as long as reef health is good with the leds im going with that. I just want a good light for a mixed reef in my 44g corner pentagon tank. Although i am considering a t5 led hybrid...still not sure and i have some time until my tank is ready

Steve Tobias · Aug 3, 2016

IMO you have to go with controllable. I am trying to mimic the natural environment and I don't get up in the morning and reach over to flip a switch that turns on the sun.... LOL!