Help with Lighting! Newbie

Amelia Lee · Dec 16, 2015

Looking for LED lights for my 5 Gallon Fluval Chi Pico Reef. I want to be able to have soft corals zoas etc. and not worry about them not having the proper lighting. For my lighting, I don't want to cheap out but don't want to spend over $120. I believe I am going to go with a light from Fluval. I have found 2 that seem very similar, one can be used for fresh and salt and one is solely salt. Both lights are similar in pricing. Here is the link to the first, the Fluval Sea Halo (solely salt)

http://www.petsolutions.com/C/Aquar...-Sea-Nano-Halo-High-Performance-LED-Lamp.aspx

Here is the link to the second light, the Fluval Nano (fresh and salt compatible)

http://www.amazon.com/Fluval-Nano-Aqua-Plant-Performance/dp/B00BNRZB0S

Which light is more efficient and plausible? I want soft corals, zoas, and who knows what else eventually. I don't want to have limited ability just because I went cheaper on a light. I want beautiful color and no issue growing the corals. I like the actinic lighting a lot!
I also don't want to overpay for something I don't need. What do y'all think?

steve&mari · Dec 16, 2015

Definitely the reef type light avoid lighting for freshwater planted tanks different spectrum. They grow your algae lol.

cameronh · Dec 16, 2015

You'd should find someone on here selling a kessil or an Ai prime for a good price, that way you will be set.

cameronh · Dec 16, 2015

I have a kessil over my 3 gallon fluval spec. It's working great for all my zoas.

Amelia Lee · Dec 16, 2015

cameronh said:
I have a kessil over my 3 gallon fluval spec. It's working great for all my zoas.

how much did you pay for it, if you don't mind me asking?

Amelia Lee · Dec 16, 2015

steve&mari said:
Definitely the reef type light avoid lighting for freshwater planted tanks different spectrum. They grow your algae lol.

The Fluval Aqua Light was apparently rated for fresh and saltwater. I can definitely go with the Sea Halo if you believe it's the better option.

cameronh · Dec 16, 2015

Amelia Lee said:
how much did you pay for it, if you don't mind me asking?

200. It's a great light though. I'm sure you can find them cheaper. You could also get the sky blue and ocean blue brand new for 160. They are not adjustable like the tuna blue but still awesome lights

Brian Kim · Dec 16, 2015

cameronh said:
I have a kessil over my 3 gallon fluval spec. It's working great for all my zoas.

overkill!

cameronh · Dec 16, 2015

Brian Kim said:
overkill!

Lol. no man, it's perfect!

steve&mari · Dec 16, 2015

Amelia Lee said:
The Fluval Aqua Light was apparently rated for fresh and saltwater. I can definitely go with the Sea Halo if you believe it's the better option.

I've seen the sea halo on a tank with softies and few lps and they were colorful and seemed happy to the eye. Definitely the better of the 2 you mentioned.

Brian Kim · Dec 16, 2015

cameronh said:
Lol. no man, it's perfect!

Dude, I just ordered a 360, getting it next week

cameronh · Dec 16, 2015

Brian Kim said:
Dude, I just ordered a 360, getting it next week

I want one of those for my biocube! Which tank are you putting it over?

Brian Kim · Dec 16, 2015

Well, she mentioned her budget was $120 and both Kessil and Halo are a little more than that. I've seen some people using PAR38 bulb for pico tanks.
Do you guys know anything about it? It should be way less than $120

Brian Kim · Dec 16, 2015

cameronh said:
I want one of those for my biocube! Which tank are you putting it over?

my new 90 gallon....I will probably need to buy another 360 since the tank is 60" wide and in that case I will have to get me an Apex controller since Kessil controller can only handle 2 units

Amelia Lee · Dec 16, 2015

cameronh said:
You'd should find someone on here selling a kessil or an Ai prime for a good price, that way you will be set.

I found one cheap (around 120) online. Do you think it's worth it? How long will they last? It is 6 months old.

cameronh · Dec 16, 2015

Brian Kim said:
Well, she mentioned her budget was $120 and both Kessil and Halo are a little more than that. I've seen some people using PAR38 bulb for pico tanks.
Do you guys know anything about it? It should be way less than $120

Good suggestion actually! She can order the led one online for I believe 25. My friend has that and it works quite well.

Brian Kim · Dec 16, 2015

Amelia Lee said:
I found one cheap (around 120) online. Do you think it's worth it? How long will they last? It is 6 months old.

That's an awesome deal, they should last a few more years. Ask them if it comes with the gooseneck

cameronh · Dec 16, 2015

Amelia Lee said:
I found one cheap (around 120) online. Do you think it's worth it? How long will they last? It is 6 months old.

My brother in law has had his for a long long time! They're still doing great. If you found it for that price I would get it. I have no regrets with getting mine.