Need advice on a light upgrade from stock 13.5?

[Gunzen]

I am planning on making a speedster cabinet refugium for my 13.5. So I was looking into a light I could hang above the sump. I came across by chance a Orbit Marine That was being closed out (open box) for 79 bucks and free shipping, no tax. That is actually quite an upgrade from my stock lighting, so I figured I would upgrade and use the stick lighting for the sump.

To be honest my stock light was probably enough because I just like mushrooms, Xenia a frogspawn at the most. Type stuff.

Here is the rub, after I ordered it, I realized it was the 24-36 inch light, not the 16-24.

My tank is actually 22 inchesand this light is 23 inches. So it would be sticking. Over the sides just a hair. I don’t mind getting the overhead arm to mount, but do you think it will be too much light for that tank.

I really like the functions and Having more control. I don’t see myself spending the 200 for the prime, and this is a cheap price that carroes the full warranty. It is get it, and it looks old, used etc then I will return. But if it is just an open box. I am fine with it.

Seems like 79 bucks is so dang cheap. Would you put that size in the evo 13.5? Anybody else have one?

Thanks

 

[NanoCrazed]

The stock Fluval light isn't bad but certainly doesn't make things pop. I went the extreme route and installed am Aqamai LRM on my Fluval 13.5 ...and used the stock Fluval EVO light on my Fluval Edge 6G converted to a new tank.

The Orbit Marine is a decent light and def a step up. Only concern with the length is to make sure you cover up the sump area...you may get some unwanted algae growth since th display area is roughly 19" so the light might shine into the sump.

If you go open top to accommdate the light, keep an eye on your evaporation and manually top off or consider an ATO.

 

[Gunzen]

The stock Fluval light isn't bad but certainly doesn't make things pop. I went the extreme route and installed am Aqamai LRM on my Fluval 13.5 ...and used the stock Fluval EVO light on my Fluval Edge 6G converted to a new tank.

The Orbit Marine is a decent light and def a step up. Only concern with the length is to make sure you cover up the sump area...you may get some unwanted algae growth since th display area is roughly 19" so the light might shine into the sump.

If you go open top to accommdate the light, keep an eye on your evaporation and manually top off or consider an ATO.

I am actually planning on putting a refugium in the middle chamber, so that might be okay. I have a hang on Marineland ref in he back for night ph balance. Thanks for the help. I am going to fit a some sort of plastic or glass cover around the light. I don’t like the idea of the open top.

This one had even more light the second one down is the one I am getting and the top one would be the normal one for my size tank. Just hope it isn’t too much lighting.