Light Replacement for Fluval Spec V

**xenxes** · 07-10-2012, 05:14 PM

Yes I'm getting one... yes this is nano "tank" #8... need some help brainstorming some alternative lighting options for the Spec V

My old Spec light was awful and lasted a whole month before burning out, the one with the new kit doesn't look any better/brighter.

The dimensions of the Spec V are 17.2" x 6.3" x 10.6"

1. Fluval CFL 13W - length of the bulb is about 6.5" so this falls short, hanging 2 on opposing sides would be ugly

2. Finnex 26W - lighting is probably way too high, the bulb seems even shorter

3. Marineland Doublebright LEDs - for 18"-24", I'm worried this will hang off the tank a little bit and doesn't quite match, it would also obstruct the cover, a clip light would be best.

4. Archaea LED 30cm - 11.8", I'm leaning towards this now, seems sleek and the right shape, but a little short.

5. Archaea LED 45cm - this is perfect at 17", but it would have to clip on into the glass middle of the tank, throwing it off a bit, and you can't use the cover.

Debating between #4 and #5, leaning towards 4 but it leaves about 5" of deadspace.

blacksecret · 07-10-2012, 05:30 PM

Hello
can you tell me maybe send photos of Fluval spec v?
would you send my emails.
I come from Germany and looking for someone who would be so nice to me send a few photos. Aquarium of the lamp it all
why?
I come from Germany and we are waiting for the Fluval spec v.
It is not for sale in our shops.
until next month.
would appreciate a response.
regards

**xenxes** · 07-10-2012, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blacksecret

Hello
can you tell me maybe send photos of Fluval spec v?
would you send my emails.
I come from Germany and looking for someone who would be so nice to me send a few photos. Aquarium of the lamp it all
why?
I come from Germany and we are waiting for the Fluval spec v.
It is not for sale in our shops.
until next month.
would appreciate a response.
regards

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=fluval+spec+V

blacksecret · 07-10-2012, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xenxes

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=fluval+spec+V

Thank you for your response.
I've already found everything from the internet.
can you send me two pictures of the lamp?
from below and above?
thank you

**xenxes** · 07-10-2012, 06:55 PM

Some vids on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DhrFS9rVNM

GreyFeather · 07-10-2012, 07:47 PM

I'm actually going to purchase this tank on Saturday! Please let me know which light you go with - I am thinking about replacing the stock light for a better one. There does not seem to be much videos about it on youtube currently. What is your opinion on the overflow filter? I a hoping to keep this aquarium in the bedroom and I am hoping it is not too loud.

**xenxes** · 07-10-2012, 07:58 PM

I think the filter looks exactly like my old Spec, if it's the same rated pump flow should not be a problem (might be a little too strong up top) but I'm using it as a shrimp tank anyway.

I remove the carbon and just use biomedia, but that's just me I never dose chemicals. Keep it natural

Was hoping someone had bought a replacement light already, guess we're the first looking.

somewhatshocked · 07-10-2012, 08:26 PM

There are a couple different 45cm fixtures. I just found a few different designs on the dreaded eBay. Some of them may work for you so check them out.

**xenxes** · 07-10-2012, 08:31 PM

I was looking at Finnex's new Ray II, they have a 16" model.

http://www.finnex.net/index.php?opti...hk=1&Itemid=61

I kind of dread getting the eBay lights, feels like I'm buying one exactly like the stock, also most of them have actinic bulbs, maybe I'm looking at the wrong ones.

Thunder · 12-31-2012, 09:34 AM

Nice options. What was decided? Pix?

**MABJ** · 12-31-2012, 02:49 PM

I don't think Xenxes is active anymore v

cnoel · 02-24-2013, 01:42 PM

Have you made your decision? I also recently purchased the spec v and am trying to get as much first hand info as possible.

edit: i broke down and got the ray2. I have no idea why because i dont know what im doing. I like the way it looks tho.

Chris333 · 02-24-2013, 03:18 PM

Is there any info about the stock light? I have no idea how LEDs rate for a planted tank. My Spec V will be here tomorrow.

Aderes85 · 02-24-2013, 03:20 PM

Just thought I'd add my own experience here

I currently own a spec V and have been running it lowtech with the stock light since about August. It's actually not too horrible a light and works well with low light plants, or even some medium light plants as long as you put them in the middle and not along the sides.

My current plants are red tiger lily (front and center and thriving), some italian spotted grass, hygro difformis, sunset hygro, a crypt of some sort, and a sword of some sort (forgot their names).

Is the light great? No, not really, but it will work for a low light tank or until you can get something better.

Hope that helps!

07-10-2012, 05:14 PM	#1
xenxes Gotta Catch 'Em All (View User Tanks) PTrader: (37/100%) Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 2,663	Light Replacement for Fluval Spec V Yes I'm getting one... yes this is nano "tank" #8... need some help brainstorming some alternative lighting options for the Spec V My old Spec light was awful and lasted a whole month before burning out, the one with the new kit doesn't look any better/brighter. The dimensions of the Spec V are 17.2" x 6.3" x 10.6" 1. Fluval CFL 13W - length of the bulb is about 6.5" so this falls short, hanging 2 on opposing sides would be ugly 2. Finnex 26W - lighting is probably way too high, the bulb seems even shorter 3. Marineland Doublebright LEDs - for 18"-24", I'm worried this will hang off the tank a little bit and doesn't quite match, it would also obstruct the cover, a clip light would be best. 4. Archaea LED 30cm - 11.8", I'm leaning towards this now, seems sleek and the right shape, but a little short. 5. Archaea LED 45cm - this is perfect at 17", but it would have to clip on into the glass middle of the tank, throwing it off a bit, and you can't use the cover. Debating between #4 and #5, leaning towards 4 but it leaves about 5" of deadspace. __________________ A: [2g x2] [5g] [5g-S] [6g] [9g] [20g] [24g] \| T: [Balcony] [Nano Wabikusa] \| Shrimp Blog Last edited by xenxes; 07-10-2012 at 05:29 PM.. Reason: z

07-10-2012, 07:58 PM	#7
xenxes Gotta Catch 'Em All (View User Tanks) PTrader: (37/100%) Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 2,663	I think the filter looks exactly like my old Spec, if it's the same rated pump flow should not be a problem (might be a little too strong up top) but I'm using it as a shrimp tank anyway. I remove the carbon and just use biomedia, but that's just me I never dose chemicals. Keep it natural Was hoping someone had bought a replacement light already, guess we're the first looking. __________________ A: [2g x2] [5g] [5g-S] [6g] [9g] [20g] [24g] \| T: [Balcony] [Nano Wabikusa] \| Shrimp Blog

07-10-2012, 08:31 PM	#9
xenxes Gotta Catch 'Em All (View User Tanks) PTrader: (37/100%) Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 2,663	I was looking at Finnex's new Ray II, they have a 16" model. http://www.finnex.net/index.php?opti...hk=1&Itemid=61 I kind of dread getting the eBay lights, feels like I'm buying one exactly like the stock, also most of them have actinic bulbs, maybe I'm looking at the wrong ones. __________________ A: [2g x2] [5g] [5g-S] [6g] [9g] [20g] [24g] \| T: [Balcony] [Nano Wabikusa] \| Shrimp Blog

12-31-2012, 02:49 PM	#11
MABJ Invert Warrior (View User Tanks) PTrader: (12/100%) Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: NY Posts: 3,092	I don't think Xenxes is active anymore v __________________ Check out my tanks: \|18" Long moss and shrimp tank \|10" Tall CRS tank \| 8" Tall crayfish tank \| .5 Gallon cube \| New to shrimp? Need help? Check out these threads: \|Essential tools to buy\|List of inverts\|Sage advice\| Mark A Belcher Junior, A proud member: DBP Club

02-24-2013, 01:42 PM	#12
cnoel Newbie (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: United States Posts: 5	Have you made your decision? I also recently purchased the spec v and am trying to get as much first hand info as possible. edit: i broke down and got the ray2. I have no idea why because i dont know what im doing. I like the way it looks tho. Last edited by cnoel; 02-28-2013 at 09:30 PM.. Reason: update

07-10-2012, 05:30 PM	#2
blacksecret Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Europa/Germany Posts: 15	Hello can you tell me maybe send photos of Fluval spec v? would you send my emails. I come from Germany and looking for someone who would be so nice to me send a few photos. Aquarium of the lamp it all why? I come from Germany and we are waiting for the Fluval spec v. It is not for sale in our shops. until next month. would appreciate a response. regards

07-10-2012, 06:55 PM	#5
xenxes Gotta Catch 'Em All (View User Tanks) PTrader: (37/100%) Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 2,663	Some vids on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DhrFS9rVNM __________________ A: [2g x2] [5g] [5g-S] [6g] [9g] [20g] [24g] \| T: [Balcony] [Nano Wabikusa] \| Shrimp Blog

07-10-2012, 07:47 PM	#6
GreyFeather Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Canada Posts: 9	I'm actually going to purchase this tank on Saturday! Please let me know which light you go with - I am thinking about replacing the stock light for a better one. There does not seem to be much videos about it on youtube currently. What is your opinion on the overflow filter? I a hoping to keep this aquarium in the bedroom and I am hoping it is not too loud.

07-10-2012, 08:26 PM	#8
somewhatshocked Obsessed? Maybe (View User Tanks) PTrader: (262/100%) Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,616	There are a couple different 45cm fixtures. I just found a few different designs on the dreaded eBay. Some of them may work for you so check them out. __________________ 12gal Long \| 20L Shrimp Tanks \| 3gal Longs \| 10gal \| 45-F \| 5.5gal Tigers \| 20cm Cubes

12-31-2012, 09:34 AM	#10
Thunder Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: OKC Posts: 9	Nice options. What was decided? Pix?

02-24-2013, 03:18 PM	#13
Chris333 Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (15/100%) Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Warren, OH Posts: 188	Is there any info about the stock light? I have no idea how LEDs rate for a planted tank. My Spec V will be here tomorrow. __________________ Current: 45g planted, MTS/EcoC/blastingsand. SunSun filter, pressurized CO2. Old: 15g planted / Aquaclear 30, Eco-C, Pressurized CO2 Old: 10g heavy plants, Eco complete, Cherry shrimp, otto's. DIY CO2 w/ glass diffuser. Aquaclear 20. Old: 55g planted, Soilmaster select charcoal, community tank. Pressurized CO2 w/ in-line reactor. Magnum 350 pump.

02-24-2013, 03:20 PM	#14
Aderes85 Newbie (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Arizona Posts: 4	Spec V with stock light Just thought I'd add my own experience here I currently own a spec V and have been running it lowtech with the stock light since about August. It's actually not too horrible a light and works well with low light plants, or even some medium light plants as long as you put them in the middle and not along the sides. My current plants are red tiger lily (front and center and thriving), some italian spotted grass, hygro difformis, sunset hygro, a crypt of some sort, and a sword of some sort (forgot their names). Is the light great? No, not really, but it will work for a low light tank or until you can get something better. Hope that helps!

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