Lighting for ADA Mini-S

Darkblade48 · 03-23-2010, 06:01 AM

Just would like some people's opinions on lighting.

I'm trying to setup a high light, high tech Mini-S, and was wondering how much light to aim for.

I know a lot of people use the Archaea 26W light, but I've e-mailed Aqua Forest Aquarium and yet to receive a reply. I wonder if they will even ship (and how much it will eventually cost!)

I've seen a lot of fixtures on eBay as well; some of these are 18W bulbs, while others are 26W bulbs. I've even checked out the Catalina fixtures as well.

Would 18W be sufficient to grow things more light demanding plants? Or should I really aim for the 26W?

I'm just trying to find a nice light fixture (rather than the clip on the table lamps that I am using over my 2.5g nano right now) to complete the entire "ADA feel".

Mr. Fisher · 03-23-2010, 07:37 AM

I think it's actually a 27 watt ADA bulb (ADA Mini Solar-S). My guess is the Archaea fixture uses the same ADA CF bulb.

Call AFA directly. They always answer the phone, and I am sure they will ship.

#: 415-929-8883

If you're going for a hi-tech set-up, I'd go for 27 watts.

houseofcards · 03-23-2010, 12:13 PM

I grew a nice HC carpet with 18w several times on my Mini S. With the 27w you will probably be unlimited in what you can grow, but as mentioned you will need to have a good steady hi-tech setup and rigid maintenance schedule to avoid algae issues.

Darkblade48 · 03-23-2010, 12:28 PM

Interesting; I'm trying to find a balance between cost and wattage, obviously

I'm just afraid how much shipping will be for the Archaea light. It's already quite pricey at $85, and shipping on top of that might bring it over $100. The cheapest eBay 18W fixture I've found is ~$50, and the Catalina 26W light was quoted to be at $67 shipped (and that doesn't include the mounting legs).

bsmith · 03-23-2010, 07:13 PM

Here is what I have on my MINI-M.

Ottlite

They had a sale when I bought them that made it 2 for 1 pricing. They work great and have a 13w pc bulb you can change to whatever color you like. I would personally get their plant growth bulb though.

03-23-2010, 06:01 AM	#1
Darkblade48 Moderator (View User Tanks) PTrader: (3/100%) Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Toronto Posts: 7,036	Lighting for ADA Mini-S Just would like some people's opinions on lighting. I'm trying to setup a high light, high tech Mini-S, and was wondering how much light to aim for. I know a lot of people use the Archaea 26W light, but I've e-mailed Aqua Forest Aquarium and yet to receive a reply. I wonder if they will even ship (and how much it will eventually cost!) I've seen a lot of fixtures on eBay as well; some of these are 18W bulbs, while others are 26W bulbs. I've even checked out the Catalina fixtures as well. Would 18W be sufficient to grow things more light demanding plants? Or should I really aim for the 26W? I'm just trying to find a nice light fixture (rather than the clip on the table lamps that I am using over my 2.5g nano right now) to complete the entire "ADA feel". __________________ Anthony A Primer to Pressurized CO2 and A Primer to Planted Tanks Eheim Pimp #362 - Eheim 2213 x2, Eheim 2028, Ehein 2217, Eheim surface skimmer and Eheim autofeeder. Victor Pimp #33 - HPT272-125-350-4M

03-23-2010, 12:28 PM	#4
Darkblade48 Moderator (View User Tanks) PTrader: (3/100%) Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Toronto Posts: 7,036	Interesting; I'm trying to find a balance between cost and wattage, obviously I'm just afraid how much shipping will be for the Archaea light. It's already quite pricey at $85, and shipping on top of that might bring it over $100. The cheapest eBay 18W fixture I've found is ~$50, and the Catalina 26W light was quoted to be at $67 shipped (and that doesn't include the mounting legs). __________________ Anthony A Primer to Pressurized CO2 and A Primer to Planted Tanks Eheim Pimp #362 - Eheim 2213 x2, Eheim 2028, Ehein 2217, Eheim surface skimmer and Eheim autofeeder. Victor Pimp #33 - HPT272-125-350-4M

03-23-2010, 07:13 PM	#5
bsmith Planted Tank Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (278/99%) Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: St.Louis, MO Posts: 9,058	Here is what I have on my MINI-M. Ottlite They had a sale when I bought them that made it 2 for 1 pricing. They work great and have a 13w pc bulb you can change to whatever color you like. I would personally get their plant growth bulb though. __________________ L183's 60-p Crypt/CRS Playground Appalachian Allure S.Barbatus & Black C. Schultzei breeding tank

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03-23-2010, 07:37 AM	#2
Mr. Fisher Planted Tank Obsessed (View User Tanks) PTrader: (2/100%) Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: California Posts: 436	I think it's actually a 27 watt ADA bulb (ADA Mini Solar-S). My guess is the Archaea fixture uses the same ADA CF bulb. Call AFA directly. They always answer the phone, and I am sure they will ship. #: 415-929-8883 If you're going for a hi-tech set-up, I'd go for 27 watts.

03-23-2010, 12:13 PM	#3
houseofcards Planted Tank Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (51/100%) Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 2,099	I grew a nice HC carpet with 18w several times on my Mini S. With the 27w you will probably be unlimited in what you can grow, but as mentioned you will need to have a good steady hi-tech setup and rigid maintenance schedule to avoid algae issues.