29g options.

atomicjade · 07-23-2012, 12:41 AM

Hey guys, I took advantage of Petco's "$1 a gallon" sale and bought myself a 29g. This will be my second attempt at a planted tank, my other one is a 2g and then I've only had it planted for a couple months... therefore, I am a noob! I bought a Deep Blue SolarMax dual T5HO 30" fixture, but honestly I am kind of displeased with the quality. Most everything about it feels "cheap" (especially the flimsy legs) and for being a HO the light seems dim. Even with on my bf's 20L reef it seems too blue and while it covers a greater area than my Finnex 26w clipon, the Finnex is visibly a superior light. I feel I can get something better for $130, I ultimately like the look of LEDs but wonder if they are the better option for a long type tank. Any suggestions are appreciated

steveg89 · 07-23-2012, 12:45 AM

I had a similar dilemma. I ended up going with the finnex 24'' Ray2 fixture (day/day) and hanging it about 2 inches above my tank. Including my substrate it's about 18'' from light to floor. I don't remember exactly but it's around 50 PAR for that depth. Raising it a bit helped to make up for the 3'' gap on each side and I don't notice any dark spots or plants leaning towards the middle.

atomicjade · 07-23-2012, 11:22 AM

Do you by any chance have photos of your set up? The ray 2 was my next top choice, I've had good experience with Finnex.

steveg89 · 07-23-2012, 05:10 PM

Not currently but I'll try to take one tonight.

07-23-2012, 12:41 AM	#1
atomicjade Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Englewood, FL Posts: 20	29g options. Hey guys, I took advantage of Petco's "$1 a gallon" sale and bought myself a 29g. This will be my second attempt at a planted tank, my other one is a 2g and then I've only had it planted for a couple months... therefore, I am a noob! I bought a Deep Blue SolarMax dual T5HO 30" fixture, but honestly I am kind of displeased with the quality. Most everything about it feels "cheap" (especially the flimsy legs) and for being a HO the light seems dim. Even with on my bf's 20L reef it seems too blue and while it covers a greater area than my Finnex 26w clipon, the Finnex is visibly a superior light. I feel I can get something better for $130, I ultimately like the look of LEDs but wonder if they are the better option for a long type tank. Any suggestions are appreciated

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

07-23-2012, 12:45 AM	#2
steveg89 Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: NY Posts: 39	I had a similar dilemma. I ended up going with the finnex 24'' Ray2 fixture (day/day) and hanging it about 2 inches above my tank. Including my substrate it's about 18'' from light to floor. I don't remember exactly but it's around 50 PAR for that depth. Raising it a bit helped to make up for the 3'' gap on each side and I don't notice any dark spots or plants leaning towards the middle.

07-23-2012, 11:22 AM	#3
atomicjade Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Englewood, FL Posts: 20	Do you by any chance have photos of your set up? The ray 2 was my next top choice, I've had good experience with Finnex.

07-23-2012, 05:10 PM	#4
steveg89 Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: NY Posts: 39	Not currently but I'll try to take one tonight.