60-P: Finnex 24" Ray 2 or 24" Fuge Ray

[jmhart]

Currently have 2x55 watt PC (Coralife). It's too much light. Has been since day one on this tank. Finally tired of it.

The tank is a 60-P with pressurized co2.

In a 24" fixture, would you recommend the Finnex Ray 2 or the Finnex Fugeray?

My goal for the tank is to be low maintenace (no longer have the time for weekly trimming). Primarily I'd like to grow anubias, crypts, blyxas but I'd love the option to grow hairgrass and staurogyne repens.

[somewhatshocked]

Have you checked the PAR data in the Finnex sponsor forum?

That'll basically make your decision for you.

[jmhart]

Originally Posted by somewhatshocked

Have you checked the PAR data in the Finnex sponsor forum?

That'll basically make your decision for you.

I did check it, but it's really borderline. The Ray 2 seems like it is too much, but the Fugeray seems like it might be a bit low for a 60-P. Wondering if anyone made a similiar choice and what their thoughts were.

[freph]

I believe this should answer your question just fine.

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/sh...d.php?t=164881

[BeachBum2012]

I have a Ray 2 hanging over my tank. Its the Mr Aqua version of a 60P

[ronaldvalente]

Have you looked at a BuildMyLED.com fixture? I was looking at a Finnex before I decided to go with the BuildMyLED.com fixture.

[somewhatshocked]

Sorry, there's no comparison. The Finnex fixtures may be cheaply made but they're quite a steal when compared to the $180+ price tag of a BuildMyLED fixture. $95 for a 24" Ray II or $68 for a 24" FugeRay.

To the OP: If you get a fixture that provides too much light, you can definitely hang it. You can also diminish light levels by using layers of fiberglass window screen, which can easily be cut to size so they're barely noticeable.

[jmhart]

Originally Posted by freph

I believe this should answer your question just fine.

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/sh...d.php?t=164881

Yeah, saw that thread. That's was the final deciding factor on going LED over T5HO. From looking through that journal, seems like the Ray 2 may be more than what I'm wanting.

Originally Posted by BeachBum2012

I have a Ray 2 hanging over my tank. Its the Mr Aqua version of a 60P

Pressurized CO2? Happy with it? Too much light?

Originally Posted by ronaldvalente

Have you looked at a BuildMyLED.com fixture? I was looking at a Finnex before I decided to go with the BuildMyLED.com fixture.

Looked at those. For me, the sleek nature of the Finnex and low price tag is sufficient for my needs. Good reviews of the Finnex and an abundance of PAR data. Those BuildMyLED fixtures may be nice, but the performance of the Finnex stuff combined with the low price tag is a great selling point to me.

Originally Posted by somewhatshocked

Sorry, there's no comparison. The Finnex fixtures may be cheaply made but they're quite a steal when compared to the $180+ price tag of a BuildMyLED fixture. $95 for a 24" Ray II or $68 for a 24" FugeRay.

To the OP: If you get a fixture that provides too much light, you can definitely hang it. You can also diminish light levels by using layers of fiberglass window screen, which can easily be cut to size so they're barely noticeable.

Yeah, that's a good option. Since it's LED, I'd be cutting down on power usage compared to an equivalant PAR T5HO or PC fixture (which is a big plus), so "wasting" a little power by adding window screen woudl be acceptable. Have any good links to people that have done this, maybe something that shares best practices on how to make it look good?

[somewhatshocked]

Just cut it to size. and place it beneath the fixture. You can easily attach it with tape or rubber cement if you want it to be removable.

I use glass covers on most of my tanks and I just cut the screen to go right on the section of glass where the light will sit (T5s, mostly).

Originally Posted by jmhart

Have any good links to people that have done this, maybe something that shares best practices on how to make it look good?

[jmhart]

Originally Posted by somewhatshocked

Just cut it to size. and place it beneath the fixture. You can easily attach it with tape or rubber cement if you want it to be removable.

I use glass covers on most of my tanks and I just cut the screen to go right on the section of glass where the light will sit (T5s, mostly).

Thanks!

[somewhatshocked]

I neglected to mention that it comes in a few different colors so you can get it to match your setup.

I buy the black kind because it's less visible on tanks with rims. The silver and gray varieties may look better with Finnex fixtures. You'll just have to check things out in that aisle of the hardware store.