Beamsworth Bight v. Marineland double bright

[DrakeScree]

these lights look the same to me, but the Beamsworth is half the price. Anyone have any thoughts?

http://www.aquatraders.com/LED-Fresh...ht-p/56204.htm

Amazon.com: Marineland Double Bright LED Light - 36 in. to 48 in.: Pet Supplies

Amazon.com: Marineland Double Bright LED Light - 36 in. to 48 in.: Pet Supplies

[micheljq]

Hello,

The fixture on the first link is rated 600 lumens, I doubt you will grow anything with that. I would rather go with this one, rated 2900 lumens :

http://www.aquatraders.com/ProductDe...ductCode=56283

In fact, this is the one I have on my 65G planted tall tank since 6 weeks and I am happy with it.

As for Marireland, I find their fixtures more expensive than Beamswork, and being quite similar. Sometimes I wonder if they are not made by the same chinese manufacturer.

Michel.

[DrakeScree]

Thank you for noticing that. So, in your opinion, the 2600 lumen Beamswork for $60 is equivilant to the 1200 lumen Marineland doublebright For $112?

[TexasCichlid]

Buy a Finnex. Proven to grow plants, supporters of this forum and a great value.

[micheljq]

Originally Posted by TexasCichlid

Buy a Finnex. Proven to grow plants, supporters of this forum and a great value.

Finnex leds are great. I was looking to buy one ramp but since I am in Canada, ordering in U.S. is almost sure to trigger more $$ to pay because of the customs.

[DrakeScree]

It may be great, but that doesn't mean that their half price competitor isn't just as good. Are we buying lights or are we buying brands here?!

[somewhatshocked]

You can't really compare Finnex and Marineland/BeamsWork. The only similarity: both products contain LEDs.

Something missing from this discussion: the dimensions of your tank. What are they? A BeamsWork fixture could be perfect over a shallow tank. A Finnex fixture (depending upon the one you choose) could be perfect over a much deeper tank. What lighting level are you going for? What plants will you keep?

[micheljq]

As for me with the ramp i spoke about.

I am keeping easy plants like limnophila sessiflora, microsorum, egeria densa, crypts and my tank is 36" X 18" X 24" tall.

Michel.

[DrakeScree]

I'm going to go with a Mr. Aqua 12g long.
Plants will be a Christmas or flame moss wall, and a complete carpet of dwarf baby tears (for a few months, then who knows).

The only thing that has stopped me from purchasing it is finding the right lighting. I've gone through many 12g long threads, but nothing is conclusive. And if I could save $50 buying a less popular light that is just as good, that would be great.

[somewhatshocked]

Since you'll be low light, here's the skinny on those BeamsWork/Marineland fixtures:

If you want low light, the Double Brights will have to be 7 or 8 inches above the tank.

If you want to use the regular/Single Bright and rest the fixture on the tank? Definitely get the cheapest one. You'll be just fine going that route.

I went with the Double Bright because I wanted something suspended above the tank so my view inside it isn't obstructed. Also allows me to lower it if I want more light and ever decide to use CO2 or ferts.

[DrakeScree]

I will be resting the light directly on the tank. Thank you for your help.

So I suppose that this is the light I will be going with.
http://www.aquatraders.com/ProductDe...ductCode=56283
And resting it directly on the tank.

Or did you mean that the above light is a double, and to go with a single?

I know.. I'm a little slow

[somewhatshocked]

Get the Single Bright.

It's the $50 version you linked in your original post on this thread.

[TexasCichlid]

With a tank that shallow and not hanging the fixture, that single bright is probably fine then. It's not as "good" as the Finnex Fugeray but the Fuge will be too much light without CO2. I doubt you will have much success with a baby tears carpet but keep us updated. Mosses and low light plants will do fine, though.

[DrakeScree]

I will be using co2. But, if you wouldn't mind PMing me about the dwarf baby tears carpet, I could use whatever information you know about them. Thanks!

[TexasCichlid]

Then you've won 3/4 of the battle. Dwarf baby tears is CO2 intensive in my experience. I would do a dry start with the baby tears using Amazonia or other nutrient rich substrate, let it spread nice, and then when you flood it just crank up the CO2 for the transition. I had good luck with baby tears using that method. After you get it established, the lower light should be fine. Baby tears maintenance is just high.