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So I recently received a Finnex Ray2 and it sure does live up to it's slogan of "Let There Be Light."
However....I'm not sure if it is the right kind of light. I am a total noob on all of the technical lighting stuff but I have read my fair share of discussions here regarding requirements for red plants. I realize that the old school folks were able (and still are) to grow red plants under tube lighting. I also realize that a multi-bulb t5 fixture would allow me much customization in order to achieve this...so I'm considering picking up a t5 ho fixture and testing this out on my 20 long.
I was previously able to plants to turn red near the surface with spiral CFLs....having switched to LEDs I am seeing better light penetration near the substrate and a better spread and coverage of light throughout the aquarium, however I have not yet seen the plants turn red like I was hoping. This could be because before I received the Ray2, I trimmed all of my stem plants (R. colorata, R. indica, R. macranda, P. stellatus, L. aromatica, L. repens)...I'll wait a little longer to see what happens near the surface of the water.
So on a quest for an inexpensive quad fixture that would offer more flexibility over a one or two bulb fixture, I found this
Specifications:
Dimensions - 24.00" x 13.00" x 3.00"
Includes 4x 6500K Grow bulbs
Supports standard T5 HO 24W bulbs
Total power - 96 watts
Power cord - 5 ft
Contoured reflector for max light output
Can be hung horizontal or vertical
Built-in electronic ballasts for high energy efficiency
Plug and play ballasts saves time and hassle
Built-in hanging wire for easy installation
Convenient access door to replace parts.
Body color - textured black
110V compatibility only
24W - 2000 lumen per bulb for 2ft
90 Day Warranty
I know that this is not a "aquarium safe" fixture so obviously I would be hanging this somewhat above the water since I have an open top. My questions are:
1. Would this be a good idea in replacement of the finnex ray2? Electricity consumption is not an issue here, and I understand the expense of replacing bulbs ever so often
2. I'm assuming using all 4 bulbs would be too much lighting, unless I raised the lighting enough. What are your thoughts on this?
3. If this is a good fixture to go with, what lighting/bulb combination would be the most ideal to run with?
I appreciate any advice,
Garrett
*Edit* Forgot to add, YES I am running pressurized CO2. haha I wouldn't even consider the Ray2 without CO2.
However....I'm not sure if it is the right kind of light. I am a total noob on all of the technical lighting stuff but I have read my fair share of discussions here regarding requirements for red plants. I realize that the old school folks were able (and still are) to grow red plants under tube lighting. I also realize that a multi-bulb t5 fixture would allow me much customization in order to achieve this...so I'm considering picking up a t5 ho fixture and testing this out on my 20 long.
I was previously able to plants to turn red near the surface with spiral CFLs....having switched to LEDs I am seeing better light penetration near the substrate and a better spread and coverage of light throughout the aquarium, however I have not yet seen the plants turn red like I was hoping. This could be because before I received the Ray2, I trimmed all of my stem plants (R. colorata, R. indica, R. macranda, P. stellatus, L. aromatica, L. repens)...I'll wait a little longer to see what happens near the surface of the water.
So on a quest for an inexpensive quad fixture that would offer more flexibility over a one or two bulb fixture, I found this


Specifications:
Dimensions - 24.00" x 13.00" x 3.00"
Includes 4x 6500K Grow bulbs
Supports standard T5 HO 24W bulbs
Total power - 96 watts
Power cord - 5 ft
Contoured reflector for max light output
Can be hung horizontal or vertical
Built-in electronic ballasts for high energy efficiency
Plug and play ballasts saves time and hassle
Built-in hanging wire for easy installation
Convenient access door to replace parts.
Body color - textured black
110V compatibility only
24W - 2000 lumen per bulb for 2ft
90 Day Warranty
I know that this is not a "aquarium safe" fixture so obviously I would be hanging this somewhat above the water since I have an open top. My questions are:
1. Would this be a good idea in replacement of the finnex ray2? Electricity consumption is not an issue here, and I understand the expense of replacing bulbs ever so often
2. I'm assuming using all 4 bulbs would be too much lighting, unless I raised the lighting enough. What are your thoughts on this?
3. If this is a good fixture to go with, what lighting/bulb combination would be the most ideal to run with?
I appreciate any advice,
Garrett
*Edit* Forgot to add, YES I am running pressurized CO2. haha I wouldn't even consider the Ray2 without CO2.