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What is your goal with the tank, meaning what type of plants, scape, fauna/flora do you envision. These details may steer you towards one lamp over the other.
I strongly disagree. I considered the BML for my 92g Corner, but for the price of the light I would need (XB 1000k, 36") I was able to buy a Finnex Ray 2, Finnex Planted+ and Finnex MonsterRay, and absolutely love them. The build quality of the Finnex is great, their customer service is top notch, and the blend of the 3 lights produces great color.My 2 cents....There really is no comparison between the 2. You get what you pay for. BML rules, Finnex drools.
I have a BML 10000k 90degree. Great light, solid fixture, quality parts, great customer service. Call or email them, they will help you find the right light. If you don't like it they will work with you until you're happy. Buy the dimmer too, these things are bright.
I also have a Finnex planted+ on another tank. I'm not impressed at all. Not with the quality of the fixture or the light it produces. It's bright enough but not very appealing to my eyes. Plants look washed out. I guess I could have sent it back and just gotten something else but it's too late for that now.
If I could afford another BML right now the Finnex would be in the for sale section.
Thanks Whjdm069,I personally think the tank dictates the light. I have a 40b so I went with finnex to get the coverage I needed. I was going to convert my 55 but decided not to. If I had I would have gone with bml. Length, depth and width all play a part in your light. I know with the bml you need the dimmer. With the finnex I do not. Just my opinion.
I don't have the XB series but I do have the regular version of BML light. My tank is also 20" tall, but 24" width so I use two BML fixtures to get more even coverage front to back of my tank. I run the lights at 70% intensity the first several months and now 85% intensity. All plants grow well. Your tank is 13" width, so one fixture is enough but I would go with 90 degree, unless you plan to hang the light.Greetings to you all, this being my first post here.
To date I have spent significant time on researching specific equipment to create my first planted aquarium system.
Goal: High Tech Planted
Tank: 55 gallon: (20"T x 48"W x 13"D).
I have initially narrowed down my lighting choices to (A) and (B) below. Cost is of concern to me, but I'm willing to pay more when it makes sense to do so.
Please let me know what you feel the best pick is between my two choices. Also please feel free to offer advice / instruction, as I would appreciate all the help I can get on this project.
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Choice (a)
(one) "Build MY LED" - XB Series - 75 degree angle.
Iwagumi 7000k or Dutch Planted 6300K
Par value @ 20" = a maximum of 100.
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Choice (b)
(Two) Finnex FugeRay Planted+ Aquarium LED Light Plus Moonlights
Estimated par value @ 20 inches = a maximum of 65 (each fixture).
BML will consult with you on what light you need (vs. what you think you need), does Finnex do the same? If so, compare results and post here!
Thanks for your reply JRMAN83. I'm curious as to why you chose the 10000k color temp for your lighting? I am planning on putting a few Ram fish in my tank and I'm looking for lighting that will accent their iridescent blue sheen, but also not wash out red plants of which I am planning to use just for accent.I bought the 10000k BML and the color difference compared to the Ray 2 and the Planted + are years apart. Plus, I was able to get what I wanted in a single fixture.