[andakin]

I am looking for opinions on Finnex combinations for a 90 gallon standard.

1. Two Ray2 combo
2. Ray2 and Planted+ combo

Both the Ray2 and Planted+ came in the mail recently. The Planted+ isn't outputting enough for my liking. Should I exchange the Planted+ for another Ray2? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Cap10Squirty]

I, too, found the Planted+ to be too dim for my liking. I have it in combination with the Ray2 and at first considered returning for a second ray2....but that would be TOO much light in my situation so I am considering other options. I have heard of people using the Monster Ray along with the Ray2 to achieve nice coloration...I'd check into that. I'm not sure about what benefit the Monster Ray has on plant growth though.

- Garrett

 

[andakin]

Just shipped the Planted+ back to amazon. Hopefully the refund process goes smoothly.

 

[acitydweller]

To be honest, lighting comments being too bright or dim without quoting height are sort of moot.

The 90 gallon aquarium has a height of 24-25" depending on the mfg. All lamps, most obvious on LEDs share a problem producing sufficient light at that distance down to the substrate.

A planted+ produces about low/medium light in a 75g aquarium at 18-21" height factoring substrate. This illustrates how a few inches make a tremendous difference when you exceed the 16" mark.

For the depths of your aquarium, consider either adding another RAYII or switch to a 10k lamp.

 

[PUMKIN81]

I only have a 29g myself and I use a Ray2/ Monster ray combo. This combo brings we into the med light range at substrate level. The Monster also helps keep my red plants red or so I hear, I have not done any tests myself). Not sure how this would work on you 90 gallon.

 

[Cap10Squirty]

acitydweller,

My tank is a 20g long, putting the leds right at 12" from the substrate. The planted plus was quite dim throughout...not just at the substrate. Adding the ray 2 boosted the PAR, just not the right spectrum. So I'm going to try T5s to get the spectrum right and get my colors back.

PUMPKIN81,

So your red plants are still red? All of my red plants turned green on their new growth once I switched from 3 spiral 23w 5000k CFLs to a ray 2 and planted+ on my 20 long.


I hear that there is a new finnex fixture in the works...wonder what it will bring to the table.

- Garrett

 

[andakin]

I hear that there is a new finnex fixture in the works...wonder what it will bring to the table.

- Garrett

I don't mean to grill but what are the sources? A new line or an upgrade of the current models? Any idea on the timeframe? I might hold off on purchasing a second ray2.

 

[dhavoc]

i use the monsteray/ray2 combo as well on several tanks (29g/17g/40B) and on all 3 the reds REALLY come out in plants and not just under the those lights, they are actually red when removed from the tank. with just ray2/fugeray everything goes green and to be honest the colors all get washed out look. 18-21" is pretty much the max depth though for these lights unless you want to use multiple ray2's. for deeper tanks i stick with tried and true t5ho. really love the ATI sunpower line since tek stopped making aquarium fixtures.

 

[Cap10Squirty]

I don't mean to grill but what are the sources? A new line or an upgrade of the current models? Any idea on the timeframe? I might hold off on purchasing a second ray2.

Not a problem at all! Found this the other day:

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/showthread.php?t=547321

"More power than the ray2" with better features like customization, sunrise, sunset, etc. It sounds pretty good!

 

[Veritas]

that's strange. the reds on my ludwigia have stayed consistently deep with my 24" Planted+ on my 29g

 

[micheljq]

that's strange. the reds on my ludwigia have stayed consistently deep with my 24" Planted+ on my 29g

What do you have? a Ray 2 DS and Planted+ combination?

I am planning on trying ludwigia repens in my 24" deep tank with Ray 2 DS and other fixtures.

Thank you, Michel

 

[PUMKIN81]

PUMPKIN81,

So your red plants are still red? All of my red plants turned green on their new growth once I switched from 3 spiral 23w 5000k CFLs to a ray 2 and planted+ on my 20 long.


I hear that there is a new finnex fixture in the works...wonder what it will bring to the table.

- Garrett

Yea my ludwigia still have their redness!