The Spec fixtures aren't strong enough for anything beyond lower light plants.

In order to grow a carpeting plant successfully (something other than moss), you'll also likely need DIY CO2 at a minimum. Flourish Comprehensive won't cut it and Excel likely won't give you the results you're expecting.

 

Can you recommend better lighting for this tank? I don't want to spend over $100 for lighting. Thanks!

 

fluval spec 3? i have a fluval spec and its only 2gal, the next one up was a 5gal long i believe. im curious if we have the same tanks, or if u have one thats really .6gal larger lol.

the stock light is enough to grow moss and low-light demanding plants (not many! lol). a cheap upgrade would be the fluval flourscent which can be had for 30-40 dollars online. im still using the stock light and my plants have been growing great for the month i've had the tank. when i upgrade, im either getting the fluval compact flourscent or some LED light my LFS has for under 50 bucks. good luck and post pics when you get a chance!

 

Fluval just came out with this Spec III. I ordered it from Fosters and Smith. I will take a look at the Fluval fluorescent. I would love to have a Kessil light, but way out of my budget and I think overkill for such a small tank.

 

now that i looked at it, it has a different LED light then the normal fluval spec. not sure what it would compare to, but i assume it might be better then mine. both have 31 leds, but mines "ample" and yours is "high luminosity". it may be hard to compare it to a light u don't have, but it should be better? i say try it first, and just be ready to upgrade as soon as you realize its not quite cutting it.

 

Oh! So interested in hearing about your experience!

I think the Spec 2 light is fine for low light.

The Spec V light leaves a lot to be desired in comparison.

 

Is the difference between the Spec and Spec III an additional 0.8 gallons and a updated led fixture?

 

That's it. As for a different light many Spec owners go for the Fluval 13 watt PC fixture.