Considering LED lighting for my nano cube..

[ocncheffy]

Right now I'm running dual Fluval mini power compact lamps which are 13w each, but I really enjoy the look of LED as they give everything a bit of "Shine". What would you recommend for my Fluval EBI nano cube? My dimensions are:

13.7 x 11.8 x 11.8 in

This would fit a nice 12" LED lamp across the top such as this which is on sale currently:

Finnex AL-R12WM 12-Inch FugeRay Planted Aquarium LED Light Plus Moonlights: Amazon.ca: Pet Supplies

Here's an album of my tank:

Aquarium July 2014 (1 Month after Co2 and Firt) - Imgur

Any suggestions would be great!

 

[Brian_Nano12g]

I like the Finnex Planted+ too. I'm just wondering if the slightly longer tank would be any issue for the docking legs to be pulled out a little less than an inch on each end?

 

[reign]

Finnex is great. I'm assuming the tank is 13.7in tall? You could probably get away with the clip on. I have it on my 5 gallon with a bunch of crypts and dwarf sag. I still get to much algae if I leave it on long. I keep it 12 inches from the substrate. PAR is apparently 25 at that distance. I've had good growth. And would recommend it.

 

[Puckhog429]

I have the clip on one on my 4.3 gal. 10 by 10 by 10 cube and it works great.


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[Puckhog429]

The only thing i dont like is the spread on it isnt amazing but it does light the whole tank. I recently bought a 10 watt flood lamp for a 10 gallon on amazon for 15 bucks and im very happy with it. Im sure it would be great on a cube but may be a bit too much light. Heres a link.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00J2...qid=1404631017&sr=8-13&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70



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[ocncheffy]

Thanks for all the suggestions! Now I'm still curious.. will the Finnex Fugeray lighting improve over what I currently have which is the Fluval dual compact lights?

 

[reign]

Hard to say as I can't find the par of the 13w. Nor can I find the lumens for either.. it would definitely be worth a try though.. maybe. The fugeray or planted+ might be a better option if you can be 100% sure it'll fit. I'm pretty sure a 12 inch will and would give you more light.

 

[Brian_Nano12g]

When you say you like LED because it gives a "shine," do you actually mean "shimmer?"

 

[ocncheffy]

When you say you like LED because it gives a "shine," do you actually mean "shimmer?"

Sorry, yes. The "shimmer" looks pretty fantastic.

 

[Brian_Nano12g]

Okay.. Just an FYI, but LED fixtures like Finnex achieve bright light by using A LOT of tiny LEDs. This gives it a more even and uniform light output. Unfortunately, in your case, it won't provide much of a shimmering effect. You'll need a LED fixture that uses less LEDs, which are larger, more separated, and uses more power per diode (i.e. 1w or 3w chips).

 

[Brian_Nano12g]

Something like these might provide the shimmer you're looking for. Although, I haven't tried these lights before so some research might help you make a better decision.

http://www.amazon.com/Wave-point-12...84&sr=1-2&keywords=Wave-point+12-Inch+16-Watt

http://www.aquatraders.com/LED-Clip-On-Aquarium-Light-1W-Freshwater-Plant-p/56411p.htm

Or this...

http://www.aquatraders.com/LED-Aquarium-Lighting-EVO-Clip-On-Freshwater-p/56541p.htm

But I have no idea what the PAR is like on these LEDs. So if you can live without the shimmer, a Finnex might be a safer bet.

 

[ocncheffy]

Thanks for all your suggestions! I purchased the Finnex Fugeray planted 12" LED light. I figured it's better for my plants to have this light then the other stronger lights you posted for the shimmer effect. Hopefully it works out!

 

[Brian_Nano12g]

Good choice. I'm pretty sure you and your plants will enjoy it.