Lighting help please

[elundgr]

So I got?a Fluval spec 3 for xmas. ?Was trying to run it stock but I have already ordered a bigger powerhead for more movement, and now I think I need lights. ?I have bought several frags from members here that looked beautiful in their tanks and not so much in mine. ?Particularly the bright red ones I bought last night that show almost no red in them in my tank. ?Suggestions?Here is a link to what I have:https://www.amazon.com/Fluval-Spec-Aquarium-2-6-Gallon-Black/dp/B009K0ZKAQ

 

[Billy]

You will definitely need a better light than the stock light if you want corals in this tank.?

 

[Grant]

Agreed. ?That light isn't powerful enough at all and the color spectrum is probably aimed more towards fresh-water plants (if even that). ??The trick is going to be finding something small enough for that tank. ?You might try something like this: ?http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/za-1201-aqua-system-series-pico-led-light-zetlight.html?gclid=CNyo-O2v1tECFRS2wAodmuUKcg?

 

[HM3105]

Here are my top three in order of price.?Par38 - Easy to install, good price and the one from RapidLED is dimmable.http://www.rapidled.com/12-led-par38-bulb-mixed-color-with-uv/Budget LEDs from Reef Breeders - Couple of options, might have to be creative to have a nice solution for mounting.https://www.reefbreeders.com/nano-lite/AI Prime - Search it. These are wonderful lights. You can probably find one used around here for sub $200 or purchase it from one of our local sponsors.http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/prime-hd-led-module-white-body-aqua-illumination.htmlAlso, for additional upgrades, consider checking out InTank, they list upgrades by type of tank this is the link for the Spec III - http://shop.mediabaskets.com/Fluval-Spec-III_c85.htm?

 

[Mike R]

Here are my top three in order of price.?Par38 - Easy to install, good price and the one from RapidLED is dimmable.http://www.rapidled.com/12-led-par38-bulb-mixed-color-with-uv/Budget LEDs from Reef Breeders - Couple of options, might have to be creative to have a nice solution for mounting.https://www.reefbreeders.com/nano-lite/AI Prime - Search it. These are wonderful lights. You can probably find one used around here for sub $200 or purchase it from one of our local sponsors.http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/prime-hd-led-module-white-body-aqua-illumination.htmlAlso, for additional upgrades, consider checking out InTank, they list upgrades by type of tank this is the link for the Spec III - http://shop.mediabaskets.com/Fluval-Spec-III_c85.htm?"]+1 on the AI prime. ?Great lights at a decent price. ?AI also has excellent customer service if the need ever arises in the future.

 

[Mike R]

Also, the Kessil 160 is a great option. ?A club member has one for sale......http://www.dfwmas.org/community/dry-goods-for-saletrade/getting-out-of-the-hobby-elosbashseaatikessilapex/#post-1416

 

[Crotalus]

I see Kessil talked about all the time.? One thing about them bothers me.?All the other light mfg's advertise the lumens put out by their lights.? Kessil seems to keep theirs? secret.

 

[Celestial_star03]

I have Kessil 360 in the tuna blue, one covers a 24" space well, new were I think 400 a piece with mount. I have no idea the wattage or lumens either but I have a mixed coral tank mostly lps and zoas and they are strong, I've had them a year and only running at about half power still. You set the color but the corals really pop, they have the shimmer like a halogen, and I love how compact they are (about the size of my fist) and the gooseneck make them easy to put anywhere on the lip. If you can find them used even better, they are awesome.

 

[Celestial_star03]

Sorry my phone auto text mine are 160a with a gooseneck mount, they have a lot less heat and evaporation then my halogens used to and I'm not so scared of the power box sparking (yep happened). I have had t5ho, I found I replaced bulbs more often and expensive. Halos are the same. I have bought cheap leds on eBay that are clear plastic with mount and they don't work after 2 mts, I also have a very small wavelength led on a quarantine tank and I love it too it's a 15g nano but it's very blue and no way to change it