Struggling with lighting choices

Discussion in 'General Discussions' started by JoJo the Hammer, Jun 22, 2020.

  1. JoJo the Hammer

    JoJo the Hammer

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    So I have my Boyu Tl550 that I've taken the lid off and wanted to do my own lighting setup to grow med-to-low light demand plants, but now I'm thinking I shouldn't limit myself and go for something that can grow almost anything. So the tank real estate is tricky as its an almost cube with 51/55/57(deep) so strip lights like Zetlight Lancia or Marine Space or any in that category are just too long for the tank. I can't justify the Zetlight UFO at R4K but I can drop about 2-2.5K and I'm stuck. Any suggestions? Im looking at Zetlight 1200 but cannot for the life of me find the Wi-Fi controller for it because I really want the lighting options of various daytime/moonlight settings. Thank you
     
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  3. A new day

    A new day Moderator

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    If you can’t find the Aqua you’re looking for in Jhb you can reach out to @RBM AQUATICS in CT - they’ll ship to you. Generally really good equipment prices and a forum sponsor :thumbup:

    But for a 60cm deep tank I’m not sure it will penetrate to the bottom...
     
  4. A new day

    A new day Moderator

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    I attached a quick pic of an Aqua on a 40cm deep tank. It is on the highest elevation (15cm) but you can see the holes in the perspex where you can lower it another 5cm.

    Think if you use it on a 60cm deep tank you’ll have to stick to low light plants at the bottom eg anubias?

    It is ideally recommended (by Zetlight) for a 40cm deep tank, pushing up to 50cm for low light plants.

    08B9C368-2240-4E44-855D-6EBADD06DCD8.jpeg
     
    Last edited: Jun 22, 2020
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  5. OP
    JoJo the Hammer

    JoJo the Hammer

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    Yes thats the one. Ive had one before and was happy with my plant growth but I have since sold that whole setup. Do you have a WiFi controller on yours? What level of settings does it come with? The tank setup will feature mosses on the topmost branches and Anubias at the bottom so I'll have variety of plants to cater for.
     
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  6. A new day

    A new day Moderator

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    Cool. I have 3 Aquas in total without the wifi controller. One on a 44L and 2 on the new tank. For this new tank I’m going to give a really long photoperiod.
    I also have a Lancia 2 with the wifi controller on the 65L. But tbh I’m a bit old school and would’ve probably preferred an on/off switch :lol: for more tech savvy people the controller should be cool :thumbup:
     
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    JoJo the Hammer

    JoJo the Hammer

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    Thank you so much for the advice. I may be silly because the difference between the Zetlight 1200 (yours) and 1201 (which comes with multiple daylight and moonlight settings) is a R1000 and I'm just debating wether I need it...I LOVE the idea of my light changing throughout the day to simulate natural daylight fluctuations but i dont know wether its entirely necessary. I'd love advice from more experienced aquarists on this issue
     
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  8. Inky1980

    Inky1980

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    So badly want to remove this lid and go clip-on, but I'm worried that Mr Betta will dolphin jump himself out of the tank and become a snack for the cats.
     
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