Any light recommendations for this tank...

[Dr. White]

I would like to hear others' thoughts about which light to get for this aquarium I am in the process of setting up. As you can see, it is pretty close to my favourite chair for listening to music. The light fitting would be just behind my head, raised about a foot or two above eye level. As such, the light would need to be dimable and a shade would probably be a good idea.
I think an LED lamp centrally would likely be preferable to a bar due to the tank being a cube.
I like the look of the Fluval Nano LED. The app functionality is something I would definitely use.
In terms of plants, I am going for those that need low or moderate lighting and am not considering CO2 injection.
Do you think the Fluval Nano would be a good fit here? Any other options that I could consider?

 

[Aquariumfishperson]

What is the volume and dimensions of your tank? Chihiros has one that is around the same price. From what I can tell in the picture it looks pretty big I don’t know if a nano light would suffice. But I do think the chihiros is more powerful than the fluval nano.

 

[oreo57]

I would like to hear others' thoughts about which light to get for this aquarium I am in the process of setting up. As you can see, it is pretty close to my favourite chair for listening to music. The light fitting would be just behind my head, raised about a foot or two above eye level. As such, the light would need to be dimable and a shade would probably be a good idea.
I think an LED lamp centrally would likely be preferable to a bar due to the tank being a cube.
I like the look of the Fluval Nano LED. The app functionality is something I would definitely use.
In terms of plants, I am going for those that need low or moderate lighting and am not considering CO2 injection.
Do you think the Fluval Nano would be a good fit here? Any other options that I could consider?

View attachment 209726

Care to spend more than most would?
Mitras LX 7004

Mitras LX 7004 (Freshwater) – GHL USA

www.aquariumcomputer.com

Refurb:

Mitras LX 7004, White (OPEN BOX) – GHL USA

www.aquariumcomputer.com

Either would still need mounting arm.
And why you may ask.
Uses reflectors and not lenses so a lot less side glare.
And it's white..

v

 

[Dr. White]

What is the volume and dimensions of your tank? Chihiros has one that is around the same price. From what I can tell in the picture it looks pretty big I don’t know if a nano light would suffice. But I do think the chihiros is more powerful than the fluval nano.

Sorry, should have mentioned that important detail in the OP!
It is 40x40 cm cube and 60L

 

[Dr. White]

Care to spend more than most would?
Mitras LX 7004

Mitras LX 7004 (Freshwater) – GHL USA

www.aquariumcomputer.com

Refurb:

Mitras LX 7004, White (OPEN BOX) – GHL USA

www.aquariumcomputer.com

Either would still need mounting arm.
And why you may ask.
Uses reflectors and not lenses so a lot less side glare.
And it's white..

v

Not that much!
I'm thinking £100 upper limit. I don't really need high output as I am growing low or medium light requiring plants. Largely because I am going low tech, but also because I don't want to get sunburned sitting next to it!

 

[PARAGUAY]

No idea what they retail at, used to be around £30 l think, the a Aquael Leddy lamp, (Plant) can be used stand alone or whatever you need across the tank

 

[Djoko Sauza]

I was going to link you to a small spotlight that I bought 10 years ago, looks like they upgraded it and it looks pretty good to he honest. But as it is a newish model I have no experience with it:

Lominie Asta 20 (amazon link)

 

[oreo57]

Not that much!
I'm thinking £100 upper limit. I don't really need high output as I am growing low or medium light requiring plants. Largely because I am going low tech, but also because I don't want to get sunburned sitting next to it!

Well it is dimmable.....

A 16" Finnex Stingray 2 would probably be good enough.

Sitting so close I worry ANY tank mount puck type light will be way to distracting.
You can find some shades for some lights though or improvise.
400mm bars can be hard to find. Amazon uk lists the 16" as out of stock atm.

You need to define wants/ needs
Stingray 2 is simple on/off via an added timer.

 

[oreo57]

I would like to hear others' thoughts about which light to get for this aquarium I am in the process of setting up. As you can see, it is pretty close to my favourite chair for listening to music. The light fitting would be just behind my head, raised about a foot or two above eye level. As such, the light would need to be dimable and a shade would probably be a good idea.
I think an LED lamp centrally would likely be preferable to a bar due to the tank being a cube.
I like the look of the Fluval Nano LED. The app functionality is something I would definitely use.
In terms of plants, I am going for those that need low or moderate lighting and am not considering CO2 injection.
Do you think the Fluval Nano would be a good fit here? Any other options that I could consider?

View attachment 209726

You can also go higher with a narrow optic smart bulb...
Say 3ft up off the tank rim.

 

[oreo57]

Need a bulb w/ 25- ish degree optics
Simple calculator

LED Lighting Beam Angle Calculator

A simple calculator that determines spot size by a light's beam angle

store.marinebeam.com

@2ft...40 degrees.
When transitioning from aquarium light to " architecture" the words flood and spot take on different meanings 40 degree lenses light may be called a narrow flood where we think of it as more of a "spot" due to common distances used in each.

 

[MikeLowndes]

I would like to hear others' thoughts about which light to get for this aquarium I am in the process of setting up. As you can see, it is pretty close to my favourite chair for listening to music. The light fitting would be just behind my head, raised about a foot or two above eye level. As such, the light would need to be dimable and a shade would probably be a good idea.
I think an LED lamp centrally would likely be preferable to a bar due to the tank being a cube.
I like the look of the Fluval Nano LED. The app functionality is something I would definitely use.
In terms of plants, I am going for those that need low or moderate lighting and am not considering CO2 injection.
Do you think the Fluval Nano would be a good fit here? Any other options that I could consider?

View attachment 209726

Did you find a solution? I’m in a similar position but wanting to upgrade from cheap starter- lamps that are not adjustable.

 

[Dr. White]

Did you find a solution? I’m in a similar position but wanting to upgrade from cheap starter- lamps that are not adjustable.

Hi Mike. I ended up digging deep into my pocket and bought a Kessil A80. Before I bought it thought I might need to have it ramped down when I am sitting by it, but this has not been the case at all. In fact, I'd be happy if it had a bit more output! Having said that, I am extremely happy with the quality of light and the ripple effect it gives, and my plants have all be growing brilliantly under it.

 

[DeadFish]

Which martin model is hiding from me?

 

[Dr. White]

Which martin model is hiding from me?

A bit of a rare bird - a 5-16 GT. Tuned up in terz tuning as it should be. A great little box for picking away on the reclining chair

 

[DeadFish]

A bit of a rare bird - a 5-16 GT. Tuned up in terz tuning as it should be. A great little box for picking away on the reclining chair

Wow, that is a rare one. I recently sold my OM28 MD for a more couch suited Gibson L-00.

 

[MikeLowndes]

Interesting. I’ll have a look at it. 15 W seems a little underpowered esp for a deep tank (40 cm for me). I was tending towards the TwinStar 300 which is half this cost. But yours does also look pretty!

Hi Mike. I ended up digging deep into my pocket and bought a Kessil A80. Before I bought it thought I might need to have it ramped down when I am sitting by it, but this has not been the case at all. In fact, I'd be happy if it had a bit more output! Having said that, I am extremely happy with the quality of light and the ripple effect it gives, and my plants have all be growing brilliantly under it.