Lighting recommendations

[Mattant1984]

So im currently running a couple of Nicrew LED lights in my 24x18x18 low tech however I feel the light they put out isn't very nice to look at and I find it very yellow looking.

I'd like to upgrade so something like a twinstar or chihiros that would show better colours in the plants and fish but would also that be OK if I was to upgrade to high tech and add co2

 

[Mattant1984]

I also wanted to know if you can run a higher powered light such as a twinstar without having co2??

Obviously the light would be on a lower power

 

[hypnogogia]

I also wanted to know if you can run a higher powered light such as a twinstar without having co2??

Obviously the light would be on a lower power

Yes, you can.

 

[Mattant1984]

Yes, you can.

Are there any issues you need to watch out for if doing this??

 

[hypnogogia]

Are there any issues you need to watch out for if doing this??

I wouldn’t habe thought so. Just make sure that the light runs at a lower setting and for the right amount of time per day. Trial and error will help, and best to start low and slowly increase.

 

[Mattant1984]

I wouldn’t habe thought so. Just make sure that the light runs at a lower setting and for the right amount of time per day. Trial and error will help, and best to start low and slowly increase.

Thanks for your help with this 👍🏼👍🏼

 

[MichaelJ]

In addition to what @hypnogogia said above, with the new lights I would just start out with a perceived intensity (and hours) that matches your current setup with the Nicrew LED, but with a color settings that makes your tank look better. If needed, you can then later on start tweaking the intensity in small increments.

Cheers,
Michael

 

[Mattant1984]

In addition to what @hypnogogia said above, with the new lights I would just start out with a perceived intensity (and hours) that matches your current setup with the Nicrew LED, but with a color settings that makes your tank look better. If needed, you can then later on start tweaking the intensity in small increments.

Cheers,
Michael

Thanks @MichaelJ another question I have is because my tank is 18 inches front to back I am using 2 lights to get enough light coverage.

With a better quality light will I get more spread with it??
Don't really want to buy 2 new lights

 

[MichaelJ]

Thanks @MichaelJ another question I have is because my tank is 18 inches front to back I am using 2 lights to get enough light coverage.

With a better quality light will I get more spread with it??

yes, some of the better quality lights provide more spread as far as I know - you will have to ask around and compare specs (@oreo57 is our light expert, he may be able to provide some pointers...) - alternatively you can raise the light above the tank if that is an option.

Cheers,
Michael

 

[Mattant1984]

yes, some of the better quality lights provide more spread as far as I know - you will have to ask around and compare specs (@oreo57 is our light expert, he may be able to provide some pointers...) - alternatively you can raise the light above the tank if that is an option.

Cheers,
Michael

I can't raise the light above really as it's in a hood, I will see if @oreo57 can give me some pointers. Thanks again for your help Michael

 

[hypnogogia]

as it's in a hood,

You choice of light might be more limited as not all are suitable for under hood use.

 

[Mattant1984]

You choice of light might be more limited as not all are suitable for under hood use.

Saying they are in a hood isn't exactly true, I have an open top ND aquatics tank however use some white perspex on the top as it looks a bit odd open topped.

Not to say I couldn't remove the top or alter it in some way

 

[seedoubleyou]

AI blade freshwater may be another option

 

[Mattant1984]

AI blade freshwater may be another option

I will have a look at this one, have you used them??

 

[hypnogogia]

Saying they are in a hood isn't exactly true, I have an open top ND aquatics tank however use some white perspex on the top as it looks a bit odd open topped.

Gotcha.

 

[seedoubleyou]

I will have a look at this one, have you used them??

Don’t think they’re on the shelves yet, YouTube has a few vids on them now that they’ve been rolled out to the content creators.

They’ve always had a relationship with Waterbox who recommended them for their hooded tanks. The Waterbox Eden.