Fluval 3.0 light settings for corals.

[bwallen]

I have a Fluval tank in the photos and I am setting up my Fluval marine 3.0 light that sits 2” above the rim, that I am wanting to set up for corals mainly soft corals. Does anyone have any recommendations for light settings.

 

[CrazyDuck959]

I have a Fluval tank in the photos and I am setting up my Fluval marine 3.0 light that sits 2” above the rim, that I am wanting to set up for corals mainly soft corals. Does anyone have any recommendations for light settings.

Mine is quite simple but has worked for me so far. It has been able to keep my Soft Corals, LPS Corals, and my RFA’s alive for the past 6 months or so with no problems. But you can always update your settings to how you prefer.

I also modified the light when I added it to the tank so I could keep the lid as well. I cut off the non light button side extension bars and put end caps on the 2 bars so it could fit in the lid.

(Small Edit) If yours is the 16 gallon Fluval Spec and not the Fluval Evo 13.5 I’m not sure if the lighting modifications will matter to you. And if it is the Fluval Spec just note that you have a little bit of a taller tank than the Fluval Evo which I have.

 

[Hooz]

I've had a Nano version for several years now (1 year of use and several in the "parts" closet). I was always impressed with it, except for the power output. Spread was good and colors seemed good after tuning it a bit.

I've been chasing a "wide blue band" in a strip light format for a few years now. I was hoping the Blade was it, but was disappointed in the spectral output. I've been looking at the Fluval lights again pretty hard lately. After looking at the LED layout and color choices, I think the Marine 3.0 might be a VERY underestimated light.

Hear me out... Lets take a look at the LED color choices on the 15" Marine 3.0:

In BRS' latest lighting videos, they advocate for a "biology band" of 410-484nm. I mostly agree, but think it should probably be more like 400-490, but, whatever. With that in mind, take a look at the LED choices in the Fluval light. That's pretty nice coverage from 400-480nm in the blue range.

Now, I don't have any idea on how useful the "PINK" channel is, or where it would fall on the spectrum graph, and it's really a shame they dedicated so much of the total fixture power to white LEDs, but I would really, REALLY like someone with a spectrometer to test one of these lights and give us all the lowdown for real. They might just be a sleeper option.

 

[fodsod]

I ran the 48-60 inch version light on my 90G mixed reef tank for a year and a half. I had a few Acros, SPS up high closer to the light (within 10 inches) , LPS, softies were kept mid tank or lower with no issues. I did not take PAR readings while I had it.

Acros and SPS did grow (not fast) but they did ok (colors were good but not as good as they could be). I upgraded because I wanted lighting with more options and power to promote better growth and coloration. The app is pretty good as far as options go.

My only complaint with those lights is that if the power goes out they won't reset to your chosen program until you log into the app via Bluetooth. So if you're away from home your lighting will be a default setting until you open the app in range of the light.

I still run the smaller version on my 55G FOLWR tank. I may pop some softies in there soon and I will not be changing the light to do so.

I ran it on the same schedule with no changes once everything seemed happy. It ramped up for an hour (sunrise), then blue, purple and cyan all at 100%, red at 5% and white at 10% for 10 hours then ramp down (sunset) for an hour and 2% blue for a period of time (night setting) before lights off.

I don't have access to an actual screen shot of the schedule right now but I'll see if I can grab it later and post it.

 

[CrazyDuck959]

I've had a Nano version for several years now (1 year of use and several in the "parts" closet). I was always impressed with it, except for the power output. Spread was good and colors seemed good after tuning it a bit.

I've been chasing a "wide blue band" in a strip light format for a few years now. I was hoping the Blade was it, but was disappointed in the spectral output. I've been looking at the Fluval lights again pretty hard lately. After looking at the LED layout and color choices, I think the Marine 3.0 might be a VERY underestimated light.

Hear me out... Lets take a look at the LED color choices on the 15" Marine 3.0:

In BRS' latest lighting videos, they advocate for a "biology band" of 410-484nm. I mostly agree, but think it should probably be more like 400-490, but, whatever. With that in mind, take a look at the LED choices in the Fluval light. That's pretty nice coverage from 400-480nm in the blue range.

Now, I don't have any idea on how useful the "PINK" channel is, or where it would fall on the spectrum graph, and it's really a shame they dedicated so much of the total fixture power to white LEDs, but I would really, REALLY like someone with a spectrometer to test one of these lights and give us all the lowdown for real. They might just be a sleeper option.

Pink seems more red to me if it is anything, but in regards to the LED'S they have worked great in growing LPS and Soft Corals (Never tried SPS). I have no problems with the light, I specifically bought it cause it fit the Fluval Evo Lid if I made the small modifications to it. This way I did not have to get rid of the lid or purchase a new lid. Also it was a great upgrade from the stock light. Price is good and it works. So no complaints from me!