Lighting Advice for Fluval Sea 13G

[DeadEnd]

I just got a Fluval Sea 13 gallon tank and I'm looking for lighting suggestions. I'm planning to start with softies and some LPS, but I’d like to keep the option open to SPS in the future. Any recommendations? Curious what others have had success with on this setup.

Thanks

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

any led light of 50 watts will work on that tank.

A 100 watt light would be overkill, but would work if you turned it down, and would suit you if wanted to upgrade. Nicrew and AI Prime are brands that I use and would recommend, but there are so many out there.

 

[DeadEnd]

any led light of 50 watts will work on that tank.

A 100 watt light would be overkill, but would work if you turned it down, and would suit you if wanted to upgrade. Nicrew and AI Prime are brands that I use and would recommend, but there are so many out there.

Yeah, that’s exactly the problem... there are so many options out there that it’s getting a little overwhelming trying to narrow it down. Do you use the AI Prime Grow or the Glow model?

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Yeah, that’s exactly the problem... there are so many options out there that it’s getting a little overwhelming trying to narrow it down. Do you use the AI Prime Grow or the Glow model?

oh sorry, I have the AI Prime 16. The grow and glow are AI Blade models, I never tried it, but heard good things.

I know its not easy. Keep bumping your thread to get more suggestions, more people are online later in the day and evening.

 

[dthom]

Yeah, that’s exactly the problem... there are so many options out there that it’s getting a little overwhelming trying to narrow it down. Do you use the AI Prime Grow or the Glow model?

The Grow and Glow models are for the AI Blades. The AI Prime is different.
I have the 12 inch grow on one of my EVO 13.5's and like it. Keeping BTA's and softies easily. Prime would be better for SPS and I use a couple of them on my larger tank with SPS.

 

[dthom]

Blade is nice because it fit's perfectly in the existing lid for the Evo 13.5

 

[dthom]

Light schedule is still ramping up some. Wish it was a little higher wattage light.

 

[DeadEnd]

The Grow and Glow models are for the AI Blades. The AI Prime is different.
I have the 12 inch grow on one of my EVO 13.5's and like it. Keeping BTA's and softies easily. Prime would be better for SPS and I use a couple of them on my larger tank with SPS.

I am looking at the AI Prime. Any recommendation for which mount to get if I pull the trigger?

Light schedule is still ramping up some. Wish it was a little higher wattage light.

This is so nice! Being able to still use the lid would be an amazing advantage. Mmm

 

[dthom]

If you are just starting out with softies and LPS, I would recommend the AI Blade 12 inch grow light. Perfect fit to replace the stock light for the evo. Then you can always upgrade to the AI Prime later, or as I am planning, just add a second blade. I like not having any light bleed.

 

[DeadEnd]

If you are just starting out with softies and LPS, I would recommend the AI Blade 12 inch grow light. Perfect fit to replace the stock light for the evo. Then you can always upgrade to the AI Prime later, or as I am planning, just add a second blade. I like not having any light bleed.

I was actually thinking about the Blade, but knowing me, I’ll probably end up grabbing an SPS at some point and then feel guilty for not going with the AI Prime from the start.

 

[SaltySqueeble]

The blades are powerful light. I have a 25 gallon for LPS and only run them at 35%max. You could definitely do sps if you wanted. I’m also trying to figure out what might be good for a 10 gallon. Was thinking the blade would be too much.

 

[DeadEnd]

The blades are powerful light. I have a 25 gallon for LPS and only run them at 35%max. You could definitely do sps if you wanted. I’m also trying to figure out what might be good for a 10 gallon. Was thinking the blade would be too much.

Interesting I don't know what to buy then lol

 

[SaltySqueeble]

Interesting I don't know what to buy then lol

Just read some really good review about the PopBloom 60. Very powerful for the size. Can’t go wrong with the blade though. Can dial it back, raise it to whatever height, or so sleek it fits under your current lid and is super water resistant.

 

[SaltySqueeble]

Here’s my set up, under my lid. Grow and glow. Thriving!

 

[Science/G]

For a neat retrofit in your existing canopy, I think the blade is where it's at.
You can adjust the spectrum a bit, cool white and blues, and you can adjust the intensity. The par measurements on the AI site are for the light at 24" inches above the tank. In the canopy, 4 inches off the water?!? You will get a ton more par. Another thing I think, you may be left wanting with the grow. That's why people combine them with the glow for the UV and violet.

 

[Science/G]

The prime is best mounted 9 inches above the water, for best spread. Fit into your canopy, (cutting a hole) you will have an intense hot spot. They are good lights though. I love the controllability and the app.

 

[Justfebreezeit]

I have a single blade at 60% and it will grow whatever you want at that depth

 

[Science/G]

Wow! Now looking at the spectrum chart of the grow and the glow fish. I think that the glow fish would provide the best look and spectrum representation for a stand alone reef tank light