Nano Tank Light Test

[newbreed]

So I had the opportunity Friday to setup some new 30cm cubes, which will be used for guppies (maybe shrimp later on!)

I then decided it would be great to run a side by side comparison of the lights we sell online.

All tanks have same heaters, filters and substrate (shirakura red bee sand).

Left to Right:

Aqualighter Nano

Aqualighter Pico

Up Aqua Y series 18cm

ATLEDTiS E6

Left to Right:

Flexi Mini

Aqualighter Nano

Up Aqua Y series 18cm

ATLEDTiS E6

Left to Right:

Flexi Mini

Up Aqua ProZ 30cm

Up Aqua Y series 18cm

Up Aqua Y seties 25cm

Left to Right:

Flexi Mini

Up Aqua ProZ 30cm

Aqualighter Nano

ATLEDTiS E6

 

Very surprised by the blue content in the Y series lights, though these still work well wih mosses and low light plants.

Really Pleased with the ATLEDTiS E6 as it probably hd the most natural colour.

I knew the Flexi minis were bright, and this is the original version, but when directly compared it outshines all.

The ProZ has a nice even white colour to it as expected. 

Not a very scientific study, but amazing to see the side by side comparison.

Hope it helps with any future plans for smaller tank setups. Will definitely give me a better base for recommendations in the future. 

Also have planted some tissue culture plants in each tank, again same plants across all tanks, so will be fun to watch the growth rates of each. As all other factors are the same, light will be the ultimate factor to growth. 

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[OzShrimp]

I like the look of the ATLEDIS one the most to. Really good write up to see the difference.

 

I am intrigued to see the results of your tissue culture test. 

[newbreed]

1 hour ago, OzShrimp said:

I like the look of the ATLEDIS one the most to. Really good write up to see the difference.

 

I am intrigued to see the results of your tissue culture test. 

I have always been a fan of the Up Aqua lights but agree with you Shaun, the ATLEDTiS has really pleasantly surprised me.

[OzShrimp]

Yeah i have been buying Up Aqua aswell so was good to put them in perspective side by side. I have never seen it done before obviously because it can make a product look worst then advertised.

 

I for 1 am grateful you did it :) 

[newbreed]

I am glad to have done it too. Much better to see the difference in a n obvious manner. 

 

The plants will be the ultimate judges.

[neo-2FX]

Great comparison Jamie! I initially loved my flexi mini but after having seen a bunch of other lights now, it's easily not my favourite anymore haha. It's way too white and I think it has to do with how low it sits. Maybe it reflects off the water somehow when sitting low and doesn't have a good spread. That E6 though!!! ?

Edited May 9, 2016 by neo-2FX

[KeenShrimp]

Awesome post! I love the brightness of the Flexi Mini- my two smaller tanks are poorly lit and that will do nicely ? it might be extremely bright, but the tanks are in such a dark corner of the house...

[OzShrimp]

Any updates like with photos of the  start of the tissue culture and stuff @newbreed and where its at 5 weeks on ?

[newbreed]

On 24 June 2016 at 7:08 PM, OzShrimp said:

Any updates like with photos of the  start of the tissue culture and stuff @newbreed and where its at 5 weeks on ?

Haha! Thought I got away with no updates!! Thanks @OzShrimp!

Having some good growth results and decent biofilm growth too! Will do my best to update in next couple of days!

[OzShrimp]

On 6/25/2016 at 9:31 PM, newbreed said:

Haha! Thought I got away with no updates!! Thanks @OzShrimp!

Having some good growth results and decent biofilm growth too! Will do my best to update in next couple of days!

Still waiting..... lol =P

[KeenShrimp]

@newbreed is still cleaning the 'biofilm' off the front glass...?

[newbreed]

So much biofilm......

 

Sorry the week has been beyond insane! 

Images and updates will happen this weekend (2/3 July 2016!) 

On 28 June 2016 at 5:30 PM, KeenShrimp said:

@newbreed is still cleaning the 'biofilm' off the front glass...

I have always been known to be a bit slow...

[newbreed]

Apologies for lack of updates and further info..

Plants used in this setup were as follows:

Alternanthera Reinicki 

Monte Carlo

Green Pennywort

Bacopa Caroliana

Bacopa Monieri

Rotala colorata (my new favourite)

Cryptocoryne lucens

Cryptocoryne lutea

Final tank line up from left to right:

Flexi Mini

Atledtis E6

Aqualighter Nano

Up Aqua ProZ 30cm

I also added some Najas on moss ledges and a Buce in each tank. The Najas was because these tanks are now home to guppy breeding projects.

as the water has evaporated quickly I have had to move the moss ledges lower and the Najas isn't in finest form.

individual tank shots to follow this afternoon. ?

(we are six-seven weeks into project)

Flexi Mini tank

good biofilm growth and many plants, except green Pennywort, responding well.

Atledtis E6

again good biofilm and great plant growth

Aqualighter Nano

Biofilm growth also good, great colours coming off Reinicki especially.

Up Aqua ProZ 30cm

overall good growth and biofilm.

So all plants were added same day and majority are still thriving. No ferts have been added and the tanks hve been running on Shirakura Red Bee Sand. Azoo Mignon HOB filter with 3 Marine Pure spheres in each. Temps at 23-24.

I am wrapt that the Rotala colorata is showing good red color at new growth. For about four weeks it stayed mainly green growth, as it has settled the redness is back.

images don't do it justice. But my favourite plant of recent times. 

[NoGi]

Nice one, they look so much better than the plants in my tank lol

[Brentwillmers]

Hi 

I am really new to shrimp keeping (and this forum) I am busy setting up a new fully planted 2 footer. 

Lighting has been one of my biggest decisions. And almost bought into some of the lights mentioned in this thread. 

I landed up with a custom planted led panel build from make my led. 

My question is, is high par lighting ok for shrimp. I have some crs and black cherries. I am worried about them going into full hibernation while the lights reach full midday capacity. 

There are a series of leds ranging from 5000k to 7000k blues, whites and reds. With 120 degree optic lenses. (so going to be really bright) 

any info would be appreciated. 

Thanks. 

[Zebra]

Great write up and comparison @newbreed I've had my eye on the fleximini for awhile now. 

I might just have to order one from you ?