Led Lighting.

[Weiro792]

Hey guys, I'm trying to decide which light to get and any input would be great as I'm still just starting out. Here are the two main lights I was considering: 
 
Marineland Double Bright 48":
http/www.amazon.com/Marineland-Double-Bright-36-Inch-48-Inch/dp/B0032536R4/ref=sr_1_1?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1374802583&sr=1-1&keywords=marineland+double+bright+led
 
 
Marineland Aquatic Plant LED 36" or 48":
http/www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0085TVEL2/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
 
 
I guess I'm just wondering if anyone has had experience with both of these and if the Plant LED is worth the extra money.
 
I'm running a 55 gallon with medium plant population including: Crested Java Fern, Java Fern, Red Ludwigia, a random Anubis plant, and Java moss, I'm planning on adding some dwarf Hair grass and maybe something else, haven't really decided yet. Maybe lilies?
 
Oh, and the picture is just to show the set up. I'm in the process of replacing the tank as the center brace is starting to break, thus the strap and low water level. 

 

[ech0o]

The plant one is more suited for a freshwater tank,  6500k is ideal for plants and will have a nice look to it.  Blue is more for marine settings, and has no real value other than aesthetics in the freshwater tank.
 
I am going to give you my honest opinion real quick, Marineland LED fixtures are though to be some of the worse fixtures on the market.  I would honestly spring the extra couple of bucks for the Finnex FugeRay2k planted light.  http/www.amazon.com/Finnex-Ray2-Aquarium-Daylight-48-Inch/dp/B008K3DO9I/ref=sr_1_1?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1374844177&sr=1-1&keywords=finnex+ray+2+48
 
The PAR on that light is far higher than on the marineland one at almost 40watts!!

 

[Weiro792]

Nice! I didn't even know about those, but it looks great! So you would get that one, even over the Marineland plant LED? Cause if that's the case, its pretty much half the cost. 

 

[ech0o]

Precisely, half the cost, for a better made unit, with far more PAR(photo-synthetically active radiation), which is the light that the plants can actually use for photosynthesis.   That fugeray will penetrate the water well and is super bright, they look really crisp!  Finnex claims is has the power of 3 high output T5 bulbs

 

[Weiro792]

Awesome! Well I guess I'll go with that one then. Anything would be an upgrade from what I have as it is just a single T8 bulb. Do I need to have a glass cover with the fugeray? Or can I just run it directly over the water as long as there is no water getting on it?

 

[ech0o]

They do have a splash guard for the occasional splashing, but obviously are not full waterproof or submersible.   "All models feature a moisture resistant PC Splash Guard to protect against water mishaps."

 

[Weiro792]

Just ordered the new light, I ended up going with the Finnex like you suggested, better reviews hands down. Not to mention cheaper than its counterparts. Thanks for the advice!