After a ten year absence from fish keeping, I’m cycling a 75 gal tank. Planning on returning to African cichlids. In the past I had no luck with plants. After listening to you, I understand I didn’t know what I was doing and had the wrong lighting. Thank you. If I get brave I may replace my plastic plants and try some low light plants with my Aquasky.
I’m of an age where I don’t devour the instruction manual or really grasp the online world of technology , so Benson , thank you for give clear and consise information on how to operate the Aquasky, and get the best from it, allowing me to make the adjustments to suit
Just got the light last night and already love it. Found this video when looking for good settings, my favorite plant is the Java fern, so it makes this video even greater. Thanks!
I have not long purchased these lights. Big thank you Bentley for a immense and informative three part section on these lights I found my setting requirement thanks to your guide lines. Big up 👍
My wife and I have several of these lights because they give great control on a budget. Thanks so much for the great info! I’m looking at these lights in a different way now. More settings to play with
Thank you so much for this! I got the aqua-sky-ish ;) light that comes with the Fluval Shaker series. I have only had Finnex Planted plus lights with a remote previously so this light is a whole new ball game. I agree it's not for high tech set ups for sure, but I am doing a dark water tank with crypts, java ferns and a couple of swords so your settings bumped up for the tannin stained water are going to be perfect! Thank you again and Happy New Year!
I’m setting up a 10 gallon for my young son (5 year old) to have in his room. I was all set to buy a plant 3.0, as I liked the automation (less for a kid to think about when learning) but I was concerned it would be much to powerful for a little tank… Then I saw this existed. I think it will be the perfect light for a small, low light low tech tank.
I have several of these lights, I've had good success with similar settings to yours, but I add more red light late in the day to emulate sunset. This is really more for my enjoyment than it is for the plants. The tank is full of low light plants- Bolbitis Heudelotti, Java Fern, Crypts, and Buce, all doing wonderfully.
You Sir have a new subscriber & 2 thumbs-up! Wow... I not only needed this exact info. for my new Fluval Flex 32.5 freshwater set up, but you explained it very nicely. I am a little sad that I didn't do more research on the needs of the monte carlo plant, but I guess I'll find out what does well and what plants don't soon enough. I'm going for a low tech aqua scape with some fish eventually, shrimp and snails. Thanks for this video. I'll check out what else you have. Tamara
Thank you! Was sold a Fluval Sky by my LFS and didn't know what I was doing, just did the pre-programmed "plant boost" in auto mode for my tank, which was recently cycled. I was getting some algae on the glass... Hoping that turning down the blue and shortening the days/lengthening sunrise+sunset will help cut back on some of that!
Great review Bentley.I use this this light on my 55gallon aquarium which is 24" tall.All my plants are lower light level demand, crypts,ferns,anubias.I run similar settings to those you've just put out but in pro mode,looking forward to part 3.My next step is to introduce co2.keep up the great work mate.👍👍👍
I love these aqua sky videos!! Haven’t found many as helpful as yours! Just got some aqua sky’s and haven’t used them to there full potential yet, after these videos that’s gonna change!!!
Love this information bentley, I'm def going on those settings for my tall tank using crypts, javas etc, thankyou for the knowledge mate, it helps alot. 👍💚
I started with your settings with Fluval Plant 3.0, made little changes to know plants reactions, and finally I have full power (except blues at 25%) and everything goes well so far. Of course, CO2 running...
Always learn from your videos, Love Em!!! There is so much good information in them I usually need to watch them multiple times. But what im eagerly waiting for is a real nerdy light & plant growth video, such as how to manipulate plant growth with only changing light settings. Also on a side note, aquarium co op needs to add the coupon code 'Bentley'. I think on account of you I'm buying Cory a beach house! 🤣
Hey Bentley great video. Question i have a fluval shaker 66gallon im going to have a mix of mostly low and hight light plants if i bought a second aquasky light would i run your shallow tank settings? Red 50, green 60, blue 10, white 70
I just bought a 55 gallon fish thank And it came with this light. I do not have plants in it right now All I was planning on getting the plants in 2 weeks. The only thing I have in the fish tank is 6 small African in cichlids What lights do you recommend? This is my first fish tank.
For anubias and java fern, I always thought low light meant lower brightness on light settings. I've never gone higher than 40 percent at the peak of day and slowly ramp up and down for sunrise/sunset. I'm definitely going to try this, thank you!
Hi Bentley, a time ago you helped me good with my Rio nanay tank and the fluval plant settings. Now I am setting up a Malawi tank , with some vallisneria plant, what light should you recommend the sky or the plant version,for letting the fish coming nicely out in color ? Already thanks for your time and good advice 😊😊
Bentley, thank you very much for this helpful info! Apologies if someone already asked and I missed it, but what setting would you suggest for a 5.5 gallon with low-light plants and the light 9 inches above the substrate?
Idk if you're still answering any questions.. I have 2 of these lights in my 32.5 flex.. I'd really love any recommendations. I had a bad algae bloom and lots of leaves got covered with algae. I dialed back on blue. I also could guess that the algae was due to substrate and it being a new tank.
Very informative Bentley, just bought my Aquasky on the recommendation of my LFS only to discover after watching your review, that it is no good for my planted tank which is 24" deep. I shall be letting them know my opinion 😒
Great video. I have a brand new fluval flex 32 gallon and I added the second light. I have anuvia and java fern in it. Do I use the same settings you recommended being that I added a second light?
Thank you Bentley, I have been looking for a light to replace the el cheapo ebay one on my low tech four foot tank and was thinking of either this light or the Fluval plant. i will be getting the aquasky and running with your recommended settings.
Hi from the UK,thanks for the useful tips on your channel. I’ve a question….I’ve a Roma 200L tank and two 25W Aquasky lights front and back. Currently run Red 70%/Green 66%/Blue 18% and 82% white. Tank is planted with fern anubius etc. just wondered what your thoughts were as two light? Thanks
Hi Bentley, I've been trying to get rid of rust colour and purple algae in a planted tank. What light settings would you recommend for this. This is becoming more of a pain in the butt than something to watch and chill out.
I do not have a Aquasky but your guide videos are always very informative and easy to follow. Thank you for putting in the time to bring these guides out.
Thank you very much for your guides. I have a question about the night mode. How long would it be 'safe' to leave it on for? I dont want to encourage algae. I like the effect of 3% blue and 1% white, and would like to have it on for a couple hours if that won't grow algae.
I have hornwort and Java fern in my 10 gal tank. I have had this tank going for about a week with the standard light that came with it. I just got a Fluval Aquasky last night. I am not sure what settings to use. My hornwort does not look good. It is yellowish brown at the botttom I have read that this plant is easy to care for. But i am struggling.
Please help me out! I have a 20 gallon long tank and I love the color customization and overall light on the Fluval Flex tank. Having said that, I purchased the 20 gallon without a light or hood. Can you please tell me what you would recommend for a planted tank light with adjustable color features? Here’s my list: Fluval Aquasky, Fluval Planted, Hygger, or Finnex Planted?
The app was highly confusing to me so this explanation was excellent! Wondering if you could give me advice as I have a 210 gallon tank with one 48-in aqua sky... All I have is anubias... Under auto mode should I just put everything at 100%? I placed the light in the center of the tank.
You might start at 75 for the whites and pink, blue at 15. Monitor for a couple weeks to see if you get algae. Even in a large tank you don't want to have too much light because then you will run into problems with algae, especially on anubius, because it tends to have a problem with detritis gathering on the leaves and causing algae.
This is top tier content, One question, I have a 10gal shallow tank, with some Monte Carlo as a carpet, not sure what setting to use since the plant is more or less new? (got it from aquarium co-op) I'm thinking about using your 40 breeder setting because it’ll put out a bunch of light, just not sure how my Java fern and Amazon sword will do with it Thank you for these videos, they are extremely helpful in understanding the hobby
You will want the higher light setting for something like Monte Carlo as it is a bit more of a light depending plant. But you might try a variation of it as it settling in it slightly lower like maybe dial it back. 5%
Awesome Series Bentley! really enjoyed following. Recently picked up a flex 32.5 and have added a plant 3.0 24" wondering if you would have any advice on using the Aquasky in tandem with the plant 3.0?
Keep the light relatively low or only on for about 6 hours per day. You can split this up to be on in the morning and evening using pro mode so it's only on when you're home to enjoy it
Hi Bentley, I really liked this video. Nicely done and very informative. I have had a Fluval Flex 32.5 now for abount 2 1/2 months. Eveything was going great, but now I have a huge black beard algae outbreak and can't get it under control. The tank is in a room that has lots of windows so it does get a lot of natural light and I initially had my light settings low becuase of this. I have been playing around with the Aquasky settings, but have yet to find a good balance. I am wondering if I should try my tank with your first settings or second settings. Plants I have are: Java Moss, Anubias, Microsorum Pteropus 'Narrow' (Java Fern), Hygrophila polysperma, Echinodorus 'Reni' (Most of this died and what survived has barely grown at all), Bucephalandra 'Kedagang' (Growing, but very slowly), Rotala Rotundifolia (growing really well and fast) and Amazon Sword. I used root tabs when I first setup the tank and I use Seachem Flourish once a week. My nitrates are always around 5ppm and I do 30% water changes every two weeks. I look forward to any insight and suggestions you might have for me.
My big question would be how long are your lights on? All the additional light coming through your windows, we might need to make adjustments to the duration of light if we're using a stronger intensity in order to help balance that out.
@@BentleyPascoe Thanks for the reply. I just recently changed to Sunrise 0800-1000, Sunset 1800-2000. 70 white, 60 green, 50 red, 10 blue. Night 2000-2200 with 2 blue and 1 white. Originally I was running Sunrise 1000-1100, Sunset 1900-2000. 65 white, 30 green, 20 red, 20 blue. Night 2000-2200 with 5 blue.
Makes me want to move my Plant 3.0 to my column tank and get the Aquasky for my Amazonian tank with Javas, vals, and green cabomba! Tinted black water too. I feel like the 3.0 is too strong for a 15” deep 14 gallon cube but perfect for a 19” deep column 10 gallon with lots of stems! Love all your tips!
Greetings Bentley from the UK! I have a new Fluval shaker 252L tank. I’d say it’s just shy of 24” top to bottom, but with my substrate it’s about 19” or 20”. Would I use your ‘tall’ setting or something slightly different? Many thanks
Hoping you might know what I’m doing wrong. I added my first plants a few weeks ago, 2 Java Fern Windelovs. The tank is 50cm tall with a very thin layer of dark sand and the plants are attached to a small artificial tree branch so they are raised off the sand. My problem is that the leaves and the artificial stem are covered in brown. I don’t know if it’s diatoms or algae but it comes off when I rub it with my fingers. The sand doesn’t have any on. If I rub it off it’s back in about 3 days. This is a fancy goldfish tank that’s been up and running for a few months now and was cycled prior to adding fish and plants. It’s a 27w Aquasky 2.0 set to 100% white, 20% Blue, 90% Green, 75% Red. Previously it had a simple 28w, long white led light on the tank. I hoped swapping to the aquasky would solve the issue but it has not. The tank is not in front of any windows. Sunrise is set to 8am to 9am and sunset is 8pm to 9pm. No light at night. The tank is filtered with a fluval 307 canister and uv (uv on for 6 hours a day currently). I suck the goldfish poo out daily with a turkey baster and water change approx 80% a week. I feed 3 times a day with sinking tetra gold Japan pellets and do not over feed. No fertilisers are added. The new tank water is treated with Seachem Prime and temperature matched. Temperature is ambient, the lowest it’s currently getting is 19c. Do you have any advice? I have windelov’s in a guppy tank with 2 ammano shrimp and some tiny hitch hiking snails, the plants in that tank don’t have the issue but they are under a different light. Same filter, same water change regime, same sand, but a different tetra food and kept at 23c.
Almost assuredly some diatom or just general mulm debris settling. Given the removal of waste, I would gamble we're looking at some diatoms. You should get past it, I would keep cleaning it off and just watching over time.
The flexibility of this light makes me regret some of my other lighting purchases. I have some cheap Nicrew lights on my 20 long and 29s and I use their external ramp timer to replicate some of these settings but it’s a PITA when the power goes out and I have to reset the time on all of them. This light does more for a bit more money but worth it! Love the content as always. Planting a crypt tank now with a mix of other low and med demand plants - I like to experiment to see what works in my water. My Java fern never seems to survive but most crypts do very well. Wish I’d seen this video 4 years ago when I set up my 55 with a Current Satellite Pro and blasted it with so much light the resultant algae almost made me give up. The Current lacks any proper ramp up or down, too. Sorry, rambling. Thanks for the excellent content - will be so pleased if my new tank looks half as nice as the one behind you in this vid.
Just got this light for my saltwater FOWLR tank. It’s a 36 gallon bowfront tank. Bentley may I ask what settings you would suggest on this light for my tank? Petsmart said this is a great light for my tank
To be honest, I'm not really certain what the best settings are for salt water because I'm not a saltwater person. I would suspect that you would want to push the blues and the whites and limit some of the red and green.
@@BentleyPascoe Awesome. Can’t wait to see! I have two of these lights. Tank has some floating plants so I’m not sure if I’ll need the white at 100% I’ve got the white at 90% and turned the blue down to 15% as well. I’m also looking to raise the lights about 1.5 inches above the tank. Hopefully that will help out as well. Thank you for these videos and the knowledge!
Hi Bentley! So from low light plants I’m starting to add higher light plants like some Madagascar lace and others. Do you recommend to add a second aquasky light bar or switch to plant 3.0? Currently have the mega flex 32G with the single aquasky light it came with. Would the 40 breeder settings be ok for this tank in avoiding algae and providing a good balance to the low to higher light plants? Thanks
I just purchased a Fluval AquaSky light for my planted 20g long Axolotl tank. I set it up using your recommendations. I primarily have Java Fern and Anubias in the tank, but the brightness seems like it may be too much for him. Any recommendation on setting adjustments?
I would try just bringing it down, say 10% on the main white and you can kind of tinker with like the greens, reds and blues by bringing them down a little bit and if that's still seems too bright, try toning it down again the same amount. Don't be afraid to tinker by settings are kind of a starting point and then it's about being willing to play with it a little bit and find what's right for your tank and it's environment.
I have a 20 gallon high planted with only Italian jungle val. Should I use the 70% white light setting or your 40 breeder 100% white light setting? Thanks for your advice.
I love the plants in your aquariums. You have inspired me to try plants out in Indianapolis water. I have had luck with only crypts, anubias and floating water lettuce everything else has died. Even the anubias is struggling now due to BBA. Can you recommend some plants that will grow in our hard and alkaline water? PS I am experimenting with CO2- too early to report on results.
Try starting with the setting that I use on my 40 breeder in the second part of this series if that causes too much algae switch to the shallow setting that's in the second video
Hello, for starters this was an excellent watch. You explained everything clearly and understandable. But I am kind of new to the hobby and scratching my head at what lights purchase. I have 45 gallon breeder community tank with anubius, java fern and some swords. Would you recommend this light for these conditions? Or would i need something a bit brighter to see my fish a little more?. I stumbled apon this light and the fluval 3.0 wich led me to this youtube video. it's probably silly to ask concindering you had just explained everything but i am still learning haha.
Considering all the plants, you really only need lower light requirements. I think you'd be fine with an aqua sky. The only problem you're going to run into is that you might not cover front to back fully with either of these lights. So just be prepared to have a dimmer zone because the light only spreads so well
Your videos came out just when I got my fluvalflex 32 with 2 aquasky lights and I was TOTALLY lost on how to set it up. You are a life saver!!! My tank has java ferns, anubias (a few varieties), amazon sword, argentine sword and tiger lotus, is this ultimate auto mode setting good for all of these guys?
Sorry I meant to add, i have 2 aquaksy strips, would you modify the settings (75,90,20,100) or leave both at that? My old 12G had a neon light that seemed more "purple white" and my plants were full of algae and I want to avoid that hot mess in this new tank
I am growing some crypts and a melon sword. I am definitely using that last setting you gave out, but I have been using the default pro mode and while my surface plants have gone wild, the octopus grass (and ALL of my medium light stem plants) I purchased have all disintegrated on me. The only clue I have is that there is some new growth, but it's all isolated to where the light comes in. It's a blackwater aquarium and I want to achieve my plant goal of having a jungle behind my hardscape
@@BentleyPascoe so in the meantime, I should just put my settings to max on everything during the day? The water color resembles an Arnold Palmer (black tea and lemonade)
@@BentleyPascoe thanks so much for this. I dialed down the blue to 20% for the light I have and just maxed everything else out during the day. As for my other possible issues, I am pretty sure that there's no shortage of nutrients in the tank because my fish are well fed (possibly to the point of overeating), my chemistry is too good, and everything else seems to be in balance stock wise (I have snails that hitchhiked in, but have not gotten out of control).
Hello - I have an acrylic tank that is clear on all sides that gets a good amount of ambient light, and some direct sunlight. Would this setting be too much light for low light plants? I tried using just the ambient light, and it was not enough, but I'm afraid this setting might be too much. is there a way to modify?
The aquasky is not a super powerful light to begin with, so the question becomes what size is the acrylic tank? If it's a more shallow tank, we can just augment my shallow setting to go a little lower in intensity and then slowly dial it up if necessary. If the tank is fairly deep (20+ inches tall), then we likely can start with a more powerful setting and observe - it we start seeing a lot of algae compared to normal, we dial it back until we find the setting that gives us good plant health and minimal algae. Hope that makes sense!
Hi Bentley, I recently changed out my T8 bulbs for an Aquasky 2.0 and have about 14 inches between substrate and light unit. I have it set as follows R 50%, G 60%, B 10% and W 70% with a 2 hour sunrise and sunset and a total of 8 hours (4 hours at max level) as per your suggestion for a shallow low tech tank. Since installing the light two weeks ago I have now lost a Cory and the other Corys and Otos are now less visible and hide more. Before fitting the new light everything was healthy and nothing else has changed in the tank - water parameters are stable and there have been no new plant, ornament or livestock additions. Can the change of light stress the fish? Will the remaining fish eventually get used to the new light or should I reduce even further? I'm worried about changing it again after losing one fish and stressing the others further. Great video series BTW!
Hi Bentley my tank measures 68x24x20 its heavy planted with no C02 and lit by 3 30watt LED spotlights. Although the plants are growing well i feel i need a better light to help the colours pop in both the plants and fish. I've been looking into the Aquasky but i will need 2 because of my tank length would it be ok? My tank is an open topped and i would plan on suspending the lights off cables as not keen to have a lights so close to water. By the way I'm from Crewe in the UK home of the Bentley lol
There is a chance the aquasky isn't quite powerful enough for your tank. It depends on the lighting demands for the plants you have, you might be better off going with something more powerful, and being able to dim it.
@@tonyaleekent1768 hey! Helped you over but I'll briefly answer here too for anyone who looks. Given how shallow the flex is, we're likely looking at too much light, so let's dial it down some and see how it fairs.
Hello there loving these types of videos! I have a question for yourself? I have a 4ft tank around 270litres I breed pleco L333 king tigers and was wondering which setting would be good for them? I don’t have any plants but have bog wood and natural slate and caves for them many thank Phil from the uk!
Bentley do you think if I already have a Finnex 24/7 and grabbed an aquasky as my second light on my 45 high I’d be in good shape light wise to add on CO2?
Since a 20 gallon is 16" high the same as the 40 breeder you are testing the aquasky on would your settings directly correlate to my 20 gallon? I figured it would be pretty close since the 24" aquasky is only 18 watts compared to your 36" that is 27 watts. I would really value your opinion on this. Thank you Sir and keep up the amazing job and stay awesome!!
I have a question. What if you don't have any plants and don't plan on having plants? I just have some fish and a center piece decoration. What settings would you recommend for this? Also it is a 29 gallon tank, 22 inches tall.
Hello, Does the color of the substrate and background have an impact, positive or negative, on aquarium plants? My next aquarium will possibly be a "Martian" landscape, unheated, with red substrate and reddish background containing Cryptocorynes, Anubias, Bucephalandras, Microsorums and other aquarium plants that thrive on low level light. Thanks for your great information on various topics!
I was advised by my local shop to purchase the 21w aquasky for a fluval roma 125. The crypts at the bottom are doing great but the java fern is going brown and have short green algae on both the fern and anubias. What setting would be recommended. Around 14 - 15 inches between top of water level and substrate.
Hey bentley just got this light for my bowfront 36gal with anubias and java fern as well as amazon sword my ? Is i know these plant dont need co2 but i am adding pressurized co2, will this light be enough?? Or whats your thoughts
@@BentleyPascoe thanks. 1 more question If you dont mind ive watched your videos and respect your knowledge, seeing as i have root feeders in with plants that feed from liquid ferts would i be overdosing ferts by using seachem flourish tabs around the root feeders and adding liquid ferts for the others like anubias? Im a complete newbie at all this. Wouldnt some of the nutrients from flourish tabs leach into the water??
I've recently set up a heavily planted 55 gal. With co2. All I have at the moment is 1 36" aquasky. Would I be ok adding a 4' aquasky with the 36" aquasky or should I just get the 4' plant 3.0? This is my first attempt at a high tech set-up, but just wasn't sure about the lighting. I know I need more light. Just uncertain which way to go.
I planted crypts and swords heavily on the far right and left with epiphytes on rock formations. Stems heavily in the middle with dwarf hair grass carpet across the whole tank, heavier in the middle. I hate to spend on the 3.0 but I would if I needed. Also, thanks so much for the input. You are by far one of my favorites. Keep up all the wonderful info, I truly appreciate it.
With my Aquasky I’m running sun rises ramps up then 6 hours of full power then it ramps down with a moon light then off at 10pm. on a 55 gallon. Plants are Java, AMAZON sword dwarf tiger lily. aponogeton,Vallisneria,Water Sprite. Anything I should change. Little bit of algae but fish are keeping up with it
Hello Bentley my new 257 litre cube tank arrived, it’s 70cm long , 65cm deep , 61cm high , 5cm of substrate, I’m going to be running a fluval plant v3 light , on it , any recommended setting for the light settings , it will be stocked with Anubis’s , Java fens , pogo sermon , frogbit, and rooted plants I’m still trying to chose , I will be keeping discus , so have to chose one suitable for these temperatures,
After a ten year absence from fish keeping, I’m cycling a 75 gal tank. Planning on returning to African cichlids. In the past I had no luck with plants. After listening to you, I understand I didn’t know what I was doing and had the wrong lighting. Thank you. If I get brave I may replace my plastic plants and try some low light plants with my Aquasky.
I’m of an age where I don’t devour the instruction manual or really grasp the online world of technology , so Benson , thank you for give clear and consise information on how to operate the Aquasky, and get the best from it, allowing me to make the adjustments to suit
Just got the light last night and already love it. Found this video when looking for good settings, my favorite plant is the Java fern, so it makes this video even greater. Thanks!
This is the video I've been waiting for! YAY!
I could watch that crypt carpet all day! You’re a big inspiration Bentley, thanks for the great tutorial ❤️
I love this series. Every Fluval Aquasky owner should watch them 🙂
Learned so much from this video series. I was a little nervous after I first bought the light and reading it wasn't for plants at all.
I have two of these lights on a planted 20 gallon long. Using your recommended settings. So far, so good. Thanks, Bentley.
Another great tutorial on lighting control, based on proven real-world research! All of your research is greatly appreciated.
Just bought one of these today. Bc I've started putting in live plants. And your video series is my first stop. Cheers!
Exactly what I was looking for! Thank you!
Thank you SO MUCH for your clear and concise explanation! Now I know why my plants haven’t been doing so well!
Great channel . Subbed. Thanks for the great info.
I have not long purchased these lights. Big thank you Bentley for a immense and informative three part section on these lights I found my setting requirement thanks to your guide lines. Big up 👍
My wife and I have several of these lights because they give great control on a budget. Thanks so much for the great info! I’m looking at these lights in a different way now. More settings to play with
Thank you so much for this! I got the aqua-sky-ish ;) light that comes with the Fluval Shaker series. I have only had Finnex Planted plus lights with a remote previously so this light is a whole new ball game. I agree it's not for high tech set ups for sure, but I am doing a dark water tank with crypts, java ferns and a couple of swords so your settings bumped up for the tannin stained water are going to be perfect! Thank you again and Happy New Year!
I’m setting up a 10 gallon for my young son (5 year old) to have in his room. I was all set to buy a plant 3.0, as I liked the automation (less for a kid to think about when learning) but I was concerned it would be much to powerful for a little tank… Then I saw this existed. I think it will be the perfect light for a small, low light low tech tank.
Thanks Bentley, you helped me with my aquasky settup.
I have several of these lights, I've had good success with similar settings to yours, but I add more red light late in the day to emulate sunset. This is really more for my enjoyment than it is for the plants. The tank is full of low light plants- Bolbitis Heudelotti, Java Fern, Crypts, and Buce, all doing wonderfully.
Really helpful, thank you! Just set up my first scape in a tall tank with low light plants :)
You Sir have a new subscriber & 2 thumbs-up! Wow... I not only needed this exact info. for my new Fluval Flex 32.5 freshwater set up, but you explained it very nicely. I am a little sad that I didn't do more research on the needs of the monte carlo plant, but I guess I'll find out what does well and what plants don't soon enough. I'm going for a low tech aqua scape with some fish eventually, shrimp and snails. Thanks for this video. I'll check out what else you have. Tamara
Thank you, this info has been super helpful 😊
Just what I was waiting for
Thank you Bentley
Definitely trying your settings on my tall 👍
Very informative. Thankyou, I was wondering how to set my lights up
Great video on the Fluval lights, learnt a lot, thank you
Thanks for the video sir helped me a ton with this light!
Thankyou so much for your clear to understand advice, I have just changes my settings.
I'll keep you updated how my tank/plants react.
How did you find it?
@freyan8773 Hi Freya....cant fault it all stem plants and foreground/floating plants have thrived.
Thank you! Was sold a Fluval Sky by my LFS and didn't know what I was doing, just did the pre-programmed "plant boost" in auto mode for my tank, which was recently cycled. I was getting some algae on the glass... Hoping that turning down the blue and shortening the days/lengthening sunrise+sunset will help cut back on some of that!
Very well explained ! Thank you
Great review Bentley.I use this this light on my 55gallon aquarium which is 24" tall.All my plants are lower light level demand, crypts,ferns,anubias.I run similar settings to those you've just put out but in pro mode,looking forward to part 3.My next step is to introduce co2.keep up the great work mate.👍👍👍
I am using the same setting as you did at the start of the this video thank you for this video i have rams
Very informative, and great for a beginner like me.
I love these aqua sky videos!! Haven’t found many as helpful as yours! Just got some aqua sky’s and haven’t used them to there full potential yet, after these videos that’s gonna change!!!
Love this information bentley, I'm def going on those settings for my tall tank using crypts, javas etc, thankyou for the knowledge mate, it helps alot. 👍💚
Fantastic info mate thank you it helps loads
I started with your settings with Fluval Plant 3.0, made little changes to know plants reactions, and finally I have full power (except blues at 25%) and everything goes well so far. Of course, CO2 running...
Always learn from your videos, Love Em!!! There is so much good information in them I usually need to watch them multiple times. But what im eagerly waiting for is a real nerdy light & plant growth video, such as how to manipulate plant growth with only changing light settings. Also on a side note, aquarium co op needs to add the coupon code 'Bentley'. I think on account of you I'm buying Cory a beach house! 🤣
Great vid, really helped, thank you!
Helpful. Planted 75 gal. Newbie
Love this information from faron
Hey Bentley great video. Question i have a fluval shaker 66gallon im going to have a mix of mostly low and hight light plants if i bought a second aquasky light would i run your shallow tank settings? Red 50, green 60, blue 10, white 70
i have a fluval flex and have been struggling with black beard algae, i hope dialing back the blue will help like you said!
Just got this so this is very helpful
I just bought a 55 gallon fish thank And it came with this light.
I do not have plants in it right now All I was planning on getting the plants in 2 weeks. The only thing I have in the fish tank is 6 small African in cichlids What lights do you recommend? This is my first fish tank.
For anubias and java fern, I always thought low light meant lower brightness on light settings. I've never gone higher than 40 percent at the peak of day and slowly ramp up and down for sunrise/sunset. I'm definitely going to try this, thank you!
Hi Bentley, a time ago you helped me good with my Rio nanay tank and the fluval plant settings. Now I am setting up a Malawi tank , with some vallisneria plant, what light should you recommend the sky or the plant version,for letting the fish coming nicely out in color ?
Already thanks for your time and good advice 😊😊
Bentley, thank you very much for this helpful info!
Apologies if someone already asked and I missed it, but what setting would you suggest for a 5.5 gallon with low-light plants and the light 9 inches above the substrate?
Idk if you're still answering any questions.. I have 2 of these lights in my 32.5 flex.. I'd really love any recommendations. I had a bad algae bloom and lots of leaves got covered with algae. I dialed back on blue. I also could guess that the algae was due to substrate and it being a new tank.
Very informative Bentley, just bought my Aquasky on the recommendation of my LFS only to discover after watching your review, that it is no good for my planted tank which is 24" deep. I shall be letting them know my opinion 😒
Great video. I have a brand new fluval flex 32 gallon and I added the second light. I have anuvia and java fern in it. Do I use the same settings you recommended being that I added a second light?
Huge help
Thank you Bentley, I have been looking for a light to replace the el cheapo ebay one on my low tech four foot tank and was thinking of either this light or the Fluval plant. i will be getting the aquasky and running with your recommended settings.
Hi from the UK,thanks for the useful tips on your channel.
I’ve a question….I’ve a Roma 200L tank and two 25W Aquasky lights front and back.
Currently run Red 70%/Green 66%/Blue 18% and 82% white.
Tank is planted with fern anubius etc. just wondered what your thoughts were as two light?
Thanks
As long as you don't see excessive algae, it sounds good
@@BentleyPascoe thanks for that,appreciate the channel,really helpful
Hi Bentley, I've been trying to get rid of rust colour and purple algae in a planted tank. What light settings would you recommend for this.
This is becoming more of a pain in the butt than something to watch and chill out.
I set my daylight settings exactly to your percentages, however mine looks very bright. Did I miss something? Thank you
I do not have a Aquasky but your guide videos are always very informative and easy to follow. Thank you for putting in the time to bring these guides out.
Thank you very much for your guides. I have a question about the night mode.
How long would it be 'safe' to leave it on for? I dont want to encourage algae. I like the effect of 3% blue and 1% white, and would like to have it on for a couple hours if that won't grow algae.
I have hornwort and Java fern in my 10 gal tank. I have had this tank going for about a week with the standard light that came with it. I just got a Fluval Aquasky last night. I am not sure what settings to use. My hornwort does not look good. It is yellowish brown at the botttom I have read that this plant is easy to care for. But i am struggling.
Thank you
Please help me out! I have a 20 gallon long tank and I love the color customization and overall light on the Fluval Flex tank. Having said that, I purchased the 20 gallon without a light or hood. Can you please tell me what you would recommend for a planted tank light with adjustable color features? Here’s my list: Fluval Aquasky, Fluval Planted, Hygger, or Finnex Planted?
Depends on the plants you want. The plant and aquasky are both good options and I've had a lot of success with them
The app was highly confusing to me so this explanation was excellent! Wondering if you could give me advice as I have a 210 gallon tank with one 48-in aqua sky... All I have is anubias... Under auto mode should I just put everything at 100%? I placed the light in the center of the tank.
You might start at 75 for the whites and pink, blue at 15. Monitor for a couple weeks to see if you get algae. Even in a large tank you don't want to have too much light because then you will run into problems with algae, especially on anubius, because it tends to have a problem with detritis gathering on the leaves and causing algae.
@@BentleyPascoe thanks glad I subbed to you!
This is top tier content,
One question, I have a 10gal shallow tank, with some Monte Carlo as a carpet, not sure what setting to use since the plant is more or less new? (got it from aquarium co-op)
I'm thinking about using your 40 breeder setting because it’ll put out a bunch of light, just not sure how my Java fern and Amazon sword will do with it
Thank you for these videos, they are extremely helpful in understanding the hobby
You will want the higher light setting for something like Monte Carlo as it is a bit more of a light depending plant. But you might try a variation of it as it settling in it slightly lower like maybe dial it back. 5%
@@BentleyPascoe cool beans, thanks man
Thanks!
Thank you so much!
Awesome Series Bentley! really enjoyed following. Recently picked up a flex 32.5 and have added a plant 3.0 24" wondering if you would have any advice on using the Aquasky in tandem with the plant 3.0?
super helpful thankyou, would you suggest different settings if you have an existing algae problem?
It depends on the algae. If you have surface algae, usually we can get the plants to fight that.
Ok great info! When you set up auto how do you make sure it’s on the program you set up? Does it run automatically?
It will run automatically after you save
What the best setting would you recommend for plastic plants in my tank but I don't want allergy to build
Keep the light relatively low or only on for about 6 hours per day. You can split this up to be on in the morning and evening using pro mode so it's only on when you're home to enjoy it
Hi Bentley, I really liked this video. Nicely done and very informative. I have had a Fluval Flex 32.5 now for abount 2 1/2 months. Eveything was going great, but now I have a huge black beard algae outbreak and can't get it under control. The tank is in a room that has lots of windows so it does get a lot of natural light and I initially had my light settings low becuase of this. I have been playing around with the Aquasky settings, but have yet to find a good balance. I am wondering if I should try my tank with your first settings or second settings. Plants I have are: Java Moss, Anubias, Microsorum Pteropus 'Narrow' (Java Fern), Hygrophila polysperma, Echinodorus 'Reni' (Most of this died and what survived has barely grown at all), Bucephalandra 'Kedagang' (Growing, but very slowly), Rotala Rotundifolia (growing really well and fast) and Amazon Sword. I used root tabs when I first setup the tank and I use Seachem Flourish once a week. My nitrates are always around 5ppm and I do 30% water changes every two weeks. I look forward to any insight and suggestions you might have for me.
My big question would be how long are your lights on? All the additional light coming through your windows, we might need to make adjustments to the duration of light if we're using a stronger intensity in order to help balance that out.
@@BentleyPascoe Thanks for the reply. I just recently changed to Sunrise 0800-1000, Sunset 1800-2000. 70 white, 60 green, 50 red, 10 blue. Night 2000-2200 with 2 blue and 1 white.
Originally I was running Sunrise 1000-1100, Sunset 1900-2000. 65 white, 30 green, 20 red, 20 blue. Night 2000-2200 with 5 blue.
Makes me want to move my Plant 3.0 to my column tank and get the Aquasky for my Amazonian tank with Javas, vals, and green cabomba! Tinted black water too. I feel like the 3.0 is too strong for a 15” deep 14 gallon cube but perfect for a 19” deep column 10 gallon with lots of stems! Love all your tips!
I'm growing a red lotus plant with one of these. It grows very quickly
Greetings Bentley from the UK! I have a new Fluval shaker 252L tank. I’d say it’s just shy of 24” top to bottom, but with my substrate it’s about 19” or 20”. Would I use your ‘tall’ setting or something slightly different? Many thanks
I would use a tall setting yes
@@BentleyPascoe great thank you. I’m not injecting any Co2, so would these settings still be ok?
Hoping you might know what I’m doing wrong. I added my first plants a few weeks ago, 2 Java Fern Windelovs. The tank is 50cm tall with a very thin layer of dark sand and the plants are attached to a small artificial tree branch so they are raised off the sand. My problem is that the leaves and the artificial stem are covered in brown. I don’t know if it’s diatoms or algae but it comes off when I rub it with my fingers. The sand doesn’t have any on. If I rub it off it’s back in about 3 days. This is a fancy goldfish tank that’s been up and running for a few months now and was cycled prior to adding fish and plants. It’s a 27w Aquasky 2.0 set to 100% white, 20% Blue, 90% Green, 75% Red. Previously it had a simple 28w, long white led light on the tank. I hoped swapping to the aquasky would solve the issue but it has not. The tank is not in front of any windows. Sunrise is set to 8am to 9am and sunset is 8pm to 9pm. No light at night. The tank is filtered with a fluval 307 canister and uv (uv on for 6 hours a day currently). I suck the goldfish poo out daily with a turkey baster and water change approx 80% a week. I feed 3 times a day with sinking tetra gold Japan pellets and do not over feed. No fertilisers are added. The new tank water is treated with Seachem Prime and temperature matched. Temperature is ambient, the lowest it’s currently getting is 19c. Do you have any advice? I have windelov’s in a guppy tank with 2 ammano shrimp and some tiny hitch hiking snails, the plants in that tank don’t have the issue but they are under a different light. Same filter, same water change regime, same sand, but a different tetra food and kept at 23c.
Almost assuredly some diatom or just general mulm debris settling. Given the removal of waste, I would gamble we're looking at some diatoms. You should get past it, I would keep cleaning it off and just watching over time.
@@BentleyPascoe ok, thank you. I’ll let you know what happens
The flexibility of this light makes me regret some of my other lighting purchases. I have some cheap Nicrew lights on my 20 long and 29s and I use their external ramp timer to replicate some of these settings but it’s a PITA when the power goes out and I have to reset the time on all of them. This light does more for a bit more money but worth it! Love the content as always. Planting a crypt tank now with a mix of other low and med demand plants - I like to experiment to see what works in my water. My Java fern never seems to survive but most crypts do very well. Wish I’d seen this video 4 years ago when I set up my 55 with a Current Satellite Pro and blasted it with so much light the resultant algae almost made me give up. The Current lacks any proper ramp up or down, too. Sorry, rambling. Thanks for the excellent content - will be so pleased if my new tank looks half as nice as the one behind you in this vid.
Just got this light for my saltwater FOWLR tank. It’s a 36 gallon bowfront tank. Bentley may I ask what settings you would suggest on this light for my tank? Petsmart said this is a great light for my tank
To be honest, I'm not really certain what the best settings are for salt water because I'm not a saltwater person. I would suspect that you would want to push the blues and the whites and limit some of the red and green.
@Bentley Pascoe so for a 40 gal breeder you would recommend a variation of the first setting you went over?
That's a good starting point. Just be ready to tinker based on results you see in your tank and you're set
@@BentleyPascoe Awesome. Can’t wait to see! I have two of these lights. Tank has some floating plants so I’m not sure if I’ll need the white at 100% I’ve got the white at 90% and turned the blue down to 15% as well. I’m also looking to raise the lights about 1.5 inches above the tank. Hopefully that will help out as well. Thank you for these videos and the knowledge!
Hi Bentley! So from low light plants I’m starting to add higher light plants like some Madagascar lace and others. Do you recommend to add a second aquasky light bar or switch to plant 3.0? Currently have the mega flex 32G with the single aquasky light it came with. Would the 40 breeder settings be ok for this tank in avoiding algae and providing a good balance to the low to higher light plants? Thanks
I would just add the second aquasky and use the higher power over the higher demand plants
I just purchased a Fluval AquaSky light for my planted 20g long Axolotl tank. I set it up using your recommendations. I primarily have Java Fern and Anubias in the tank, but the brightness seems like it may be too much for him. Any recommendation on setting adjustments?
I would try just bringing it down, say 10% on the main white and you can kind of tinker with like the greens, reds and blues by bringing them down a little bit and if that's still seems too bright, try toning it down again the same amount. Don't be afraid to tinker by settings are kind of a starting point and then it's about being willing to play with it a little bit and find what's right for your tank and it's environment.
I have a 20 gallon high planted with only Italian jungle val. Should I use the 70% white light setting or your 40 breeder 100% white light setting? Thanks for your advice.
Sorry for the late reply here, I would go more toward 70% at first, then monitor
I love the plants in your aquariums. You have inspired me to try plants out in Indianapolis water. I have had luck with only crypts, anubias and floating water lettuce everything else has died. Even the anubias is struggling now due to BBA. Can you recommend some plants that will grow in our hard and alkaline water? PS I am experimenting with CO2- too early to report on results.
Bolbitis, valisneria, ludwigia and hygrophila corybosa would be some options I'd look into
Another great video Bentley. I run 2 aquaskys on my Fluval 200Ltr. Should I halve the settings you suggest or set both to your settings?
Try starting with the setting that I use on my 40 breeder in the second part of this series if that causes too much algae switch to the shallow setting that's in the second video
Hello, for starters this was an excellent watch. You explained everything clearly and understandable. But I am kind of new to the hobby and scratching my head at what lights purchase. I have 45 gallon breeder community tank with anubius, java fern and some swords. Would you recommend this light for these conditions? Or would i need something a bit brighter to see my fish a little more?. I stumbled apon this light and the fluval 3.0 wich led me to this youtube video.
it's probably silly to ask concindering you had just explained everything but i am still learning haha.
Considering all the plants, you really only need lower light requirements. I think you'd be fine with an aqua sky. The only problem you're going to run into is that you might not cover front to back fully with either of these lights. So just be prepared to have a dimmer zone because the light only spreads so well
Your videos came out just when I got my fluvalflex 32 with 2 aquasky lights and I was TOTALLY lost on how to set it up. You are a life saver!!!
My tank has java ferns, anubias (a few varieties), amazon sword, argentine sword and tiger lotus, is this ultimate auto mode setting good for all of these guys?
Sorry I meant to add, i have 2 aquaksy strips, would you modify the settings (75,90,20,100) or leave both at that? My old 12G had a neon light that seemed more "purple white" and my plants were full of algae and I want to avoid that hot mess in this new tank
Go with the shallow setting on each light, most of the plants you have love longer periods of light at less power. Cheers!
@@BentleyPascoe Thank you so so much!! Life saver, really!!!
I am growing some crypts and a melon sword. I am definitely using that last setting you gave out, but I have been using the default pro mode and while my surface plants have gone wild, the octopus grass (and ALL of my medium light stem plants) I purchased have all disintegrated on me. The only clue I have is that there is some new growth, but it's all isolated to where the light comes in.
It's a blackwater aquarium and I want to achieve my plant goal of having a jungle behind my hardscape
In black water keep in mind you will be losing light naturally due to tannins, so you might need more light to keep those medium demand stems happy.
@@BentleyPascoe so in the meantime, I should just put my settings to max on everything during the day?
The water color resembles an Arnold Palmer (black tea and lemonade)
@@samsadowitz1724 yep I would push the light pretty high for W, G and R.
@@BentleyPascoe thanks so much for this. I dialed down the blue to 20% for the light I have and just maxed everything else out during the day.
As for my other possible issues, I am pretty sure that there's no shortage of nutrients in the tank because my fish are well fed (possibly to the point of overeating), my chemistry is too good, and everything else seems to be in balance stock wise (I have snails that hitchhiked in, but have not gotten out of control).
Hello - I have an acrylic tank that is clear on all sides that gets a good amount of ambient light, and some direct sunlight. Would this setting be too much light for low light plants? I tried using just the ambient light, and it was not enough, but I'm afraid this setting might be too much. is there a way to modify?
The aquasky is not a super powerful light to begin with, so the question becomes what size is the acrylic tank? If it's a more shallow tank, we can just augment my shallow setting to go a little lower in intensity and then slowly dial it up if necessary. If the tank is fairly deep (20+ inches tall), then we likely can start with a more powerful setting and observe - it we start seeing a lot of algae compared to normal, we dial it back until we find the setting that gives us good plant health and minimal algae. Hope that makes sense!
Hi Bentley, I recently changed out my T8 bulbs for an Aquasky 2.0 and have about 14 inches between substrate and light unit. I have it set as follows R 50%, G 60%, B 10% and W 70% with a 2 hour sunrise and sunset and a total of 8 hours (4 hours at max level) as per your suggestion for a shallow low tech tank. Since installing the light two weeks ago I have now lost a Cory and the other Corys and Otos are now less visible and hide more. Before fitting the new light everything was healthy and nothing else has changed in the tank - water parameters are stable and there have been no new plant, ornament or livestock additions. Can the change of light stress the fish? Will the remaining fish eventually get used to the new light or should I reduce even further? I'm worried about changing it again after losing one fish and stressing the others further. Great video series BTW!
They can be more shy, but it's odd you're seeing actual health impact with the change in light.
Hi Bentley my tank measures 68x24x20 its heavy planted with no C02 and lit by 3 30watt LED spotlights. Although the plants are growing well i feel i need a better light to help the colours pop in both the plants and fish. I've been looking into the Aquasky but i will need 2 because of my tank length would it be ok? My tank is an open topped and i would plan on suspending the lights off cables as not keen to have a lights so close to water. By the way I'm from Crewe in the UK home of the Bentley lol
There is a chance the aquasky isn't quite powerful enough for your tank. It depends on the lighting demands for the plants you have, you might be better off going with something more powerful, and being able to dim it.
Why do I get hair algae when I’m set up for the crypt lighting? I have a flex 32.5?
@@tonyaleekent1768 hey! Helped you over but I'll briefly answer here too for anyone who looks. Given how shallow the flex is, we're likely looking at too much light, so let's dial it down some and see how it fairs.
@@BentleyPascoe thank you so very much! I have subscribed to your page and watched all of your videos. Once again, thank you so much!!
Hello there loving these types of videos! I have a question for yourself? I have a 4ft tank around 270litres I breed pleco L333 king tigers and was wondering which setting would be good for them? I don’t have any plants but have bog wood and natural slate and caves for them many thank Phil from the uk!
I would just go with the auto setting I used in Running River, the summer day.
@@BentleyPascoe which are sorry
Bentley do you think if I already have a Finnex 24/7 and grabbed an aquasky as my second light on my 45 high I’d be in good shape light wise to add on CO2?
I think that could be ok for a good number of plants with co2 yes
Since a 20 gallon is 16" high the same as the 40 breeder you are testing the aquasky on would your settings directly correlate to my 20 gallon? I figured it would be pretty close since the 24" aquasky is only 18 watts compared to your 36" that is 27 watts. I would really value your opinion on this. Thank you Sir and keep up the amazing job and stay awesome!!
If we'll planted yes, if you're doing mostly Anubias, go with the lower setting
@@BentleyPascoe Thank you so much Sir.
I have a question. What if you don't have any plants and don't plan on having plants? I just have some fish and a center piece decoration. What settings would you recommend for this? Also it is a 29 gallon tank, 22 inches tall.
75% white, 50% green and red, 10% blue
@@BentleyPascoe Thanks!
Hello, Does the color of the substrate and background have an impact, positive or negative, on aquarium plants? My next aquarium will possibly be a "Martian" landscape, unheated, with red substrate and reddish background containing Cryptocorynes, Anubias, Bucephalandras, Microsorums and other aquarium plants that thrive on low level light. Thanks for your great information on various topics!
It should not have any actual affect on the plants
I was advised by my local shop to purchase the 21w aquasky for a fluval roma 125. The crypts at the bottom are doing great but the java fern is going brown and have short green algae on both the fern and anubias. What setting would be recommended. Around 14 - 15 inches between top of water level and substrate.
Honestly the same setting as my 40B should do fine
Hey bentley just got this light for my bowfront 36gal with anubias and java fern as well as amazon sword my ? Is i know these plant dont need co2 but i am adding pressurized co2, will this light be enough?? Or whats your thoughts
Just keep the co2 amounts low and you should be ok
@@BentleyPascoe thanks. 1 more question If you dont mind ive watched your videos and respect your knowledge, seeing as i have root feeders in with plants that feed from liquid ferts would i be overdosing ferts by using seachem flourish tabs around the root feeders and adding liquid ferts for the others like anubias? Im a complete newbie at all this. Wouldnt some of the nutrients from flourish tabs leach into the water??
@@cichlidinsanity they stay pretty stable in the substrate. I do this frequently
I've recently set up a heavily planted 55 gal. With co2. All I have at the moment is 1 36" aquasky. Would I be ok adding a 4' aquasky with the 36" aquasky or should I just get the 4' plant 3.0? This is my first attempt at a high tech set-up, but just wasn't sure about the lighting. I know I need more light. Just uncertain which way to go.
I think you can double up Aquasky lights, but one plant is more uniform light.
I planted crypts and swords heavily on the far right and left with epiphytes on rock formations. Stems heavily in the middle with dwarf hair grass carpet across the whole tank, heavier in the middle.
I hate to spend on the 3.0 but I would if I needed.
Also, thanks so much for the input. You are by far one of my favorites. Keep up all the wonderful info, I truly appreciate it.
With my Aquasky I’m running sun rises ramps up then 6 hours of full power then it ramps down with a moon light then off at 10pm. on a 55 gallon. Plants are Java, AMAZON sword dwarf tiger lily. aponogeton,Vallisneria,Water Sprite. Anything I should change. Little bit of algae but fish are keeping up with it
If it's doing well don't change it
Would the same 10-gallon settings mentioned in this video apply to say a 5 gallon? There is a 2-inch difference (shorter) in height.
Should be good
@@BentleyPascoe Thank you, very much. Enjoy your Monday.
I have this on a 125 and algae bloom took off and burned my sword plants… what did I do?
What was your light before? How often do you water change? Fertilizer regiment? There's a lot that goes into algae outbreaks
Hello Bentley my new 257 litre cube tank arrived, it’s 70cm long , 65cm deep , 61cm high , 5cm of substrate, I’m going to be running a fluval plant v3 light , on it , any recommended setting for the light settings , it will be stocked with Anubis’s , Java fens , pogo sermon , frogbit, and rooted plants I’m still trying to chose , I will be keeping discus , so have to chose one suitable for these temperatures,
Thank you, Awesome videos, Fluval should warn new people that 'plant boost' is 100% everything and will very likely encourage unwanted algae growth .
Try the 40B setting, if it's too much reduce to shallow, not enough, go to the max setting.