The replacement lighting unit for the 180L came today, and I got it set up a little while ago. It does seem to be solid quality so far, and all aluminum instead of plastic like the Juwel. The existing top flaps fit just fine. They were supposed to, but I was still a tad skeptical.
One problem, though. They weren't giving any option to specify what type(s) of free fluorescent lamps you wanted with it. So, turns out that iQuatics decided to send marine lamps by default! 🙃
The Marine White should work OK, combined with another warmer color. But, not so much the Blue Plus. Great for corals, less good for a freshwater planted tank. The light coming out actually looks more actinic/brighter blue in person than in that photo.
And of course this new lighting unit isn't compatible with the tubes I already had. Different wattage/size. So, it's l'heure bleue in Fishy Land for a while longer.
This shot turned out looking cooler than expected, though 😅 With some of the Endler Boys zipping around, weird blue light behind them. (Please ignore the algae and limescale drips on the glass. That's what I've been doing...)
But yeah, I went ahead and ordered several more suitable tubes for the purpose. Not entirely happy about having to spend more with the "free" tubes included, but nerds must. And it's always good to have backup on hand.
