Does The Fluval Aquasky Grow Aquatic Plants? (Is it worth the money?)

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Does the Fluval Aquasky grow aquarium plants? Yes, the Fluval Aquasky LED light is suitable for growing low and medium-light aquarium plants. The Fluval Aquasky LED offers super bright 6500 K white LEDs and can be adjusted, making it capable of replicating various wild aquatic environments.

The choice of aquarium lights on the market today can be overwhelming. There are LED lights, fluorescent tube lights, spotlights, the list goes on. I recently converted my entire fish room over to LED lights. One of my favorite lights is the Aquasky by Fluval.

I have to say, all the tanks I have the Aquasky on have lush, green plants that grow really well. Personally, I only grow low to medium light plants. If I were growing high light plants, I would probably consider a different light fitting.

Sale
Fluval Aquasky 2.0 LED Aquarium Lighting, 35 Watts, 48-60 Inches
  • 6500K white LEDs with tri-colored RGB LEDs offer an adjustable light spectrum
  • Replicates various natural environments, as well as creating cloud cover, fading lunar, storm and lightning effects
  • Skypad remote control: adjust your color & sky effects; choose from up to 11 preset sky effects and a wide array of color selections
  • 120 degree light dispersion for full area coverage and uniform lighting
  • Extendable mounting brackets allow easy installation on a variety of aquarium widths

Last update on 2024-11-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

What Light Do Aquarium Plants Need?

Live plants are a great addition to any aquarium. Not only do they make your aquatic environment look more natural, but they also add oxygen to the water during the day, stabilize the pH of the water and process some of the waste from your fish.

Aquarium plants also help in the constant battle against algae in our aquariums by using up some of the nutrients the algae would otherwise use to grow.

I use live plants in almost every single tank in my fish room. With the exception of the large cichlid tanks, I have at least one clump of plants in EVERY aquarium.



There is a wide selection of aquatic plant species available to the freshwater hobbyist, many of which only require low to medium light levels. Most of these plants do best with a Kelvin rating, or ‘color temperature’ of between 6500K and 8000K.

The Fluval Aquasky has a Kelvin rating of 6500K which is ideal for many of the plants.

Most aquatic plants benefit from a day length of 10 to 12 hours. Setting a timer helps keep the day length consistent. The Fluval Aquasky comes with a programmable 24-hour light cycle, allowing users to set the day length precisely to fit their individual needs.

Side Note: If you are planning to grow live aquarium plants, starting with a good quality substrate like Fluval Stratum will certainly help!



Fluval Aquasky Key Features

  • The Aquasky is controllable and customizable through Fluval SmartApp
  • It is Waterproof rated (IP 67) meaning the Aquasky can be placed near the water surface, even on an open-top aquarium
  • It offers between 36 and 84 LED lights (depending on model length)
  • Up to 50,000 hours lifespan
  • Choose from a number of stunning sky effects including cloud cover, fading lunar, storm, lightning, and more
  • Super Slim Frame and wide 120 degrees light distribution which provides great coverage
  • The Aquasky is suitable for tanks from 15” – 60” (38cm – 152cm)

Is The Fluval Aquasky Programmable

Yes, the Fluval Aquasky is programmable. Fluval has developed the ability to have a full 24 hour light period programmed, allowing you to enjoy a ‘sunrise’ at the start of the day, then a full day of bright light, followed by a ‘sunset’ at the end of the day. The user can set the day length according to their own requirements.

The Aquasky can also be programmed to simulate various weather conditions including storms, lightning and dense cloud cover. This ability to program weather effects helps create a more natural environment for your fish.

I will be the first to admit, once the novelty of this feature wears off, you will never use it again.

Can The Fluval Aquasky Be Controlled By An App?

The Fluval Aquasky has access to the FluvalSmart App. The app is compatible with both Apple and Android devices and allows you to take full control of your Aquasky light.

What Else Can The Fluval Aquasky Do?

The FluvalSmart app allows users to adjust the color of their Aquasky light, allowing them to create any aquatic environment and set just about any color they wish.

Because the Aquasky has been designed to be mounted directly above the aquarium water surface, it gives both a wider coverage than other LED aquarium lights and deeper light penetration.



What Sizes Does The Fluval Aquasky Come In?

The Fluval Aquasky has been designed to be adjustable, allowing the 3 different models Fluval makes to fit a wide selection of aquariums. The Aquasky is available in 24”-35” (61cm-91cm), 36”-48” (91cm-122cm) and 48”-60” (122cm-153cm).

Is The Fluval Aquasky Waterproof?

Yes, the Fluval Aquasky is fully waterproof. According to Fluval The Aquasky LED features an IP67 waterproof rating, which allows it to endure regular splashing and even temporary submersion should it be dropped in your aquarium accidentally.

I know of at least two people who have managed to knock their Aquasky lights into the aquarium, without breaking the light. A useful feature if you are as clumsy as I am!

What Weather Effects Does The Aquasky Offer?

Using the Fluval smartphone app, you can set the Fluval Aquasky to recreate a number of different weather effects including storms, lightning, and cloud cover. The Aquasky can also recreate sunrise and sunset effects.

What Other Freshwater Aquarium Lights Do Fluval Produce?

Fluval is possibly the world leader in freshwater hobby-level aquarium lighting. They produce a number of different lights for the freshwater hobby including the following;

  • Plant 3.0
  • Plant Nano
  • COB Nano
  • Prism Multi-Color Underwater Spot Light
Sale
Fluval Aquasky 2.0 LED Aquarium Lighting, 35 Watts, 48-60 Inches
  • 6500K white LEDs with tri-colored RGB LEDs offer an adjustable light spectrum
  • Replicates various natural environments, as well as creating cloud cover, fading lunar, storm and lightning effects
  • Skypad remote control: adjust your color & sky effects; choose from up to 11 preset sky effects and a wide array of color selections
  • 120 degree light dispersion for full area coverage and uniform lighting
  • Extendable mounting brackets allow easy installation on a variety of aquarium widths

Last update on 2024-11-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

In Conclusion

The Fluval Aquasky is a good choice for aquarists planning to grow plants requiring low to medium light levels. The customizability of the Aquasky means, with a little tinkering, the user can set their Aquasky up to match the requirements of their individual tank.


About the Author

I’ve been keeping, breeding, and showing tropical fish for nearly 30 years. Over that time I’ve done it all! I’ve had great success and I’ve made some really foolish mistakes (like the time I bought an Asain Walking Catfish). Read more…
Richard James
Editor

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