UNBIASED Fluval Plant 3.0 Review 

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Thanks for the shout out MD! I like your review and about the only thing I would say is Fluval has a suspension kit online, they just don't really inform you it's out there. I fully agree with a riser kit or just including the suspension kit would be a massive improvement.

I'm a marine biologist from Malaysia, indubitably a massive fan of you & your videos. You're such a joy to watch, your videos are day-makers.

Hey MD, just wanted to let you know you inspired me to make planted aquariums and learnt soo much from you .. Thank you !! ❤️

My favorite thing about these types of lights is the sunrise/sunset mode that completely transforms the look of the tank as the light ramps up and down. I'll find myself looking at the plants and fish in an entirely different way, depending on the time of day. I think you'll enjoy getting that experience as well!

I have a fluval light on each tank. The timing feature and being able to adjust lighting intensity by each color is amazing. It's helped me balance out algae in my tank. And sometimes I'll turn it to other modes to view the tank in a different light. Wish I got this as my first light and didn't waste money.

“Youngies light” it looks to me you have bought a customer return, and they have “re-sealed/re-packaged it”

Hi. I have this light on a 4 foot tank and totally agree that it needs to be raised to achieve adequate front to back coverage. I have done this by sitting an acrylic block with a channel cut from the bottom end onto the tank rim. The top end of the block is narrowed to fit the light attachment. Totally agree fluval should be providing this option. Other irritation is that if light goes off in a power cut it doesn’t restart unless you ‘blue tooth ‘ it. Not great if you’re away on your hols! One other word of warning to anyone using it on a new sparsely planted tank. I would suggest starting at , perhaps, as little 30% max intensity and gradually increasing . Otherwise you’re likely to get an algae explosion. Keep up the great work

They can be used on open tops and they do a hanging kit, so can be mounted in a couple ways, including to clamps on the glass for high energy tanks . You could get the clips and hang it from your rail. Watch having all the colours up high as you’ll probably get algae, especially if you have watched the Bentley videos blues are strong on these lol . The cheap lights you use with the whiter light works well for your tanks

I've actually been using a shorter version of this light for over a year, and like you, I disliked how close to the (clear glass) top of the tank it was. We actually ended up 3D printing some risers that fit just inside the built in plastic bits, and just over the plastic rim of the tank; it wouldn't be difficult at all to redesign them to work with a rimless one. Honestly I think you'd have fun with a 3D printer; you can make all kinds of great stuff for your tanks, so long as you ensure you have the wet pet safe filament! My partner has designed a skimmer box that works with a regular HOB or canister, and I've also seen some really fascinating designs for plant holders and hideable supports to make cave-style scapes. It could be a really interesting tool for helping you make even more interesting scapes in the future!

I have the fluval aqua sky that came with my tank and really like it. Now I've got my settings at 80% red 25% blue 25% green and 40% white I don't get many algea problems and my plants are growing really well I love the fact that they are timed with the sun rise and sunset mode too

My favorite thing about these types of lights is the sunrise/sunset mode that completely transforms the look of the tank as the light ramps up and down. I'll find myself looking at the plants and fish in an entirely different way, depending on the time of day. I think you'll enjoy getting that experience as well!

Have this light about 2 years now above an aquarium that is placed in the living room. You can buy brackets for it to easily hang te light above the aquarium. The biggest advantage i find with this light is that you create a sunset and sundown. The nice thing about this is that you can extend the time to see your aquarium without creating alge caused by too much lighting. Especially in the evenings this is less intrusive. Keep up the good work. Greetings from the Netherlands

I have two of these and while I liked them initially, I’m not a fan of the orange or yellow tone compared to a Chihiros. Also the coverage as you stated is not great. I think fluval needs to revisit the light a bit if they want to compete with all the new options these days. I liked your flood lights over the fluval honestly.

Have a 3.0 on my 75g and love it. I'm running it at 80% with c02 and the plants have been going gangbusters. I usually have a grocery bag full of clippings weekly. Your idea with the rises at the side is pretty good.

Hey I'm Eric, I have 5 fish tanks going now. I would hopefully like to start my own channel someday. I have this light on my planted 55. Been running for about 2 months now things seem to be going good. I just wanted to say you've quickly become one of my favorite channels. Your funny and informative, and your tanks are absolutely brilliant! Keep up all the good work, and I'll keep watching!

I've had this light for my 60cm tank and I got the hanging kit and set it up on my diy light stand. I'm not gonna lie, it looks clean. Definitely helps with the spread. The sunrise and sunset, built in timer, are big sells for me. I love this light that it doesn't empty my wallet.

The colours on the fluval are amazing. The rainbows have so much more colour🥰

Ooo what's this? *random bit of card gets chucked on the floor* Haha MD 🤣 love your honesty and random bloopers. Some fish keepers would edit those out but it's safe to say I always look forward to your videos. Love your channel, your scapes are gorgeous and I love the fact you keep things on a budget. A true inspiration

Plenty of Etsy shops offer 3d printed risers for this light that work very well and you can pick your height. I have mine on 2 inch risers on a 20gal long and it's perfect.

im using the 3ft version of this on a heavily planted 40g breeder for 8 months now , love it

My new favourite RU-vidr 😁👍🏼

absolutely love my Finnex Planted+ 24/7. I've had killer growth with co2 injection, no ferts. No algae issues at all.

Your fish room is amazing❤️

Thanks for this video. I purchased these lights back in August of 2021. I bought two, for front and back. My tank is 26" tall, 24" by 24" Cube. My plants grow well, and I set my Fluval to Pro Light setting. When I noticed algae growing, I simply shortened the amount of hours it was on. But my growth has been explodingly amazing. The only down side I could find with these lights, other than cost, is the power cord connection is finicky, and can suddenly loosen up and disconnect with a slight touch of the cord when doing under tank maintenance. When that happens, I have to reset the blue tooth connection, which is super easy, but still annoying. All said, I am really happy with them.

I have the same height issue on a tank with a glass lid using a nicrew light - would be great if more lights came with risers.

I have been using the 26w hygger plant 24/7 . Cheap and really good

My new favorite thing about these are the drop in price due to over sourcing and lower demand!

What I dislike about the Fluval is the price and build. Also how close they sit in the tank. Breeds algae under it and doesn’t get all 4 corners of the tank as it should. I can buy a Chihiros WRGB for about the same price and get the things missing on the Fluval. I get a brighter light, wider, better build, and same control ability. Plus have a diffuser light that gives better PAR ratings. They are good lights just over priced. Premium price for not quiet premium light.

IIRC, these lights come with 120* spread LEDs, which is pretty damn high to find LEDs with THAT wide of an angle AND that much light output - usually it's a tradeoff one or the other. Agreed that height gets you more spread, but I think it's also important to take into account the tank you put this one is SUPER wide

The mounting is why I bought a Chihiros and run it at 50% intensity.

Love the channel and watching the builds. You've inspired me to attempt my own and I'm loving it so far. I got the smaller Fluval for my 4 gal open tank and it's awesome. Really like the ease of set up and functionality. Also, that particular version has a riser so you don't have the same issue with spread.

I love that light, I actually end up having the raiser 3D printed, but I think there is a kit to hang the light.

I have a light from the same company, on an open tank...cost me a bit but was worth it ....plants grow good and I love the app. It's set on pro setting

Here's my experience, I have four plant 3.0's on different tanks. For light they all work great in fact the highest I have them run at is 70% (blue at 5%) in my heavily planted tanks. They work great. The cons are that they have a little bit of a high pitched frequency that I can hear from about five feet away (the higher the light is turned up the louder it is), if the power goes out you have to go in your app and communicate with each light for it to revert back to its timer and power settings. (Takes a while when you have eight lights between fluval sky and plant. If you fail to do this the timer will believe the time is midnight when they turn back on and potentially put your light cycle out of wack.

Hah man you got me geeking out on my tank worth all your great stuff. Glad I found your channel I love your videos.

Hahahahaha lol.... i thought you were high!!!! Then i fundet out i was watching your video in 0.75 speed.... so funny... so im gonna do that for All your videos 🤣😅

Oddly I was hoping for ur advise on lights. Not anyone elses...urs lol. Thanks!

Thanks for the review very informative and helpful for the newbie like me 👏

I've got 1 x Fluval plant 2.0 LED Light and it's been fantastic!!!

Your fish room is looking great! 😁

I've been running a 3.0 on my 75 planted for a few years now. It's not overly expensive. Sort of middle of the road price wise. Their Aquasky seems to be a very popular freshwater light as well

I bought two of these after watching this, one in UK, the other from Germany. Please note though on the 59w light the German version is different even though it has the same packaging and specifications. Its about 10cm longer, i had to saw the ends off for it to fit in my roma 240. So weird why fluval did this.. on Bluetooth its called 1100mm plant on one and 1000mm plant on the other. Anyway, love the lights

These fluval lights give gorgeous light are very well made, very different if you are used to high over head. They are great at giving dynamic light and shadow. If there was a height spacer they would be even better. Costly, waterproof (yeah dropped mine in a few times) I have 2 of the full colour on daylight cycles 1 on an old fluval studio tank another on an open top they are very powerful and i only use mine on 30%. The app is pretty clever uses Bluetooth. MD give Fluval some notes. I also have the same cheaper lights on other tanks, tbh as long as they are putting out 6/7k your fine. People think to much about lights. They are all a muchness these days, down to function, design and price. Your aquatic life is what you love to see. Just my thoughts as someone that has some of those lights. Thank you MD hope this helps others with their choices

Smart idea, MD, doing reviews. I'd be interested to know what you have to say about other equipment/products.

Is that the all pond solution light mate? Think I’ve got the same one but wasn’t sure if it was doing the job, but it looks like it is for you 😂

what is your go to light for planted tanks today in 2024?

I went to go buy this in 48" until I saw the $270 price tag....I bought the aquasky 2.0 from Fluval instead....does the job fine for plants

Looking into this light and my guy MD has a video? Fire ty

expensive... i was looking i to this but.... im already alot cash spent. thanks alot for this useful info

Wish I had a fish store like that near my house 😮‍💨

*turns blue light to 100%* “Yeah we definitely won’t get algae” Famous last words of an aquascaper

I have one of those on my 75 gallon Community tank I think the issue you maybe having comes from how wide your tank is

Where did the “Hello beautiful people” go?😢

I absolutely love mine, I actually lowered they blue light all the way down, I think algae likes blue light

Only thing I don’t like about my Fluval light is sometimes the Bluetooth won’t connect. It just does it randomly.

If you put this light on your Cory tank, and at night only put the blue lights on and watch the Corry's you will be amazed at them I do this and sit watching them for ages. You see things you don't see when the lights are on normal. Tugger Edinburgh Scotland

I have a Plant 3.0, and I'd say it's only worth it if you want to make use of the customization. If you just want the wattage and can live with a simple timer, you can safe quite a lot.

Hi MD, I love your videos! You should make a video ranking your top five aquariums or all time or currently. I think that would be a cool video ☺️

I purchased the Hygger 24 hour light from Amazon that offers all the same options except for BT connectivity. I am super happy with it and I would be interested what you think of it as well. It is about 1/4 the price of this light and I think it would be great if you did a comparison between the Fluval and the Hygger.

To be fair that tank you put it on is pretty wide. Looks at least 24 inches wide if you had 2 of those over that tank it would look perfect. Even with buying 2 of them its still not that expensive. Not budget friendly but for a main display its ok to spend a little more money on equipment. Awesome video Bruv love the channel. Positive and easy going atmosphere and informative and interesting. Well done with the whole channel 🎉

Lol. I'm glad I'm not the only one who has had to go rummaging through a bin...

YES!!! I run mostly Fluval Aquaskys and a Plant 3.0 and I have the same opinion! The lights are just too close to the water column and they do not cover the whole surface really well. I was also literally talking with my dad about this yesterday so we could come up with an idea on raising it. What a perfect timing and I loved your solution. I agree that at the price it should come with an option for higher brackets for more cover.

If u wanted to try a high tech light for once to see how it changes things i was really hoping chihiros. I tried / my friends all these brands and nothing beats chihiros tbh.

The cheap lights were better. I think the reason folks don't go with those is the trouble with mounting them. You should do a video on how to mount the cheap ones. What you used and how you did it. Love the channel man. Cheers.

@MD Fish Tanks I just bought a 3D/clear acrylic printed riser for my Fluval 3.0 light & it is amazing! I wish I would have gotten the 4" or 5" though. I got the 3" for my 40 gallon breeder. I have a horrible algae problem that I am basically starting over on. I pulled all the plants last night. Scrubbing my hardscape today, gravel vac repeatedly until all the dead hair algae is gone, then re-planting. Probably really messed up with this choice, but I am one person, OCD/ADHD & I panicked & this is where I am now 🤦🏼‍♀️

You know you’ve been around a while when you use “Haudoken” to open a door and not “FusRoDah”

Great video as always, I also have this light on top of my 48" tank and really like the low profile, the color and that I can ramp it up from sunrise to sunset. I 100% agree that it sits too close to the tank, I love you're DYI riser, just curious on how high you have them sitting off the tank? I'm guessing maybe 6"?

Hello. I am looking desperately for the exact clip on light above the Blue Acara fish tank in this video. Do you or your subscribers have a link? Live in the US. Thx!!!

Thanks bro. Do you recommend having all the colors at 100%? If so for how long?

Thank you for doing this, I was wondering if you can tell me if the light that comes with the fluval flex 32.5 gallon the aquasky to see if it’s nice too and if it grows red plants.

Love the videos you produce! I am a big reptile fan as well as planted tanks. I recently heard about a new LED light that has been engineered to produce uvb and UVA but not harmful uvc. Uvc is what uv sterilizers use. Reptile keepers have said there is an amazing difference in behaviors after adding this bulb. I would love to see how fish would respond since breeding in outdoor tubs is a common way to stimulate production. Vivtech is the company check them out if you want to see how it could increase your fishes life quality.

Will you do a plant growth update on this light?

anybody got any advice on how to do this with a rimmed tank that has a lid(that I can take off, I keep it there incase I have any jumping corys). Its got one of those black plastic connectors down the middle as well, basically tryna raise the fluval light without the cieling suspenders and find a better top.

I found that standard 2x3 lego bricks fit perfectly into the supports on my fluval 2.0s. I just built some risers with lego for mine and it helped with the spread of the lights.

For your amazon aquarium...what type of plants are coming out of the water on the right side please 🙏

Does that guy from Maidenhead aquatics have his own channel? He sounds familiar

There are light risers available on Etsy.

On the cheap vs expensive light thing. I think for freshwater tanks and planted tanks like this channel features unless you want the timers/sunrise and sunset functions, there's no real reason for expensive lights. In my opinion the only time when expensive lights are just better is dealing with saltwater reefs with live corals. Of course use what you prefer because in the end you're the one who deals with it but thats my two cents

I might get one for the front of my tank and leave my cheap on on the back in the shadows

Will you please tell me what im doing wrong with plants? Ive followed you videos with great success for about 2 months and then most of my plants will start dying, i dont know what im doing wrong and ive spent more money then im willing to admit lol.

I love my Fluval 3.0. I agree that the default feet are way too low, I ordered some 3d printer raisers for mine that brought it up a few inches and I found that to work much better. The color spectrum is pretty fantastic too, very "naturalistic" as opposed to the cheaper nicrew type lights that are more "sterile and clinical" (if that makes any sense at all lol).

How long (tall) is the column of wood that is supporting the light up off the top of the aquarium ? Do you recall the measurements of all the pieces of wood that the extensions are constructed of?

Brother I like how you keep it simple and informative. Would love more products reviews. Love the channel. Keep up the great work. Thanks MD

Great comparison against your floodlights. Asthetically i think your floodlights looked cooler😁

“You raise me up 🎵 🎼 “ hahahah cracked me up

Be honest, this light review was just an excuse to go see Matt at Maidenhead, and buy more shrimp/fish😜 I like the light extenders you have on your tanks, and I have been using the Hygger aquarium lights. They are low to the tank, but I can replace the arms - can you link where you get the extenders you use? Thanks MD!

Any review on the latest Hang-On-Back that is super quiet, not that bulky like Tidal 35 but as quiet coz the motor is inside the tank and the intake tube is longer than Tidal35's. Basically, a Tidal2.0.

Unique, blue tooff feature...😁

MD grows aquarium plants like Pablo grew the coca plant!!!!

"Not gonna lie" your videos are amazing 😂♥️

MD how long do you usually wait before putting fish in your fish bowl aquariums where you don't change the water? Thanks!

The storm settings are great for my tetras to spawn just like in rain forest excellent

What do you think you’ll do w/ yer Fluval Pant 3.0 light, MD? Thanks.

Do you use the Pro Mode? Any setting suggestions as I have my first tank ready to go

MD - when can we expect merch with “Matt from Maidenhead Aquatics” on it?

in your honest opinion i have a 7x30x24 discus display tank planted with java fern and anubias attached to drift wood ,would this be overkill or a good adition

Help please. Best way to get rid off pest snails 🐌

Cuando pondrás los subtitulos en español, se te agradecería. Un saludo.

I have a question. My tank is L80 cm x H40 cm x D35. You think this lighting is good enough?