20 gallon lighting recommendation?

[Roman009]

Howdy all! First thread here; thanks in advance for all the great advise the site offers. I absolutely love navigating through all the information here.

I am starting up a 20 gallon high invert/starter tank for my return to salt after a long, fun ride with African cichlids. I am aware that this tank isn’t perfect for reef keeping due to its dimensions and I’m okay with that. My goal for this tank isn’t to be a top designed and lighted coral tank (I have a couple 40 breeders for that project to be started soon). Just a fun reintroduction to salt with some legit gulf live rock, a shrimp or two and a few small fish.

I’m looking for a rec for an LED solution that won’t break the bank which may be okay for a couple starter frags one day (If ever). Nothing too crazy. I need to save my funds for the next couple of tanks :)

Thanks again! My future plans over the next year and beyond include this tank, a 40 reef, a 40 q-tank, a 4’ 90 gallon and my ultimate project, my 6’ 220 Fowler project. All in good time...!

Best to all,
Roman

 

[Ron Reefman]

Look at Mars Aqua, they sell for about $100 or less and they are good for tanks that are up to 24" deep.

 

[jda]

Do you live somewhere that there is a local club of mass of people who might have some used stuff laying around? Chinese black boxes are a good option (Mars Aqua is one of these), but they can be pretty strong so keep the output low for a while. Getting one of these used for like $20-25 is possible if you have a local population.

 

[Roman009]

Do you live somewhere that there is a local club of mass of people who might have some used stuff laying around? Chinese black boxes are a good option (Mars Aqua is one of these), but they can be pretty strong so keep the output low for a while. Getting one of these used for like $20-25 is possible if you have a local population.

Thanks. That’s a good question. I live in the Lehigh Valley, PA. Anyone know of one?