90 gallon reef running 2 Smatfarm 95's - Best Reef Brite Alternative for pop?

[avianman]

First, let me say that while I am fairly quiet on this site, I have been reefing for 25 years. I remember building my own VHO fluorescents, then all the rage when power compacts came out....and even back when all LED's were good for was the goofy little moonlight you would clip on to the side of your tank! Ha!

I am currently running two Smatfarm 95w units ofver my 90 gal LPS reef and I absolutely love them. They replaced a myriad of the marsaqua style black boxes (that now reside over my fuge and frag tank). The Smatfarms have that kessil style shimmer and the corals seem to love them!

My only complaint is that it is difficult to really get the deep blue 'pop' with the smatfarms, despite having a UV channel. I dont really want to argue whether they are actually UV or not...
I actually have this little 6" led bar that I bought somewhere at sometime that (I think) was intended for tanks with glofish - it makes the corals really pop - even the reds. Its just not big enough to do much. I have been told that the Reef Brite XHO blues are the way to go, but OOF! they are expensive! So expensive that buying even one little 24" to try it out is cost prohibitive!

Obviously, since I use Smatfarms, I am open to alternatives. Does anyone know of a blue strip that is similar to Reef Brite XHO's without the $250+ price tag?

Thanks much - I enjoy your posts!

 

[shakacuz]

the aliexpress LED bar is widely spoken about amongst the "budgeteer's" of reefing. i myself am looking to get 2 smatfarm's if i can't get another hydra32hd (used), and supplementing with an led bar from aliexpress.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32843725804.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.77c955b3fyx6zp&algo_pvid=7be14e19-9c9d-4b6b-80de-6196c5125e32&algo_exp_id=7be14e19-9c9d-4b6b-80de-6196c5125e32-0&pdp_ext_f={"sku_id":"12000023689049362"}&pdp_pi=-1;58.99;-1;-1@salePrice;USD;search-mainSearch

as cheap as 45$ depending on what size.

edit: here are some videos talking about the light bar

 

[nereefpat]

Reefbreeders makes a 48" bar for 175$.
SB Reef lights makes a 48" one with a dimmer for 220$.
Orphek makes one for 190$