Another Lighting Question

[Calebb8133]

I want to upgrade my lighting system on my 72g bowfront to support anemones and low to moderate categorized lighting corals. I currently have CFL. Someone suggested black box on another post but the black boxes I have found r for tanks up to 40 inches and mine is 48 inches. I would not like to spend more than $200 but the max is $250. Thx for the suggestions!!

 

[Flippers4pups]

I want to upgrade my lighting system on my 72g bowfront to support anemones and low to moderate categorized lighting corals. I currently have CFL. Someone suggested black box on another post but the black boxes I have found r for tanks up to 40 inches and mine is 48 inches. I would not like to spend more than $200 but the max is $250. Thx for the suggestions!!

Two black boxes should work just fine.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2PCS-MarsA...ull-Spectrum-Reef-Coral-SPS-LPS-/251512919399

 

[redfishbluefish]

Two recommendations:

Two 165 W Mars Aqua fixtures

OR

Two 165 W Viparspectra fixtures.

I linked examples from eBay, but you might be able to do better if you shop around.

The major difference between these two is that the Marsaqua do not have times built in while the Viparspectras do.

 

[Flippers4pups]

Two recommendations:

Two 165 W Mars Aqua fixtures

OR

Two 165 W Viparspectra fixtures.

I linked examples from eBay, but you might be able to do better if you shop around.

The major difference between these two is that the Marsaqua do not have times built in while the Viparspectras do.

Either of those should work very well for you and under budget.

Mars can be timed with simple house hold appliance timers.

 

[Calebb8133]

So I don't need to have a light fixture that reaches the whole span of the tank. I can do two 16 inch fixtures placed evenly spaced from each other and the end of the tank?

I like the Mars but might go with the Viparectra for the built-in timer and controller if that would work

 

[Calebb8133]

I do like the nighttime light that mars has though :/

 

[jda]

Depending on which one you have, the CFL will do fine... if you can still get bulbs.

The modern day equivalent is a 4x T5 setup. You can probably find a used one for your budget. If you are getting into LEDs, then black box are the only ones in your budget. Mars are fine, SB Reef Lights, Galaxy Hydro, Vipar, etc... find the features and the diodes that you want. You might be able to find a used ReefBreeders Photon V2 unit if you look REALLY hard and get lucky - these are like Black Boxes on steroids with a lot more channels and features and reliable US support.

 

[Calebb8133]

Depending on which one you have, the CFL will do fine... if you can still get bulbs.

The modern day equivalent is a 4x T5 setup. You can probably find a used one for your budget. If you are getting into LEDs, then black box are the only ones in your budget. Mars are fine, SB Reef Lights, Galaxy Hydro, Vipar, etc... find the features and the diodes that you want. You might be able to find a used ReefBreeders Photon V2 unit if you look REALLY hard and get lucky - these are like Black Boxes on steroids with a lot more channels and features and reliable US support.

Thanks for the thought

 

[Calebb8133]

I c all these cheap t5 lights what’s wrong with them :/

For example:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/HO-T5-Dual...mps-11000K-Day-Blue-Marine-Fish-/253336591552

But there r many more.. they say the grow Coral

 

[Calebb8133]

I thought all t5’s were like $400+

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I thought all t5’s were like $400+

Things are sometimes cheap for a reason.

 

[Calebb8133]

Ik

Things are sometimes cheap for a reason.

but what's the reason on this one I can't find anything wrong with it, reviews r good and it says it can grow Coral