Best Cheap Light for Reef

[GreatDane_Dude]

I need a cheap light for my fish tank that is 24inL 16in wide and tall. I want to have zoas and acans and mushrooms. Please less than $100

 

[slythy]

Google "black box reef light" But if you wanted something a little nicer I would spend the little extra to get a NooPsyche LED

 

[razorskiss]

It may not fill the tank all the way to the corners along the long side but I've heard people saying they get good results from these nicrew lights:

NICREW Aquarium LED Reef Light, Dimmable Full Spectrum Marine LED for Saltwater Coral Fish Tanks https://a.co/d/0AndNKv

 

[GreatDane_Dude]

Thanks!

 

[razorskiss]

The base lights don't have a built in controller, but you could add one in the future as budget allows to get features like sunrise / sunset and variable spectrum:

NICREW HyperReef Light Controller, LED Light Timer for HyperReef 50,100,150 https://a.co/d/6L8vWSD

You could also add a 2nd light down the road to get more even illumination over the tank and higher peak intensity in the middle to support more demanding corals if you ever choose to go down that road. It's nice to be able to split things up like this so you have a cost effective upgrade path in the future and can reuse your initial purchases as well.

 

[LeftyReefer]

The Smat Farm G5 is hard to beat for $130.
The noops are another step up, but they are just over $200.

OP said he wants to keep price to $100.

 

[Jekyl]

Research, save and get a light you really want. You'll have the light for years and $100 is basically 2 corals worth.

 

[oreo54]

Thanks!

Amazon product

Controller built in, more channels than Nicrew.

 

[razorskiss]

Amazon product

Controller built in, more channels than Nicrew.

I think you forgot to include the link

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

The Smat Farm G5 is hard to beat for $130.
The noops are another step up, but they are just over $200.

OP said he wants to keep price to $100.

Smat farm IMHO...

 

[Graemesreef]

I have a 24 current loop barely used with mounting bracket, loop system. and remote control that I'll ship to you for $100

 

[vetteguy53081]

I need a cheap light for my fish tank that is 24inL 16in wide and tall. I want to have zoas and acans and mushrooms. Please less than $100

If you want to have coral- Do Not depend on a cheap light. Cheap in this hobby often, not always invite dissapointment. You spend $95 on a light as an example, then it goes out down the road, you then spend $200 for a better and dependable controllable light- Now youre at $300.
Look at R2R marketplace and you'll find a used Ai Prime that will run you $150 and well worth it and will support other coral and bring out coral and fish colors

 

[MoshJosh]

definitely shop around for used stuff. . . that said :

I am using a $60 T5 fixture from amazon plus 2 API bulbs ($40 for the pair). You'd have to sort your own mounting options, and worry about water splashing/salt creep. . . but as far as cheap goes. . . it's hard to beat.

 

[oreo54]

I think you forgot to include the link

Just click on the pic..

 

[LeftyReefer]

I think you forgot to include the link

Just click on the pic..

There is no pic. The site blocks any links to amazon that anybody posts, so your link/pic doesn't show up.

 

[reeftankdude]

I have two of these on my 20GH. There just $35 each and simple to use. My water is clear as gin using Seachem Matrix carbon with Purigen, and a UVS. Water clarity really helps.

 

[oreo54]

There is no pic. The site blocks any links to amazon that anybody posts, so your link/pic doesn't show up.

Huh...works fine for me .
Well did...
Still works w Android 12.
My upgraded phone w/ 13 doesn't show images ..
Skip that, Post #8 and #9 shows pic and hot link still.

 

[jimk60]

There is no pic. The site blocks any links to amazon that anybody posts, so your link/pic doesn't show up.

The link works for me

 

[GreatDane_Dude]

If you want to have coral- Do Not depend on a cheap light. Cheap in this hobby often, not always invite dissapointment. You spend $95 on a light as an example, then it goes out down the road, you then spend $200 for a better and dependable controllable light- Now youre at $300.
Look at R2R marketplace and you'll find a used Ai Prime that will run you $150 and well worth it and will support other coral and bring out coral and fish colors

I'll run my research and get a quality light. Good advice.

 

[noopsyche]

I need a cheap light for my fish tank that is 24inL 16in wide and tall. I want to have zoas and acans and mushrooms. Please less than $100

K7 Mini 60watt :)