Best light for a 40 gallon tank

[Hatohimikana]

Hi, I'm new to the hobby and dont know much about the lighting or rather what is the best budget light for a 40 gallon tank. Or make 2 budget lights for 20 gallon. I've been on a search on the market and came across viparspectra 165w, nicrew hyperreef 30w, and phlizon 165w. I was wondering if any of you guys have tried any of these lights and if you recommend any other light. I was leaning more towards the viparspectra but the phlizon is much cheaper and outputs the same wattage and specs. thank you!

 

[Ron Reefman]

The Viparspectra is a good light. I'd assume the Phlizon is as well if it's really 165 watts. The Hyperreef 30w is OK for fish and could do OK (but marginal) for a shallow tank (12" deep). You could also google Mars Aqua which is also a good fixture.

Given a shallow tank (10g to 20g and 12" deep) almost any light can do easy corals. A 40 breeder is deeper and needs a better light, especially if you are going to do more than zoas and leather corals.

Buying the stronger fixture using 3 watt leds will be something you can still use on a 20" or 24" deep tank. The fixtures that use 0.3 to 0.6 watt leds are OK for fish only but useless IMHO, for any coral tank more than 12" to 16" deep.

 

[WIReefer]

I would look into a 36” ATI t5 fixture you can come across some really good deals and that will be an amazing light.

 

[piranhaman00]

36" ATI Sunpower 6 bulb. Or there are grow lights on amazon for t5 fixtures.

 

[Hatohimikana]

The Viparspectra is a good light. I'd assume the Phlizon is as well if it's really 165 watts. The Hyperreef 30w is OK for fish and could do OK (but marginal) for a shallow tank (12" deep). You could also google Mars Aqua which is also a good fixture.

Given a shallow tank (10g to 20g and 12" deep) almost any light can do easy corals. A 40 breeder is deeper and needs a better light, especially if you are going to do more than zoas and leather corals.

Buying the stronger fixture using 3 watt leds will be something you can still use on a 20" or 24" deep tank. The fixtures that use 0.3 to 0.6 watt leds are OK for fish only but useless IMHO, for any coral tank more than 12" to 16" deep.

I was looking for more of a budget light maybe $150 at most. My 40 gallon tank is 36Lx18Wx17W, so it isnt that deep. I will buy both the viparspectra and the phlizon to see which one performs best and I'll let you know if youd like. Thank you for the information!

 

[Ron Reefman]

I was looking for more of a budget light maybe $150 at most. My 40 gallon tank is 36Lx18Wx17W, so it isnt that deep. I will buy both the viparspectra and the phlizon to see which one performs best and I'll let you know if youd like. Thank you for the information!

I would appreciate hearing which one you like. Being a member of the Reef Squad, I try to keep up, but new brands keep popping up all the time!