Best lighting under $250

Arthacker87 · Feb 8, 2020

T5 light spread is pretty dang pretty!!!

Arthacker87 · Feb 8, 2020

Bulbs aren't horrible and that fixture 4 bulb is a nice price

SudzFD · Feb 8, 2020

I’ve been really happy with my light so far, but the jury is still out. It looks great, fits great on top of the tank, has two timers built in and a ramp up ramp down feature. My bubble tip seems very happy as do my zoas.

curious what others think of the specs on this light. So feel free to jump in and let me know. For the price ($50) I gave it a try and have been happy.

I have the 36” on my 35g bowfront.

Amazon.com : NICREW Saltwater Aquarium Light, Marine LED Fish Tank Light for Coral Reef Tanks, 2-Channel Timer Included, 30 to 36-Inch, 32-Watt : Pet Supplies

www.amazon.com

45ZoaGarden · Feb 8, 2020

Remember, there is a big difference between growing and thriving. I see a dramatic difference between coral colors grown under high end lights compared to budget black boxes. I’m not saying black boxes won’t grow, I’m saying you will get better colors under a t5 hybrid or good led’s.

ZoWhat · Feb 8, 2020

TheKyle said:
Sb reef lights. Chinese black boxes with upgraded spectrum and American customer support.

OMG that's the funniest thing I've read in 2020. The guy who runs SB Reef spends 95% of his time on a research boat under a Gov Grant. He only packs and ships online orders on his Sunday afternoon off.

Youd be more successful calling up the Pope at the Vatican than to get an email or call/text from him

His customer service is so bad that customers of his are forced to run a Facebook Support website where they all help each other out post-sale.

Not trashing the company...HE'S GOT GOOD PRODUCT but post-sale? Forggggget about it.

just telling 100% truth of the reality of the situation. He can run his biz any way he wants....which is almost always zero customer interaction

.

TheKyle · Feb 8, 2020

skimjim said:
OMG that's the funniest thing I've read in 2020. The guy who runs SB Reef spends 95% of his time on a research boat under a Gov Grant. He only packs and ships online orders on his Sunday afternoon off.

Youd be more successful calling up the Pope at the Vatican than to get an email or call/text from him

His customer service is so bad that customers of his are forced to run a Facebook Support website where they all help each other out post-sale.

Not trashing the company...HE'S GOT GOOD PRODUCT but post-sale? Forggggget about it.

just telling 100% truth of the reality of the situation. He can run his biz any way he wants....which is almost always zero customer interaction

.

Interesting I had a completely different experience. When installing my lights a couple years ago I broke a brass hanging loop. He sent me a new ones in the mail no questions asked, responded immediately. Just my personal experience.

ZoWhat · Feb 8, 2020

TheKyle said:
Interesting I had a completely different experience. When installing my lights a couple years ago I broke a brass hanging loop. He sent me a new ones in the mail no questions asked, responded immediately. Just my personal experience.

Times have changed.

Since his Gov Grant to do research on the open water his SB Reefing biz has gone to major autopilot.

His entire mind and efforts aren't growing his biz..I reached out to him with 5 emails and 4 phones after I dropped $300 in his bank acct. Not a single whiff of him replying.

I final got an answer thru a R2Rer who visits his brick and mortar. He too said he has let that side of the biz completely survive on autopilot. He shops elsewhere

Magellan · Feb 8, 2020

get a used metal halide. You won’t do better for the price, and will be able to grow any corals you want. Much simpler to operate as well...no playing around with spectrums. Just get a timer and turn it on 8 hours a day.

sfin52 · Feb 8, 2020

Magellan said:
get a used metal halide. You won’t do better for the price, and will be able to grow any corals you want. Much simpler to operate as well...no playing around with spectrums. Just get a timer and turn it on 8 hours a day.

Love the idea

Amado · Feb 8, 2020

You can get this light at Amazon.
It’s proven to grow corals

OceanRevive Arctic T247-B Full Spectrum Dimmable LED Aquarium Reef Light

Arthacker87 · Feb 8, 2020

I have 2 of those as well they have a good spectrum of lightm they are going over my frag tank w t5s

Arthacker87 · Feb 8, 2020

The ocean revive

wrasse man · Feb 8, 2020

Orphek OR Bars, mounted properly and spectrum mix you could easily light a tank with just those.

Arthacker87 · Feb 8, 2020

But they run for a 4 ft 180 bucks (roughly) and x2 you get a deal but still over 300. But I think they have such great color and spread. Buddy just bought 2 and it was an amazing difference

TheKyle · Feb 9, 2020

skimjim said:
Times have changed.

Since his Gov Grant to do research on the open water his SB Reefing biz has gone to major autopilot.

His entire mind and efforts aren't growing his biz..I reached out to him with 5 emails and 4 phones after I dropped $300 in his bank acct. Not a single whiff of him replying.

I final got an answer thru a R2Rer who visits his brick and mortar. He too said he has let that side of the biz completely survive on autopilot. He shops elsewhere

This is very disappointing. I really like their product but poor customer service is somewhat of a deal breaker for me. Might have to consider other options if my lights ever die. What a shame. Anyways thanks for sharing.