Do I need a backup light?

RaymondL · Jun 2, 2024

I don't have a back up light in case the light that I have goes out - in that regard, I"m wondering if it's good insurance to have an extra light fixture as a standby? Is that a crazy idea?

Rjukan · Jun 2, 2024

Tanks can go a couple days with just ambient light, while you ordered a new light.
Or... if you find a nice backup, similar light for a great price used, then maybe it's worth having one?
Idk, I think I would just use the broken light as an excuse to upgrade lol, and having a mediocre backup light waiting kind of defeats that purpose.

Mr. Mojo Rising · Jun 2, 2024

I very rarely have power failures so I don't feel I need one. But I would really hate to spend so much money just to let it sit in a closet "just in case".

Team ASD · Jun 2, 2024

Rjukan said:
Tanks can go a couple days with just ambient light, while you ordered a new light.
Or... if you find a nice backup, similar light for a great price used, then maybe it's worth having one?
Idk, I think I would just use the broken light as an excuse to upgrade lol, and having a mediocre backup light waiting kind of defeats that purpose.

I agree with this post in regards to tanks not needing a light immediately as there are stormy days/weeks on reefs where there is minimal light for the corals.
In my opinion it would be far more beneficial to have a backup heater, powerhead, and return pump over a light.
If money is no issue then yes absolutely a backup light would be highly helpful in case one day yours goes out on you and it would take you a few days to get a new one in however those would be my top three to have on standby incase something went out.