Good led bars under $200

[fishywishy]

I’m looking for a led bar that is under 200 bucks for my 55 gallon that can grow basic sps like montipora and birds nest and(if possible)has day and night cycles.

 

[DanyL]

What are your tank dimensions?
Are these supplemental lights or do you plan to use them as your main solution?
If it is planned to be used as your main source of light, is there any special reason not to use a different form factor?

Generally speaking there are a few companies that produce them:
Quantas, Orphek, AI, Reef Brite and generic Aliexpress bars.

All will grow coral, some better then others and come with different price points and features.
The main thing to consider here is penetration and spread, you'll need to get multiple bars for reasonable coverage.

 

[fishywishy]

.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I’m looking for a led bar that is under 200 bucks for my 55 gallon that can grow basic sps like montipora and birds nest and(if possible)has day and night cycles.

Orphek OR3- 120 sky blue. . . If two strips (best) One sky blue and one blue plus

 

[BBoley24]

T5ho

 

[fishywishy]

Orphek OR3- 120 sky blue. . . If two strips (best) One sky blue and one blue plus

Do i need 2 to grow easy sips corals

 

[Eric R.]

Jim Graham (telgraham on r2r, youtube, and instagram) recommends Ali Express LED bars for cheap LED bars. There are better LED bars if you're willing to spend more money (the Quanta bars come to mind), but those might be out of the price range you're mentioning. I've personally not used the Ali E bars, but I value Jim's opinion on LED lights and electronics. You can search for his posts on here or elsewhere online if you want more info.

 

[ryanjohn1]

I’m looking for a led bar that is under 200 bucks for my 55 gallon that can grow basic sps like montipora and birds nest and(if possible)has day and night cycles.

AI blade

 

[Eric R.]

Jim Graham (telgraham on r2r, youtube, and instagram) recommends Ali Express LED bars for cheap LED bars. There are better LED bars if you're willing to spend more money (the Quanta bars come to mind), but those might be out of the price range you're mentioning. I've personally not used the Ali E bars, but I value Jim's opinion on LED lights and electronics. You can search for his posts on here or elsewhere online if you want more info.

Some of his posts:

Search results for query: ali bar

www.reef2reef.com

 

[oreo54]

2 of these ( pick your color) sunsetter and y cables. You may need to go 2 sunsetters, no y cables. Need to figure power draw.

Whatever way you go it is unlikely you can
get by with $200 considering your need/want list.
Buying on Ali until after the Chinese New ter is recommended if you go that route
One high quality ( think $$$'s) is Guesseman PULZAR

Giesemann Pulzar High Output Aquarium Lighting LED Bar

The Giesemann Pulzar-LED bar offers an expandable and cost effective solution to properly illuminate your tropical, marine and reef aquariums.

www.coralvue.com

Oops subtract 1 sunsetter ($30) or leave it and subtract the 2 y cables ($9.90)..

 

[Wyatt57]

I have 55 gallon tank that been running for six months. I have yet to purchase light.
48 inch wide tank to light. watching.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Do i need 2 to grow easy sips corals

Yes, even 3 would be best but two should work

 

[oreo54]

Yea but $200 each, no dimming, no mounts.
.
A 100w (48.1") AI Blade is $370 and controllable.

You start doubling the budget choices increase a bit

Reefbreeders lumens bars ect

 

[Paleozoic_reefer]

I’ve been happy with these. Good customer service, great price, and bonus: Made in USA.

ReefBar Pro

ReefBar Pro

21ledusa.com

 

[fishywishy]

I’ve been happy with these. Good customer service, great price, and bonus: Made in USA.

ReefBar Pro

ReefBar Pro

21ledusa.com

Can these grow sps?

 

[oreo54]

If you increase the budget even 2 Nicrew 100w each .
Amazon product

 

[Paleozoic_reefer]

With 1-2 at 12in from the tank and the SPS you mentioned placed medium to high in the tank I would say definitely yes. But, as you explore more demanding corals you may need to supplement them with T5 or other LEDs.

 

[fishywishy]

If you increase the budget even 2 Nicrew 100w each .
Amazon product

I got those lights but they didn’t look good and didn’t work where my tank is

 

[fishywishy]

With 1-2 at 12in from the tank and the SPS you mentioned placed medium to high in the tank I would say definitely yes. But, as you explore more demanding corals you may need to supplement them with T5 or other LEDs.

What’s the best ones from there, theres a lot and idk which to pick?

 

[oreo54]

I got those lights but they didn’t look good and didn’t work where my tank is

That's too bad ..So that is why you want bars huh.