Good led bars under $200

fishywishy

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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

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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.
 
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vetteguy53081

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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
 
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Eric R.

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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.
 
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Eric R.

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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:
 
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oreo54

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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


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

Screenshot_20230129-181010.png
 
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vetteguy53081

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oreo54

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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
 
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Paleozoic_reefer

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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.
 
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fishywishy

fishywishy

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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?
 
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