Inexpensive lighting system for live rock

[Jc0187]

Hello all. I've been out of the salt water hobby for nearly 6 years and am now getting back in. I plan on filling my 46gallon bowfront aquarium with around 40-50 pounds of live rock. On my last system I cheaped out by using a 4' ballast that used t8 bulbs. This worked fantastic for me. Unfortunately, my bowfront aquarium is 3' so I cannot use my cheapskate method and now I need to find something that works.

I found a really cheap LED system ($50) on Amazon but I'm not sure something like that will work. Can anyone give me some pointers on the lighting please? I really don't want to go over $80 ( I know I know, lighting is super important, but right now, I don't have the cash).

 

[Jc0187]

Here is what I found. But, I am not sure this will be adequate for my live rock.


https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01I...40_QL65&keywords=aquarium+lighting&psc=1&th=1

 

[Maacc]

I think you can do one of the 165 watt Chinese black boxes for close to 80. You will have shadows but it will grow coraline fine and work for fish. Raise it up to increase the spread. When your budget opens up a little you can always add a second.

 

[Jc0187]

I think you can do one of the 165 watt Chinese black boxes for close to 80. You will have shadows but it will grow coraline fine and work for fish. Raise it up to increase the spread. When your budget opens up a little you can always add a second.

Hmm. Ok. I'll look at the 165 watt systems. Thanks!