Lighting

[Newreefer94]

So I have been wanting a new light that gives me the WOW factor with my corals. Currently I am just running a cheap light from amazon that I growing the gsp and mushrooms. I want something that will bring the colors out and really make my fish look god. Does anyone have any suggestions? I do not want to spend a arm and a leg on a light but I do want something I can control from my phone. My price range is about $100-$150.

 

[James M]

How big is your tank ?

 

[LilElroyJetson]

Personally, lights are one thing I would save up and invest in a quality set for, especially if you plan on being in the hobby long term, I’d bet you end up upgrading to some high end LEDs down the road anyway and find that a bargain light will have been a waste. Quality lighting is one of the biggest difference makers in successfully keeping coral imo. If you decide to bite the bullet, of the high end LEDs, the Aqua Illumination lights are on the cheaper side compared to the Radions and they’re amazing, so is their user interface via phone app, and you pay be able to snag some used AI Primes or something on sale.

With that said I know everyone doesn’t have an unlimited budget for their reef tanks so if you really want a good budget light, I’ve seen people have successful tanks using the black boxes off EBay. I’d focus on finding lights with a good varied spectrum. I’m sorry I don’t have any more specific recommendations.

 

[Newreefer94]

Personally, lights are one thing I would save up and invest in a quality set for, especially if you plan on being in the hobby long term, I’d bet you end up upgrading to some high end LEDs down the road anyway and find that a bargain light will have been a waste. Quality lighting is one of the biggest difference makers in successfully keeping coral imo. If you decide to bite the bullet, of the high end LEDs, the Aqua Illumination lights are on the cheaper side compared to the Radions and they’re amazing, so is their user interface via phone app, and you pay be able to snag some used AI Primes or something on sale.

With that said I know everyone doesn’t have an unlimited budget for their reef tanks so if you really want a good budget light, I’ve seen people have successful tanks using the black boxes off EBay. I’d focus on finding lights with a good varied spectrum. I’m sorry I don’t have any more specific recommendations.

Any help is better than no help.

 

[Newreefer94]

How big is your tank ?

It’s only a 29 gallon

 

[Sarah24!]

Hello,

For the size tank you have the older current marine pro similar to model 4117 I think your size is 4110 but I’m sure on mine. They are in the same class as hydra and radions (and when first out they were the same price (well 809 for my 72 inch version). But they have been fantastic and honestly they are on sale now for (small 24 inch) like 184 I think and some lower. These will grow anything up to your high demand clams and sps. So you can grow with this light, and current usa still services them. Mine have never had any issues but if I do I’m taking care of.

If you wanna go high end lights then the mitas ghl 7x is way past radions and hydra kessill current etc. they are still cheaper than radions, but much better light and programming in it.

Another thing is, spending lots of money on a reef tank is easy and there is no challenge. If you want some fun and a challenge create your dream reef on a small budget, because it’s not hard to do. I wish you great success.’