Looking for suggestions for an affordable sps light

[lostsailor22]

Looking to upgrade my lighting finally. I have some softies and a couple LPS, wanting to step it up and mix some sps in. Tank is 48Lx24Hx18W

Ideally trying to keep lighting within $400 budget for the entire tank..

All suggestions are welcomed! Thanks for reading

 

[Johnd651]

I run one of these 12" on a 15x15x15 with plenty of par for sps at only 60%.

https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/48-blade-coral-grow-smart-strip-led-light-aquaillumination/

 

[Paris by Night]

I run one of these 12" on a 15x15x15 with plenty of par for sps at only 60%.

https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/48-blade-coral-grow-smart-strip-led-light-aquaillumination/

My exact sentiments. Up front cost is there as LEDS always is, however the blades offer so much spread especially if you do 2. I have mounted next to eachother but in with the “butts” facing opposite directions since some bars will be 50-50, one side being more pink/white and one is more blue.

However out of all lighting combos I’ve used, blades have been my favorite. I even have Stratons on my big system for context lol kinda wish I went blades, however they can be very blinding for the eye. So I recommend a canopy or even a shade to go below them by a few inches.

 

[rtparty]

Nicrew Hyperreef Gen 2. 2 of the 150 will work nicely

 

[Minifoot77]

2 viparspectra 165w would grow anything you want as well

 

[lostsailor22]

Nicrew Hyperreef Gen 2. 2 of the 150 will work nicely

Would you recommend two of them for the 48” spread? My tank is acrylic with two open ports on top. I figure two lights would be better then center mounting one light

 

[lostsailor22]

2 viparspectra 165w would grow anything you want as well

I was looking into these! Found a pair on marketplace for the price of one brand new. Maybe that’s the move then

 

[rtparty]

Would you recommend two of them for the 48” spread? My tank is acrylic with two open ports on top. I figure two lights would be better then center mounting one light

Yes

2 of the 150

 

[Minifoot77]

I was looking into these! Found a pair on marketplace for the price of one brand new. Maybe that’s the move then

I did the mod of taking out the reflectors for more spread and mixing of the light they have to be turned down for me my tank is only 20 inches tall and I have them mounted 14 inches above the water

 

[X-37B]

I have a 6 bulb 36" giesemann T5 unit you can have if you want to drive to Sacramento. It looks new and was only run for less than a year.
This will grow anything you want.

 

[lostsailor22]

I have a 6 bulb 36" giesemann T5 unit you can have if you want to drive to Sacramento. It looks new and was only run for less than a year.
This will grow anything you want.

Dude that would be amazing! Let’s see if I can make a drive to Sac soon! It’s only a few hours from me! Thank you!

 

[Spare time]

Noopsyches

 

[X-37B]

Dude that would be amazing! Let’s see if I can make a drive to Sac soon! It’s only a few hours from me! Thank you!

YW. Here is a couple pics. I just want it to go to someone who will use it and not just resell it.

 

[LovinlifeinGuam]

My first thought was 2 Noopsyche K7 Minis...they're programmable and connect to your phone but I admittedly don't know a lot about lighting more than nanos...I had one for a 20 gallon and it worked great...they're 60 watts each

 

[bradreef]

Noopsyches

Yep. The k7 v3. 2 should be around $350

 

[TX_REEF]

Noopsyches

2x noopsyche k7, nothing better for PAR on a budget.

 

[vandy]

I have a reefbreeders photon 50 v2+ if you’re interested

 

[MikeO]

For $180 you can get 4 x 4ft actinic blue from here:
https://21ledusa.com/products/4-x-reefbar-combo-4ft-aquarium-led-light-bars?variant=39713075789963

 

[bradreef]

For $180 you can get 4 x 4ft actinic blue from here:
https://21ledusa.com/products/4-x-reefbar-combo-4ft-aquarium-led-light-bars?variant=39713075789963

Only if you want SPS at the top. Still probably not enough par to maximize some colors.