Need lights for under 200.. what's best

[JKDMan]

Just like the title says. I'm looking for lighting options for my reef for under 200$, it's a new setup with 2 clown fish and a tiny cuc only right now. My plan for the aquarium is for it to be a softy and LPS tank. It's a standard 4' 75 gal... what are some good lighting choices ?

 

[Brad Waddell Wrath's Reef]

Just like the title says. I'm looking for lighting options for my reef for under 200$, it's a new setup with 2 clown fish and a tiny cuc only right now. My plan for the aquarium is for it to be a softy and LPS tank. It's a standard 4' 75 gal... what are some good lighting choices ?

I would honestly look for something used. You can go cheap Chinese black box and have good results. The issues is you will end up upgrading. I found 4 AI Sol Blue with controller and hanging kit with rails. Had less than a year use and got them for $500 on Ebay. They are amazing lights. Maybe you can find a few Kessil A360 Tuna used for a fair price.

 

[Reefnjunkie]

Ocean revive

I’ve used them for years growing acropora-

But then I spoiled myself with G4X30s

I’d go back to ORs without hesitation

Just me experience
Good luck, very opinionated question

 

[Aardvark1134]

When trying to keep cost down go T5s.
This one is a little over your # at $300
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/supra-quad-t5-retrofit-fixture-reef-brite.html4x4ft- T5s should work well. Maybe you can find one of these used or open box

 

[piranhaman00]

Two black boxes will be right around 200$ and will be more then sufficient

 

[Arthacker87]

I use msrsaqua but like stated above I want better lights for better color but they do well

Black box

 

[JKDMan]

Two black boxes will be right around 200$ and will be more then sufficient

What are black boxes

 

[Aardvark1134]

Genaric nonames from china

 

[Arthacker87]

Yep mine was marsaqua haha it had a name but cheap

 

[SeaJay]

Noopsyche

 

[Flippers4pups]

Mars Aquas. Grow anything.

 

[AbjectMaelstroM]

Mars Aqua or Viparspectra. 2 lights will run you about $210 shipped.

 

[Arthacker87]

Mars Aquas. Grow anything.

Whoa there is only room for one super awesome tank that's 90 ft long and has some cool coral here .... I'll delete my post :D :D :D

 

[Malifry97]

Two black boxes will be right around 200$ and will be more then sufficient

Agreed

 

[Malifry97]

Two viparspectra or mars aqua. They will grow anything and you won’t need to do any upgrading. They put out CRAZY par.

 

[RCS82]

Best light for under $200?
Easy,
A used T5 unit, maybe a 6 bulb Teck or Aquatic Life fixture. Even a 4 bulb unit would be fine starting out.