Shed a Little Light...

[Seafeather]

Hello all!

Please give me your lighting recommendations!

I'm currently running a Waterbox Eden 20 (so 16x16x16) and the light it comes with is...ehh. They're actually sending me a new controller because the one I currently have is broken, but honestly it's just a garbage light. I don't know much about lighting, but I do know this one ain't it.

So I have the 20 gallon and will eventually be getting a 55 gallon as well. I'd like some recs on lighting that I don't have to sell a kidney to get (preferably below $200 USD). Both tanks will have corals as well so keeping that in mind too.

Thank you in advance!

 

[Tahoe61]

Popbloom, Smatfarm or Nicrew. Personally I prefer Smatfarm and Nicrew because you can run it without an app.

 

[TX_REEF]

What are you keeping in the tank? These are some options I'd recommend in your price range:

Hygger mini: This is the cheapest budget option I'd recommend, enough power for soft corals and most LPS https://amzn.to/3MvMCVH

Noopsyche K7 mini: probably the best power to price ratio for a bespoke mini reef light https://noopsychereeflight.com/prod...3hz9B2o23QbUfl5cc-sRetabe-ZZsyAquB2zRvr6_or1j

Kessil A160: excellent shimmer and superior coral color development https://amzn.to/4ttjfUC

 

[Seafeather]

What are you keeping in the tank? These are some options I'd recommend in your price range:

Hygger mini: This is the cheapest budget option I'd recommend, enough power for soft corals and most LPS https://amzn.to/3MvMCVH

Noopsyche K7 mini: probably the best power to price ratio for a bespoke mini reef light https://noopsychereeflight.com/prod...3hz9B2o23QbUfl5cc-sRetabe-ZZsyAquB2zRvr6_or1j

Kessil A160: excellent shimmer and superior coral color development https://amzn.to/4ttjfUC

The Hygger and Noopsyche look so tiny! Are they powerful enough for the light to reach down like that or would you recommend maybe buying 2 each?


I've heard of Kessil before and maybe in the future it will be feasible. A definite contender for the 55 gallon...

 

[Seafeather]

Popbloom, Smatfarm or Nicrew. Personally I prefer Smatfarm and Nicrew because you can run it without an app.

I've seen ones like the Smatfarm before. I love the hanging lights though am a little nervous about them (I fear it will fall into the aquarium lol). You said you like those because they don't run on an app. Is the controller easy to learn/use? The Smatfarm looks like the controller isn't attached (like my waterbox one currently) which is nice, though I worry it will be lost. Nothing a little velcro couldn't fix though.

 

[Tahoe61]

I use the BOT mount. The controller works but I either manually turn it off and on or put it on a timer. The controller is very simple, you would have no problem.

 

[TX_REEF]

The Hygger and Noopsyche look so tiny! Are they powerful enough for the light to reach down like that or would you recommend maybe buying 2 each?


I've heard of Kessil before and maybe in the future it will be feasible. A definite contender for the 55 gallon...

it depends what you are growing in the tank. The Noopscyche is 60 watts, more than enough power for that size tank. The Hygger will not provide a lot of intensity on the sandbed, but will be fine if you only have soft corals down low. That's the benefit of quality LEDs - lots of power in a small package. I am a fan of the spotlight design personally - cleaner look than the big boxy panel LEDs.

 

[Seafeather]

I use the BOT mount. The controller works but I either manually turn it off and on or put it on a timer. The controller is very simple, you would have no problem.

Wonderful! Thanks!

 

[Seafeather]

it depends what you are growing in the tank. The Noopscyche is 60 watts, more than enough power for that size tank. The Hygger will not provide a lot of intensity on the sandbed, but will be fine if you only have soft corals down low. That's the benefit of quality LEDs - lots of power in a small package. I am a fan of the spotlight design personally - cleaner look than the big boxy panel LEDs.

Ah I forgot to reply to that part of your reply.

After a move (and hopefully the last one for forever) I lost all of my corals except for a very small patch of clove polyps that I'm hoping are still capable of growth, and my toadstool. Not that I had a ton before, but it's still a blow. Only focusing on growing softies and maybe an LPS or two.

All good information though! Between the two, I'd probably choose the Noopsyche since it seems to be a bit stronger than the Hygger.

 

[Dread Pirate Dave]

The NavaReef 65 may be a good option too. I'd also get the controller for another $50.

Amazon product

 

[Seafeather]

The NavaReef 65 may be a good option too. I'd also get the controller for another $50.

Amazon product

Ooh now that one's nice too. Do you think that one would work for the 55 gallon? (estimating that its about 2ish feet deep on the conservative side) Or would you suggest two of them?

 

[Dread Pirate Dave]

Ooh now that one's nice too. Do you think that one would work for the 55 gallon? (estimating that its about 2ish feet deep on the conservative side) Or would you suggest two of them?

The 135 may be better suited for your 55 then. This would still be about $200 with the controller.

 

[Seafeather]

Ooh now that one's nice too. Do you think that one would work for the 55 gallon? (estimating that its about 2ish feet deep on the conservative side) Or would you suggest two of them?

The 135 may be better suited for your 55 then. This would still be about $200 with the controller.

Great! So then you suggest the 65 for the 20 gallon?

 

[Dread Pirate Dave]

Great! So then you suggest the 65 for the 20 gallon?

Yes, the 65 should work well for your 20 gallon. If you upgrade to the 55 you could get a second 65 and link the two.

 

[Seafeather]

Yes, the 65 should work well for your 20 gallon. If you upgrade to the 55 you could get a second 65 and link the two.

Lovely! The 55 gallon is kind of long so it might be better to do two of the 65s. Thanks for your input!

 

[Marc G-L]

I bought the glowrium on Amazon it comes with a 2 yr warrantees from a company that has been around 25yrs in lighting plants and Aquariums. I was amazed over the software that allows great customization. It also has a temp probe included and WIFI control and w/ temp alerts. Take a look they show very good PAR levels for a reasonable price.