Tank Light Reccomendations

[lwysocki51]

Hi all!

Looking for some recommendations on a new light for my 38 gallon saltwater tank.
I have had my tank for about 8 months now, so still learning. The light I got was given to me by the person I bought the supplies from. I just don't think it is sufficient.
Can anyone reccomend a good middle ground light?
I currently have 2 clownfish, a 6 line wrasse, a coral beauty, and a fire shrimp.

No coral right now but I would like to add some in the future..
I figure with black Friday coming up there may be deals.
Should I buy from amazon? Bulkreefsupply?
Again not trying to break the bank, but trying to upgrade.
Any help is appreciated! My tank is rectangular. I attached an old picture of my setup. Used to have coral, but they died

 

[ninjamyst]

Amazon. Smartfarm or nicrew. Two 50-90w units will be best.

 

[lwysocki51]

Amazon. Smartfarm or nicrew. Two 50-90w units will be best.

Thank you!!!

 

[VintageReefer]

2x Noo-Psyche k7 pro iii
I think there is a sale

 

[lwysocki51]

2x Noo-Psyche k7 pro iii
I think there is a sale

Thank you!! What is the best website to purchase? I appreciate your help!

 

[VintageReefer]

https://noopsychereeflight.com/prod...uarium-led-coral-light?variant=40437786771636
The discount should show up when you add to cart. If not, enter

2024

As the promo/coupon code for 10% off

 

[ninjamyst]

IMO noopsyche is great but two units is overkill for 40g but one unit isn't enough.

For a budget build, two smatfarm 60w will run you $180 or so, half the price of two noopsyche

 

[lwysocki51]

IMO noopsyche is great but two units is overkill for 40g but one unit isn't enough.

For a budget build, two smatfarm 60w will run you $180 or so, half the price of two noopsyche

Thank you i appreciate the insight. I was just about to ask if I would need two lights of the noopsyche.

Do you recommended Nicrew or Smatfarm one over the other?

 

[ninjamyst]

Thank you i appreciate the insight. I was just about to ask if I would need two lights of the noopsyche.

Do you recommended Nicrew or Smatfarm one over the other?

Nicrew more expensive but higher wattage. However, for your tank, smatfarm 60w fits the bill and coverage. It's not gonna have all the fancy app or features as a Radion but your corals won't care.

Light is important but most lights on the market can grow any corals as long as the wattage is enough.

 

[lwysocki51]

Nicrew more expensive but higher wattage. However, for your tank, smatfarm 60w fits the bill and coverage. It's not gonna have all the fancy app or features as a Radion but your corals won't care.

Light is important but most lights on the market can grow any corals as long as the wattage is enough.

Is there such thing as having too much wattage for a small tank??

 

[VintageReefer]

Is there such thing as having too much wattage for a small tank??

No and wattage doesn’t really matter unless you run at 100% which most don’t.

If the tank “needs” 30 watts of light to get correct par and you put a 60w light over it, chances are your going to end up running the light at 40-50%

 

[dedragon]

biggest concerns for you should be (in this order) ; budget, what types of corals u want to keep, and how u want ur tank to look visually (internally and externally)

 

[dedragon]

If the tank “needs” 30 watts of light to get correct par and you put a 60w light over it, chances are your going to end up running the light at 40-50%

which should also help with longevity. Lower rpm fans, less heat, might help with led burnout as well

 

[lwysocki51]

biggest concerns for you should be (in this order) ; budget, what types of corals u want to keep, and how u want ur tank to look visually (internally and externally)

I'm not too worried about how the lights will look just attached to the tank. It's not the best looking setup right now anyways .
What could different lights do internally to your tank?

 

[ninjamyst]

I'm not too worried about how the lights will look just attached to the tank. It's not the best looking setup right now anyways .
What could different lights do internally to your tank?

Spectrum of the light, shimmering, plus any disco effects when blending lights. However, most lights are full spectrum and you can adjust each color to whatever you want. Some lights like Kessil are known for their shimmers while some are known for giving a flat T5 look. Some cheap lights will produce an undesirable disco effect when they do a poor job blending different light colors.

 

[lwysocki51]

Spectrum of the light, shimmering, plus any disco effects when blending lights. However, most lights are full spectrum and you can adjust each color to whatever you want. Some lights like Kessil are known for their shimmers while some are known for giving a flat T5 look. Some cheap lights will produce an undesirable disco effect when they do a poor job blending different light colors.

Thank you for your help!!!

 

[twentyleagues]

In the grand scheme get the minimum expect the minimum. Lighting is one of the most important aspects for corals, flow is right there too if not higher. The budget lights work the "low end" midgrade lights work. Getting 1 vs 2 go for 2 as they will run cooler allow better spread and offer more versatility in the future. 2 noops would not be over kill on this tank as they are adjustable and will provide better spread than just one light.

 

[lwysocki51]

In the grand scheme get the minimum expect the minimum. Lighting is one of the most important aspects for corals, flow is right there too if not higher. The budget lights work the "low end" midgrade lights work. Getting 1 vs 2 go for 2 as they will run cooler allow better spread and offer more versatility in the future. 2 noops would not be over kill on this tank as they are adjustable and will provide better spread than just one light.

I was looking to get two of these (with the timer)

NICREW 50 Watts Aquarium LED Reef Light, Dimmable Full Spectrum Marine LED for Saltwater Coral Fish Tanks https://a.co/d/2vpNSZS

The Noopsyche is just a little out of my budget right now.