Suggestions on Affordable Lighting Options

[elton092982]

I know that there is no such thing as if you go cheap you get what you payed for, but I was just looking for some options that are good lights that don't break the bank. Would be for a 40 breeder and for low to medium lighting corals .

 

[Spudsly]

I think lighting is one of those areas where you can easily spend an order of magnitude extra money and not end up with a whole lot beyond aesthetic appeal. A cheap used T5 fixture or black box LED is pennies on the dollar to the expensive options and is going to keep your corals happy and healthy. I very nearly spent $1500 on my lighting fixture, instead I spent $50 and things seem to be just fine!

 

[dz6t]

if you can provide a budget will be easier to make recommendation.

 

[elton092982]

Know it's on the low end but around 200

 

[s_kelley]

Bet ya can get a decent t5 for a 40b for $200

 

[elton092982]

New or used ? Also looking for brands

 

[Bao]

Used ATI 4 bulbs Sunpower would be around 200. But you need to change bulbs every year.

 

[dz6t]

Used ATI 4 bulbs Sunpower would be around 200. But you need to change bulbs every year.

I think it cost more than that.

 

[Jeff.:P]

For $221.99 you could do the 54w x 6 Lamp Sun Blaze. Appears to have decent reviews

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/48-sun-blaze-t5-ho-lighting-fixture-sunlight-supply.html

 

[jah-hoeva]

For $221.99 you could do the 54w x 6 Lamp Sun Blaze. Appears to have decent reviews

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/48-sun-blaze-t5-ho-lighting-fixture-sunlight-supply.html

But the fixture would be longer than his tank.

I'd look at the 24" Sun Blaze 4 bulb T5 on BRS for $123. Then with the remaining $80 or so from your budget grab 4 ATI bulbs.

 

[dz6t]

I can't tell from the website if SunBlase fixture has acrylic shield or fans.
If it does not, Amazon sells Sun Blase 4 lamp 24 inch t-5 fixture cheaper:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B...7-b4d4-466b-8c26-2639359664eb&pf_rd_i=desktop

The same fixture for $95 shipped.

 

[reefstarter]

or a good ole Home depot HO T5

 

[elton092982]

Dz6t - I was reading the reviews on those and it didn't seem like anyone used them for reef tanks . I'm sure they can still be used but would be nice to see some reviews of someone who had.

 

[gzr918]

I've been using viparspectra 165w for almost a year now and have had great growth at low and high intensities, its only 140 bucks on amazon right now. Im also running a black box unit thats pretty much the same unit but without all the bells and whistles for a few bucks cheaper.

 

[elton092982]

Gzr918 got any pics or links to these

 

[turbofreak403]

one of the reviews the guy put his PAR readings, i wonder how accurate they are. seems to be decent for the money

 

[gzr918]

This is one of the black boxes I recently purchased, still yet to get an idea of it in a reef setting (tank still maturing).
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00I...&pf_rd_p=cc000f63-21ee-4dc4-b9b6-9082ebacae63

I have two of these viparspectra over my mixed reef and will eventually get three to span the tank size once I have enough coral growth

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00U...3818153&sr=8-1&keywords=viparspectra+165w+led

 

[Jeff.:P]

I thought 40g breeders are 48'?

 

[Jeff.:P]

Here u go!

ATI 24 inch 6 blub dimmable light fixture

Blubs have about 7 months on them $250 pick up in Townsend or Methuen

http://www.bostonreefers.org/forums/showthread.php?157226-ATI-24-inch-6-blub-dimmable-light-fixture

 

[jah-hoeva]

There you go.