Affordable lighting for SPS tank

TidalReefer · Mar 8, 2020

Hello! Due to a recent malfunction I'm looking for new lighting for my (24 in L,15 in H, 16 in W) reef tank. I've been running with a no name Chinese led that's been able to grow montipora and BTA. What is a fairly affordable (160$ or less) lighting option if I want to keep more sps? Thank you in advance!

jordan10 · Mar 8, 2020

Idk if u find one for that price. It's sad how expensive stuff is for this hobby.

jordan10 · Mar 8, 2020

Maybe look for second hand lights find good deals

TidalReefer · Mar 8, 2020

jordan10 said:
Maybe look for second hand lights find good deals

I probably should've added that but yes, any help with what type of light would do the job and I'll do my best to find a good deal for it

jordan10 · Mar 8, 2020

Ummmm I don't know much bout sps but I would guess ur primes, radians, kessill, probably even t5s maybe the Chinese black boxes.

DancingShark · Mar 8, 2020

Black boxes are able to grow sps of any kind.
Look into Ocean revive if you want a better know black box.

TidalReefer · Mar 8, 2020

DancingShark said:
Black boxes are able to grow sps of any kind.
Look into Ocean revive if you want a better know black box.

I've been hearing a lot about "black boxes" but I dont know which would work for my tank, would you have a link to one that could help me? Thanks you for the info tho!

SolarFusion · Mar 8, 2020

This guy has two for super cheap, this should be the end of your hunt. Cheers!

(2) 165 watt galaxy hydro full spectrum dimmable pendants **one works great, the other needs a driver ($15 part, easy to replace) $85 for both

Utah - Cleaning out the fish room

There’s way too much to take pics of everything so if there’s something you want a better pic of or it’s not in a pic altogether let me know and I can send it in a pm. I’d prefer cash (PayPal) right now rather than trade but I’m not necessarily opposed to the idea. A lot of this stuff has been...

www.reef2reef.com

TidalReefer · Mar 8, 2020

SolarFusion said:
This guy has two for super cheap, this should be the end of your hunt. Cheers!

(2) 165 watt galaxy hydro full spectrum dimmable pendants **one works great, the other needs a driver ($15 part, easy to replace) $85 for both

Utah - Cleaning out the fish room

There’s way too much to take pics of everything so if there’s something you want a better pic of or it’s not in a pic altogether let me know and I can send it in a pm. I’d prefer cash (PayPal) right now rather than trade but I’m not necessarily opposed to the idea. A lot of this stuff has been...

www.reef2reef.com

Awesome! This is why I love this site. Thanks man cheers

DancingShark · Mar 8, 2020

For some reason I cant post links today

DancingShark · Mar 8, 2020

SolarFusion said:
This guy has two for super cheap, this should be the end of your hunt. Cheers!

(2) 165 watt galaxy hydro full spectrum dimmable pendants **one works great, the other needs a driver ($15 part, easy to replace) $85 for both

Utah - Cleaning out the fish room

There’s way too much to take pics of everything so if there’s something you want a better pic of or it’s not in a pic altogether let me know and I can send it in a pm. I’d prefer cash (PayPal) right now rather than trade but I’m not necessarily opposed to the idea. A lot of this stuff has been...

www.reef2reef.com

Good find. For the price of the gen 1 radions he has there I would just go with that.

Bigbadfishy · Mar 8, 2020

I agree used good lights are the way to go.

x2uranium · Mar 8, 2020

Cheapo t5 grow light from
Amazon with reflectors.. call it a wrap.

Bpb · Mar 8, 2020

Viparspectra black box

Or

Sunblaze t5ho on amazon. 4 bulb ought to do it

Skynyrd Fish · Mar 8, 2020

Ocean revive.

Bpb · Mar 8, 2020

Where are you all buying ocean revive fixtures. They’re not in business anymore

AbjectMaelstroM · Mar 8, 2020

Yeah, OR went belly up a while back. Might be able to find old stock somewhere. Otherwise Viparspecta or Mars Aqua.

I would not buy used black boxes. You're not getting much in savings over buying new (105$ for a Viparspecta). The leds and drivers used aren't exactly top bin so any wear and tear isn't worth it to save $20. Viparspectas actually do have a warranty, my driver was doa on one of the boxes and they sent me a new driver no questions asked.

X-37B · Mar 8, 2020

I ran a Mars Aqua on my 25 nano for 2+ years. Grows anything.
If you can find a used 4-6 bulb ATI T5 unit you will not be dissapointed.
I got a 6 bulb 48" for <$200.

Skynyrd Fish · Mar 8, 2020

Ebay and amazon as of yesterday. I don’t own any, but have seen them work on beautiful sps tanks.

Semisonyx · Mar 9, 2020

Viparspectra. I’ve had great growth on all varieties of SPS and other corals.

I tried marsaqua, but sent them back the next day. They changed the layout of the LEDs last summer and the change looked horrible. The new circuit board also makes it very difficult for an amateur to swap diodes.