Best budget light for fluval evo?

[Pikachu]

Hello!, I recently setup a fluval evo and I was thinking about upgrading lighting for when I put it my first coral. I plant to keep all types of corals + I don’t like how the hood looks. I was planning to keep it budget friendly as livestock is already expensive as it is. I was looking at the nicrew 150w hyperreef, anyone has any experience with that light on this tanks/similar setups or any other good lighting options on the cheaper side?

 

[Little c big D]

So what is your definition of cheap? For me an AI prime is a great middle of the road compromise. Fair price but good quality and controllability.

 

[Pikachu]

I apologize for not putting a price point lol. While the ai prime looks great 300 with the mount may be a little bit out of my price range since I have to buy more things. I was trying to keep the light under 200 if possible, was looking at a “smatfarm” light looks pretty good and it has great reviews as well but was looking for some additional advice here

 

[Little c big D]

Check Craigslist also for some good used deals! I can't speak to the off brands. I used Chinese black boxes back in the day to replace some broken halides and they worked great, but that's the extent of my knowledge.

 

[Dreamscapesaquatics]

I have a aqumaxx prism II cc over a waterbox 16 for 6 weeks now. My euphillia are nice and open as are LPS and recordings. My sps, monti, birdsnest, demicornis are all showing great color, polyp extention and growth.

 

[Little c big D]

Heres and example. I found this,never used. Also a reef breeders for 50$ !! Sometimes the fb marketplace is great!

 

[Pikachu]

I see, might have to check marketplace to see whats up! Appreciate the feedback yall

 

[gibec]

ai prime hd is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO good. Best upgrade i have so far. Its pricey so i was leaning more towards a budget option too, but its worth it. Buy used one for cheaper if you can find one.

I heard the Kessil one was pretty decent too and saw one in person, but I just liked the prime more.

If you go the budget route your going to think about upgrading it to a better one in the future, so i would just think of it as a long term investment and get a good one from the start.