Best cheap reef tank light

[LeChef]

I know when I say cheap I’m still gonna have to pay probably around $300+ but I’m trying to find a good light for a reef tank, I’m a beginner but want to grow all kinds of corals when my tank is ready to be started so I’m trying to find a good light. I have a 40 gallon breeder and I’m looking at NICREW 150watt, VIPARSPECTRA (is there a stand for this or does it only hang from the ceiling?) and any others people might know. Thanks

 

[Sam816]

'Used/re-loved' is your best bet. maxspect ethreals might be in reach. how big is ur tank?

 

[reefinatl]

Absolute best cheap lights are used halides

 

[monkeyCmonkeyDo]

$120-$140 probably for a 24" 4 bulb oddysea t5 light. Does not have individual reflectors but still ok.
-d

 

[LeChef]

'Used/re-loved' is your best bet. maxspect ethreals might be in reach. how big is ur tank?

40 gallons

 

[Townes_Van_Camp]

I have two Chinese’s black boxes in my shop. They will be pretty cheap if someone wants them. They aren’t the best, or even close to it. But they grew coral well.

 

[Suohhen]

Take a look at Reef Breeders they are essentially black box lights but they are a US company with a good warranty and the build/accessories are well thought out. The blending of colors is lacking but they are definitely great beginners lights as long as you can look past that.

 

[Townes_Van_Camp]

Take a look at Reef Breeders they are essentially black box lights but they are a US company with a good warranty and the build/accessories are well thought out. The blending of colors is lacking but they are definitely great beginners lights as long as you can look past that.

The photon v2+ blends well, they do like to be mounted quite high. I have mine 17 inches over the water. Nothing like a black box now. They use much better diodes, they are sold and serviced by an American company. Osram, Cree xte and xpe are hardly the ingredients in a black box. They do lack a dedicated uv diode however

 

[monkeyCmonkeyDo]

The light i reccomend includes ati or giessman bulbs.
D

 

[dhnguyen]

Best cheap? Probably Ocean Revive T247. That is IF you can find one new or even used. They've been out of stock for quite a while now.

Ocean Revive Arctic T247-B Full Spectrum Dimmable LED Aquarium Reef Light

This is drop shipped so please allow 1-7 business days to ship. We ditched our fancy expensive lights for the Ocean Revive Led light. We absolutely love this light at SaltCritters. This light is over ALL of our tanks. The color and growth we get from these lights is amazing and you can't...

www.saltcritters.com

Better built than your average black box LED and is programmable w/built in timer

 

[dhnguyen]

Actually found one new on ebay for $178

1x Ocean Revive Arctic T247-B Ocean Revive 120W LED Built N Timer | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 1x Ocean Revive Arctic T247-B Ocean Revive 120W LED Built N Timer at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[TurkishKing9]

I have used the Arctic T247 lights for years and they have grown every coral I have had ranging from Acros, torches, and bounce mushrooms.