Best led lights on a budget

[Somuchflo99]

Yes inline with a dimmable switch I’m an electrician so parts and labor costed me almost nothing a couple outside lights some 14 gage wire black white green power from nearest source gfi installed and piped between fixtures to Cary circuit through

 

[Kial]

My budget at this moment in time is a big fat zero haha. I also live in Queensland Australia so wouldn't be able to buy them from you I'm afraid.
I'm not going to buy anything just yet, just getting ideas together so I have an option in mind for the future.

 

[Philip Chin]

my ocean revive it great. had it for years now and everything is growing well

 

[dmh41532]

Sbreef lights, i use one on my 65 reef and it’s very good, very strong.

 

[Monkeytank]

I have Reefbreeder Photon 2 lights and highly recommend them. When other reefers come over they always ask about my lights. My SPS grows thicker than most of the others in my club. I think it's the lights.

 

[klesel]

I found black boxes cheep and added the sbreeflights upgrade boards there inexpensive and my sps grow like weeds and love the color . I know people beat on black boxes but there great starter with out spending $$$ and they grow great but couple $ more u can get sbreeflights . look them up might be surprised

 

[Robsk]

Another vote for reef breeders photon v2. Full length fixture, 6 controllable channels, 2 yr warranty. Very impressed with coverage and growth.

 

[atticus]

how bout the current usa led light? anyone used those?

 

[Chonkyfiire]

how bout the current usa led light? anyone used those?

I have the current USA loop system and you don’t get much grow on them. I have 2 48” strips on my 48” tank. I’m looking to upgrade myself. I’ve had them running since August. Only showing growth on my corals that are close to the top.

 

[atticus]

I have the current USA loop system and you don’t get much grow on them. I have 2 48” strips on my 48” tank. I’m looking to upgrade myself. I’ve had them running since August. Only showing growth on my corals that are close to the top.

Good to know because I was looking to switch to the loop system!

 

[Chonkyfiire]

Good to know because I was looking to switch to the loop system!

I would definitely stay away from them to be honest. I regret buying them. Softies are doing good, But most LPS with the exception of my euphyllia struggle to stay alive. Colors look great tho.

 

[atticus]

I would definitely stay away from them to be honest. I regret buying them. Softies are doing good, But most LPS with the exception of my euphyllia struggle to stay alive. Colors look great tho.

Def looks good! I have a 30g long tank with radion but need more light. So was gonna move it to my bigger tank and go with the loop but def need to keep my corals striving. What you looking into?

 

[EuroDriver]

My suggestion is to save up and get something reputable. Used is a great way to save a ton of money. I have 3 Hydra 52's over my 6 foot long 180 gallon and it's more than enough lighting - I run them at approximately 50%.

BRS has a very interesting video comparing the performance of the black box LEDs against the EcoTech Radions. Well worth watching.

 

[atticus]

My suggestion is to save up and get something reputable. Used is a great way to save a ton of money. I have 3 Hydra 52's over my 6 foot long 180 gallon and it's more than enough lighting - I run them at approximately 50%.

BRS has a very interesting video comparing the performance of the black box LEDs against the EcoTech Radions. Well worth watching.

Yeah saw that vid! The fire stories worry me with the black boxes, but have a friend and my LFS this is all the run with zero probs that I know!

 

[rsljr81]

My vote os ocean revive, I've had mine for six months and getting good growth and color on sps. Can't adjust color but imo it's not needed to be successful.

 

[atticus]

My vote os ocean revive, I've had mine for six months and getting good growth and color on sps. Can't adjust color but imo it's not needed to be successful.

What model is best?

 

[rsljr81]

I use t247, i have 3 on a 6' 225g tank.

 

[rsljr81]

I got mine for $160 a piece

 

[bluwtr]

Not sure if they were mentioned, but Rapid LED has a unit named Onyx. I have 3 on my 125. They are 3 channel so you can use a manual dimmer from them or hook them to a controller. I love mine!

 

[rsljr81]

Most of those were 1" frags a few months ago. Have another nice lookin birds nest but was knocked over earlier during a tang skirmish.