Best light for 24in deep cube tank?

[gizzo12]

I have a 45 gallon cube tank which is 24x24x24 (I think) and the lighting I currently have two Current Usa Orbit Marine LEDs on it but I’m just not satisfied with it because I can only really grow softies and I don’t like the look of it that much. Could anybody recommend a much better light, preferably a single light (LED) that would support coral growth.
I sorta have a loose budget of around $250 preferably less.

 

[gizzo12]

I am also going to sell the two lights to try to help pay for the new one.

 

[jviv1014]

I have a 45 gallon cube tank which is 24x24x24 (I think) and the lighting I currently have two Current Usa Orbit Marine LEDs on it but I’m just not satisfied with it because I can only really grow softies and I don’t like the look of it that much. Could anybody recommend a much better light, preferably a single light (LED) that would support coral growth.
I sorta have a loose budget of around $250 preferably less.

AI Prime 16HD will work great with your 24 inch deep tank and they go for around $200, and for the price it grows coral like a beast

 

[gizzo12]

AI Prime 16HD will work great with your 24 inch deep tank and they go for around $200, and for the price it grows coral like a beast

It will cover the entire tank?

 

[Hercaluis]

AI Prime 16HD will work great with your 24 inch deep tank and they go for around $200, and for the price it grows coral like a beast

Try looking for a AI hydra 26HD you can get it for around that price used

 

[vetteguy53081]

Hydra 26 OR two Ai Primes

 

[gizzo12]

Hydra 26 OR two Ai Primes

I thought those got discontinued?

 

[vetteguy53081]

I thought those got discontinued?

No - BRS and aquarium Specialties still carry them .. There are Always used ones on the marketplace.

 

[Brad ward]

I have a 45 gallon cube tank which is 24x24x24 (I think) and the lighting I currently have two Current Usa Orbit Marine LEDs on it but I’m just not satisfied with it because I can only really grow softies and I don’t like the look of it that much. Could anybody recommend a much better light, preferably a single light (LED) that would support coral growth.
I sorta have a loose budget of around $250 preferably less.

Pick up a good used kessel
Lots of people are selling them just out of boredom
They are attractive and powerful

 

[BullyBee]

I have 3 AI primes for freshwater and 1 for salt.

The only tank I have that doesn’t have an AI Prime is my Axolotl enclosure. They don’t need a lot of light as they have no eyelids. Mine get spooked with dramatic light change anyway.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Pick up a good used kessel
Lots of people are selling them just out of boredom
They are attractive and powerful

Actually a Kessil 350n or 360w will also work well.

 

[jsvand5]

Go old school and go with T5s. Better than LEDs in every aspect (IMO) aside from replacing the bulbs once a year. You can find fixtures used cheap and you’ll be able to grow anything you want.

 

[gizzo12]

Go old school and go with T5s. Better than LEDs in every aspect (IMO) aside from replacing the bulbs once a year. You can find fixtures used cheap and you’ll be able to grow anything you want.

Could you recommend one?

 

[Fishingandreefing]

I have a 45 gallon cube tank which is 24x24x24 (I think) and the lighting I currently have two Current Usa Orbit Marine LEDs on it but I’m just not satisfied with it because I can only really grow softies and I don’t like the look of it that much. Could anybody recommend a much better light, preferably a single light (LED) that would support coral growth.
I sorta have a loose budget of around $250 preferably less.

Sell those weak lights for prob $175 and get a used radion XR15w G4 pro for around $250 used, if you are lucky like me, I got 3 from two sellers, they were average about $225 each.

if you worry about the spread is not enough or hate the shimmer, through in $45 for diffuser.

They’re not the best light imo, but so far ok to me.

 

[jsvand5]

Could you recommend one?

An ATI 24” fixture would be great if you can find a nice used one. There are cheaper options around though

 

[gizzo12]

Sell those weak lights for prob $175 and get a used radion XR15w G4 pro for around $250 used, if you are lucky like me, I got 3 from two sellers, they were average about $225 each.

if you worry about the spread is not enough or hate the shimmer, through in $45 for diffuser.

They’re not the best light imo, but so far ok to me.

Where would be the best place/way to sell these lights?

 

[jsvand5]

Where would be the best place/way to sell these lights?

You can try here but honestly those lights are going to be a tough sell. Not many people out there looking for used lights that aren’t strong enough for a reef.

 

[ryshark]

Go old school and go with T5s. Better than LEDs in every aspect (IMO) aside from replacing the bulbs once a year. You can find fixtures used cheap and you’ll be able to grow anything you want.

Yep! I have a 24" ATI Sunpower in the marketplace, which I'm about to drop the price again. It has all the bulbs in it too, but the aren't new.

 

[Treenk]

My ai prime covers the area but since it's one light in the middle it shadows all over the place behind rocks

 

[jsvand5]

Just looked at Rysharks sale thread. That light would be amazing on your tank.