Best lighting under $250

[Purple•Tang]

I currently have a Current USA orbit light, size 36-48 inch. I can tell my anemone isn’t liking it in any way shape or form. I still have a few day’s to return it. What light do you guys recommend for reef tanks? Preferably one I can set on top of my glass not suspend it from a cable or attach it to a wall. Trying to stay around $250. I prefer to buy from amazon! 75 gallon tank

 

[45ZoaGarden]

I currently have a Current USA orbit light, size 36-48 inch. I can tell my anemone isn’t liking it in any way shape or form. I still have a few day’s to return it. What light do you guys recommend for reef tanks? Preferably one I can set on top of my glass not suspend it from a cable or attach it to a wall. Trying to stay around $250. I prefer to buy from amazon!

What size tank?

 

[Purple•Tang]

What size tank?

75 gallon. Sorry!

 

[Mrod]

Noopspsyche one idea. May not cover as much spread as you need but the anemone would move to the best spot anyway.

Not sure full size tank you have but you could always save up to buy a second later if needed. Even with a mount they are around your price range for one

 

[45ZoaGarden]

Check offer up, Craigslist etc. you should be able to get 2 kessil a160we’s for around $250

 

[W1ngz]

Honestly there's not much that will cover a 75, with an anemone, in your price range. You'd have to go used, and/or look at one side of the tank being properly lit, the other not until you can increase the budget.

A single used kessil A360 would be a better choice than the 160. I'm not sure the 160 would have the power to reach the depth you need, so your anemone will be more likely to climb, and then increase the risk of wandering into a powerhead.

If you really want new, then the budget options like noopsyche or chinese black boxes are there, but watch your timeline. If they ship from China you might go past your return deadline on the LED bar.

 

[Rilo]

Check offer up, Craigslist etc. you should be able to get 2 kessil a160we’s for around $250

I agree. Don't buy any lights new. You'll spend double what you can if you get used.

 

[TheKyle]

Sb reef lights. Chinese black boxes with upgraded spectrum and American customer support. Not the best form factor but I know from experience they will grow coral and nems great. Without a hood they might be too much of an eyesore though.

 

[Purple•Tang]

Can I get this and just lay it directly on my glass tops?

 

[redwayjay]

Can I get this and just lay it directly on my glass tops?

No they need to be above the tank to get even spread should be about 12" above the tank is a good rule of thumb.

 

[redwayjay]

No they need to be above the tank to get even spread should be about 12" above the tank is a good rule of thumb.

Those light have a good reputation, a few reefers that I know use those and have had good luck and there customer service is responsive.

 

[Arthacker87]

I run those (black box)

and I grown all kinda stuff in my 65

 

[PPPPPP42]

Got this from my lfs and its under $250:

Fluval Sea Marine 3.0 LED Fixture 59W, 48 -60 - AquaCave.com

Fluval Sea Marine 3.0 LED Fixture 59W, 48 -60 - At AquaCave, we offer Best Prices, 5% Back, and Free Shipping on full line of Hagen products.

www.aquacave.com

I don't have a par meter yet to see what it really puts out to different locations though the bluetooth phone app is handy to set the timing and color temps over the course of the day. Can't find that one on amazon though.
Its acutally sitting directly on top of the fully sealed top (with openable doors) right across the middle of the tank so you cant see it in the pic but it goes end to end and is propped up ever so slightly by the little feet on both ends.

 

[sfin52]

Can I get this and just lay it directly on my glass tops?

You need two 165 to cover it

 

[Cory]

Id just get t5s for that price. Or a metal halide. No used youll be dissapointed.

 

[Arthacker87]

My par meters on my tank were (blue channel 75% white channel 15% power roughly) bottom tank 90 to 110, middle 250 to 260, top 330 to 350 . Light is maybe 30-33 inches from bottom of tank

 

[sfin52]

Need 2 of them

Chang out bulbs for ati coral plus and another two of your choosing
Need 2

 

[Shelton O Neale]

Buy used radion. Have some great deals on here.

 

[Arthacker87]

I wasn't with mine for 140 bucks. Have clam, acro, sps, lps all growning under it. Only thing I don't like is blues kinda take over. But fine tuning will help with that a little. Wish there was more red and purple leds

 

[Malifry97]

I’d get two 165w viparspectras or t5’s