Budget LED Lighting Help for a 90gal

[GoBigGuy]

Hello All,

I have a 90gal Seaclear System II tank which has the built in filter in the back of the tank so the actual take size is closer to a 55gal tank. Right now I have a Marineland light which is fine for a FOWLR but now I am thinking of getting into some easy to care for corals: Beginner Corals: Corals Suitable for Beginners in Saltwater Aquariums

What is a good budget friendly LED lighting you would recommend for my tank?

Thanks!

 

[bazeball05]

A buddy of mine in my local reef club makes his own LEDs. I got 2 of them and they are awesome! Full spectrum dimmable 120w LEDs. I only have to run them at 60-65 percent or they will burn my sps! They cost about 140 each. Can find cheaper china ones but he is local and comes with a big warranty plus he is a friend.

I recommend 120 watt LEDs all the way. Dimmable and full spectrum will really help your growth due to being able to adjust the lighting better. I got 2 of them because my tank is a 4 ft. Long 90 gallon.

If you have any questions just ask!

 

[Bad Company]

I just got a DM-155e from Reefradiance.com Two would cover your tank very nicely, and they run about $170 each. Spectacular power, tunable colors, they bring out the phosphorescence well in corals, and you can get transitions with additional timers.

Here is a pic:

 

[trido]

The Reef Radiance lights are great on a budget. You shouldn't be disappointed.

 

[GoBigGuy]

A buddy of mine in my local reef club makes his own LEDs. I got 2 of them and they are awesome! Full spectrum dimmable 120w LEDs. I only have to run them at 60-65 percent or they will burn my sps! They cost about 140 each. Can find cheaper china ones but he is local and comes with a big warranty plus he is a friend.

I recommend 120 watt LEDs all the way. Dimmable and full spectrum will really help your growth due to being able to adjust the lighting better. I got 2 of them because my tank is a 4 ft. Long 90 gallon.

If you have any questions just ask!

Do you have a pic of your lights?

Can you PM me your buddy's info?

 

[bazeball05]

I will go take some pictures and sure thing will do

 

[GoBigGuy]

I just got a DM-155e from Reefradiance.com Two would cover your tank very nicely, and they run about $170 each. Spectacular power, tunable colors, they bring out the phosphorescence well in corals, and you can get transitions with additional timers.

Here is a pic:

Nice setup!

I'll check them out

 

[GoBigGuy]

Now after looking at the coral list how much light do I really need? should I go the DYI path?

 

[trido]

Now after looking at the coral list how much light do I really need? should I go the DYI path?

I don't think so. You wont save any money in the long run and its quite a bit of work to make a fixture to be proud of. I scrapped my DIY fixture and bought evergrows after three years and couldnt be happier.

 

[Bad Company]

If you DIY, for SPS you'll need approx. one 3W LED for every 18 square inches of tank surface area per RapidLED.com

 

[GoBigGuy]

Anyone try Build My LED: Home

 

[bazeball05]

This is my aquarium with those lights on it. I will PM you in a second

 

[gar732]

I'd recommend taking a look at the ocean revive arctic revive t247. It has digital output controls and timer (I haven't seen any other budget fixture with this feature), heatsinks (which most budget fixtures don't), aluminum housing (most budget fixtures are steel and will rust), it looks like they are on sale right now for $175 and it's a sleek looking fixture to boot. Arctic-T247 LED Aquarium Light_Aquarium LED_OCEANREVIVE LED this is the fixture I plan on using for my frag tank once I get it together.