I am sure this has been talked about many times but i couldn't find any threads. I am completely new to the "Aquarium world". I know nothing about them. We bought our 3 yr daughter 2 weeks ago a 10 gallon tank and she has not stop starring at it. So yesterday, we contracted to built a 250 gallon tank with custom cabinetry to show case it as a piece at our home. With that being said, even though it's going to be a salt water tank, i do not want to grow coral and get into all that complication but my wife wants to add anemone along with exotic fish. The place that is building us the unit, recommended AI HYDRA led lighting but i would like to know what other options i have that are less expensive as i will need a minimum of 4 and do not want to spend $1200 if i am not growing coral and over pay if it is not necessary. Thank you in advance.
Coral reef led lights
- Thread starter SkaterMike82
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SteveEreef
Active Member
If you have fish only and don’t get anemones then lights won’t matter since photosynthesis is not an issue. If you heart is set on anemones and you want cheap LEDS then I would suggest some Chinese black boxes- Mars Aqua. Viparspectra, reefbreeders, Noopsyche. Also you should not add anemones to the tank until you parameters are stable. The general guideline is after you tank has been running for at least 6 months. happy reefing!
Jvesche20
Valuable Member
+1 on this. use t247 black boxes they are pretty cheap used them for a while my self. But like Steve said you dont need expensive lights if you dont want corals or nems. It will cost more money to just keep nems.
Oldreefer44
Valuable Member
My advice is to hire a maintenance company for a period of time until your level of expertise matches your system. Sine they would be responsible then I would go with what they recommend. 250 gallons is quite a leap and since it is being built into your home then I'm not sure there will be much patience for what most of us go through when starting a new system. Just my 2 cents.
Jvesche20
Valuable Member
10 gal to 250 is indeed a big jump. I have 3 tanks running currently. 125, 25 and a 16. the 16 and 25 gal tanks have nowhere near as much maintenance and everything else compared to the 16. I'm going to be upgrading to 220 and I know its going to be very time-consuming.
Flippers4pups
Fins up since 1993
I've had great success with my chinese black boxes.
Auquanut
5000 Club Member
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Welcome to R2R! I still run black boxes on my 125 and keep everything from softies /LPS/SPS/Acros and yes nems. Probably your best choice from an economical standpoint, and if you decide to dabble in corals in the future, you won't have to upgrade immediately.
Which black boxes?
That looks awesome !!!!!! Which black boxes ?I've had great success with my chinese black boxes.
Jvesche20
Valuable Member
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Flippers4pups
Fins up since 1993
Mars aqua.
OR If you want to go for Fish only,
Buy a long string of Blue and white LED water proof strips. You should be able to get these below $25-. That should give nice look and enough lights for a Fish only tank.
Buy a long string of Blue and white LED water proof strips. You should be able to get these below $25-. That should give nice look and enough lights for a Fish only tank.
Bpb
2500 Club Member
Don’t get hung up on China made. Some of the favorite and most expensive gear in this hobby comes from China.
my ATI sunpower (German company) had a made in China sticker on the inside of the housing.
my ecotech (American company) vortech mp40 powerhead had a made in Taiwan sticker on the motor block
Maxspect IS a Chinese company
Orphek IS a Chinese company.
to my knowledge, just about everything in this hobby is either outsourced or straight up comes from China or some other manufacturing type economy in Asia. Quality and country of origin are not mutually exclusive. There are black boxes out there that are UL listed
12gallonsofhex
Valuable Member
+1 on the Ocean revive T247. I am running one over my nano tank. 10 inches over tank, settings at 35 blue 5 other(white) and par levels run 240@ bottom to 280@ top rock. Growing coral from zoas to easy sps, and color looks pretty good. Of course the high dollar lights look better and have more controls, but the black boxes are a good substitute.
Guys I really appreciate it as i prefer to hear from people like you as opposed to the store or industry as they normally lead you to the more expensive stuff especially when they know you know nothing. With that being said, on a 250 gallon tank how many of the Mars aqua or any of the ones posted above should i purchase. Thank you in advance.
Jvesche20
Valuable Member
dang i run mine at over 100 with blue and white combined. cant remember the exact number
Jvesche20
Valuable Member
1 every 2 ft by 2 ft. so if the tank is 6 ft then 3 of em and if its 8 ft then 4 of them
What are the tank dimensions...?
Are you suspending the lights or on tank?
Lights hidden (canopy) or viewable?
Even fish only you want decent coverage for a showpiece..
Can't even come close to determining that w/ out it..
Are you suspending the lights or on tank?
Lights hidden (canopy) or viewable?
Even fish only you want decent coverage for a showpiece..
Can't even come close to determining that w/ out it..
Tank is 82” L 22” D 32” H. Tank currently has two led white bar which I was thinking of replacing. I was always think of putting between 4-6 led coral lights but want to see other options brand wise which many of you have provided.
