Good affordable led lighting?

[Tomknox47]

Hi everyone I have a 36x24x20 tank.
I am currently looking for a light that will fit my tank. I’m currently on a budget ( I know that word doesn’t belong in this hobby lol) owner of my LFS recommends an AP700 kessil. I’m really tempted to get a cheaper black box to have in the meantime is it really necessary to spend a ton of money on lighting? Should I go cheap or should I save up for a more expensive light. It maytake me awhile to accumulate funds for a higher end light which is why I wanted to go the cheaper route. Any recommendations? And I wanted to grow the “easier corals” for now but I’d like to have an option to grow all corals down the road.

 

[Breadman03]

Reef Breeders seem to be the best of the non-premium brands. I don’t know what one gives up other than a few less Benjamin’s.

 

[Arthacker87]

I have seen marsaqua (i own the 36" version) vs the reef breeders photon v1 side by side and the reef breeders seemed to be better imo. Better light coloration

 

[Tomknox47]

Reef Breeders seem to be the best of the non-premium brands. I don’t know what one gives up other than a few less Benjamin’s.

It seems like I would possibly need the 32 or 40? Hmm at that price point would it be worth it to hold off and get a kessil?

 

[Gernader]

Mars Aqua or ViparSpectra is good enough for corals. I am currently using mars aqua and even my anemone and sps corals are happy.

 

[Kay Corals]

Noopsyche ftw

 

[jsvand5]

It seems like I would possibly need the 32 or 40? Hmm at that price point would it be worth it to hold off and get a kessil?

I’d take a Reef breeders over a Kessil.

 

[Tomknox47]

Mars Aqua or ViparSpectra is good enough for corals. I am currently using mars aqua and even my anemone and sps corals are happy.

How many watts and how many of them do you think I would need to cover my tank?

 

[Arthacker87]

One 36" 300 watt mars aqua with an actinic led bar supplement on a 65 gallon aquarium. Have a clam some acros and sps all do well get about 150 par at sandbed and 350 on top of rocks. You'll get decent coloration but not the amazing colors with the higher end fixtures.

 

[Tomknox47]

One 36" 300 watt mars aqua with an actinic led bar supplement on a 65 gallon aquarium. Have a clam some acros and sps all do well get about 150 par at sandbed and 350 on top of rocks. You'll get decent coloration but not the amazing colors with the higher end fixtures.

Oh wow beautiful tank I think I am sold with this light. What is an actinic led? Sorry I’m a bit new to this hobby

 

[Arthacker87]

Its a led stripe you buy to help color pop. I went w reef Brite lumi lite 36" at first. Now I'm trying t5 supplements for fun lol.

 

[Arthacker87]

Tank stability and patience are key factors also.

 

[Arthacker87]

Also like I said above I think the reef breeder would be a better light. I believe around same price also

 

[Tomknox47]

Tank stability and patience are key factors also.

Thanks for the info I really appreciate it. I have a question that is sort of off topic to the lights, but maybe you can help. My tank has been cycled for one month now. When can I start adding corals? If I get the lights before I add corals should I slowly turn the lights on so the tank can get used to it?

 

[Tomknox47]

Also like I said above I think the reef breeder would be a better light. I believe around same price also

Looking at reviews online people do say reefbreeders is better, but it is significantly more than the marsaqua

 

[DonTavo27]

Reef breeders V2 is the way to go. The 24 will do if you raise it 12” or so above the water.
Check my build thread for the growth on my first display with the 24.

 

[Arthacker87]

Coral (most) need light to thrive. So definitely buy lights first. There are people who say wait don't wait but it comes down to husbandry. If you're on top of keeping tank parameters good, lights good, nutrient exportation, etc then go for it. My tank is only a year and a few moths old itself. Id go with easy zoa if you're going to try to keep coral. But lights first