Good reef light on a budget.

[John A!10]

This is a 31” x 13” x 19” (29 g tank) I was looking for a budget light under $450, but I want to be able to grow anything. I want to try to avoid t5 because I don’t like changing bulbs. I was thinking of 3 (Is 2 fine?) kessil a 80 (2 tuna blue 1 white). Or 2 (could 1 work?) ai primes. Or one hydra (26 or 32?)

 

[SDK]

Two Primes or one Hydra would let you grow anything in 29.

 

[John A!10]

Two Primes or one Hydra would let you grow anything in 29.

I would probably go with the hydra because it’s a cheaper option but should I go with 26 or 32.

 

[TheShrimpNibbler]

I would probably go with the hydra because it’s a cheaper option but should I go with 26 or 32.

Im pretty sure the spread on a 26 or 32 is 24 inches. A hydra 52 or a 26 and prime might work better.

 

[SDK]

The 32 is just the newer version of the two, so grab whichever one works for your budget.

You should also look at the Noopsyche Pro 2

 

[John A!10]

The 32 is just the newer version of the two, so grab whichever one works for your budget.

You should also look at the Noopsyche Pro 2

Do you think it would be enough. The person above says I should get the 52. Is it worth getting the 32 over 26?

 

[John A!10]

Im pretty sure the spread on a 26 or 32 is 24 inches. A hydra 52 or a 26 and prime might work better.

Do you think I can do a 32 or 26 with corals that need more light in the center, and near the sides of the tank put something like mushrooms which require less.

 

[TheShrimpNibbler]

Do you think I can do a 32 or 26 with corals that need more light in the center, and near the sides of the tank put something like mushrooms which require less.

That might work. I’ll try to get you some of the par charts for those two lights.

 

[John A!10]

The 32 is just the newer version of the two, so grab whichever one works for your budget.

You should also look at the Noopsyche Pro 2

would it be 2 noopsyche pro or 3. 1 white 1 blue or both blue.

 

[John A!10]

That might work. I’ll try to get you some of the par charts for those two lights.

Thanks a lot

 

[TheShrimpNibbler]

These par levels may be enough for you. They are for the hydra 26.

 

[ZoWhat]

What CORALS are you planning to have?

Most corals dont do well when exposed to super high PAR.... and with a 29g you could possibly OVERBUY a light where you barely crack 50% brightness on the blue actinics.

IMO you need to take a couple weeks mapping out what types of corals you want in specific detail.... then come back and ask us, " Hey guys I definitely what stock these types or corals... what budget light would compliment them"


.

 

[SDK]

The hydra will be fine for your tank

 

[SDK]

would it be 2 noopsyche pro or 3. 1 white 1 blue or both blue.

One K7 Pro 2 will be enough to fulfill your “grow anything“ wish and run closer to $200 on sale right now with a mount and controller.

Either are a good choice if you are not 100% decided on coral. You can ramp either fixture up or down to suit your needs as they evolve.

 

[Devaji]

One K7 Pro 2 will be enough to fulfill your “grow anything“ wish and run closer to $200 on sale right now with a mount and controller.

Either are a good choice if you are not 100% decided on coral. You can ramp either fixture up or down to suit your needs as they evolve.

I was just gonna suggest this light. it's on sale to for 15% off might not be as fancy as the hydra with there app but from what I hear it great.

check out there FB page

 

[spidercrab]

This is a 31” x 13” x 19” (29 g tank) I was looking for a budget light under $450, but I want to be able to grow anything. I want to try to avoid t5 because I don’t like changing bulbs. I was thinking of 3 (Is 2 fine?) kessil a 80 (2 tuna blue 1 white). Or 2 (could 1 work?) ai primes. Or one hydra (26 or 32?)

Changing bulbs is really a myth according to the BRS videos.

 

[klimfish]

I'd recommend the Hydra32HD with the diffuser from 3Dreefing for a tank that size. You could probably grow anything, use the BRS AB+ light settings.

 

[John A!10]

Okay so I I’m in between an ai hydra 32 or a k7 pro. I’m in no hurry and I won’t be buying this light for a while now, just doing my research early. The tank isn’t even setup yet. Does anyone have any final thoughts as to which one is better for growing most things although not overpriced. Some say that with AI your buying the company. Being able to control from the phone isn’t that important to me. What would you guys say is better.

 

[John A!10]

Is their only one size for the k7 pro they have it on sale for only $130.

 

[sfin52]

Havr you looked at noopshye