Help with FOWLR budget lighting

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

On some of my past fish only tanks, I just buy a light strip from home depot. Then buy a cheap $12 wifi timer from amazon to turn it on and off every day.

If you want something a bit fancier, then go to a freshwater fish store and get a freshwater aquarium light.

 

[Tamberav]

Very informative..But would the live rocks thrive and if I add dry rocks would they have red coloring after a while? not sure what it’s called

If you mean coralline algae then you still need fairly powerful lighting but you also need to make sure they are cooled properly in a canopy, If it is enclosed and not an open top, you may need to add fans for the longevity of the lights.

You could go with noops or viperspectra, smatfarm, etc but you would need more than one for even coverage. You could start with one though and add later.

I would probably consider quanta bars in your position but they are not controllable. However they are quality and you could buy a 4 foot one and add another later.

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[Dragen Fiend]

So as other's have stated. You don't need to worry about light output or coverage as its a FOWLR tank. Simple blue LED strips work. Now with a budget of $150 you can get some decent lighting to eventually get corals. Or go cheaper and just get cheap lights.

My recommendations:

You can go for:
1. 1x Noo-Psyche K7 Pro III $152 before shipping. (just google to find the store)
2. 2x hygger Clip On 24/7 Saltwater Aquarium LED Light, 22W- $60 total. (can be found on amazon)
3. 1x Glowrium Saltwater Aquarium bar Light 36-48in light. $138 (can be found on amazon.

All these lights can be controlled. No timer needed.

I would personally go with noop for future corals if you decide later on.

Sidenote: I own all these brands. Proven to work.

 

[DrH]

Thank you all for your contribution. I decided to go with something similar to hyggers but half the price. it’s a non-brand from aliexp and it should last until I upgrade to decent lights when I add corals.

 

[vcnt]

I’m getting back to the hobby after 15 yrs. I have my old 70g tank that came with a canopy fitted with fluorescent lights so I need to attach in leds somehow. I’ve done lots of research and became more confused as I cannot decide on the right lights, especially as I’m on a budget to something below $150.

My tank’s length is 120cm (47in) and planning to have it FOWLR so I need some lights to get going. I’ve seen decent lights like hygger but it says for freshwater. I understand that high wattage and certain par required for reef tanks, but in FOWLR what kind of lights would be sufficient? Also do I need to cover the entire length of the tank or lights less than 47in would be fine? Some suggestions would be very helpful.

I think when lights are labeled freshwater, its just its got red n white instead of blues and purples of reef tanks, i could be wrong though.

 

[jonnywink]

Good suggestions..however, I need something fitted with a timer to set it and not touch it again.

I have a Fluval Aquasky for my 55 gallon FOWLR tank. Comes in different sizes so you can get the size you want. It’s a blade light lays across the top and gives plenty of light for the fish. It also allows you to set the times for off & on. Not that expensive either. I believe Amazon sells them too.

 

[Shooter6]

I’m getting back to the hobby after 15 yrs. I have my old 70g tank that came with a canopy fitted with fluorescent lights so I need to attach in leds somehow. I’ve done lots of research and became more confused as I cannot decide on the right lights, especially as I’m on a budget to something below $150.

My tank’s length is 120cm (47in) and planning to have it FOWLR so I need some lights to get going. I’ve seen decent lights like hygger but it says for freshwater. I understand that high wattage and certain par required for reef tanks, but in FOWLR what kind of lights would be sufficient? Also do I need to cover the entire length of the tank or lights less than 47in would be fine? Some suggestions would be very helpful.

Ebay full spectrum reef bar and maybe a blue bar.

 

[Shooter6]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2744633809...ZyCcRo9Q9m&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY with a wall timer