I need a new light.

LadyMac · Nov 14, 2017

So I am broke as all get out, but my tank is in serious need of a light that can support corals, as that is something I intend to house eventually. I hear raves about these Chinese black boxes. My question is, can I use one of those on a 40 breeder and get the effect I need?

This says its for a 24 x 24 tank.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Dimmable-M...235935?hash=item58b398781f:g:XnwAAOSwiQ9ZQjZf

This is for 38 x 24.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mars-300W-...385968?hash=item33cc81ba30:g:wCYAAOSwKQ9Z6b7L
This seems like it would have spillage. Would the first one work ok?

coil1002 · Nov 14, 2017

I use the marsaqua 300 The second link . The light is legit and woks well I have been using it for 4 months now and my corals love it, I have good growth, and the colors are great. All the leds still work, we shall see about the last in a year but for the price I cant complain this light works great. Nothing fancy just on off and dimmers but it works. I keep mine at 100% blue and 65% white.

coil1002 · Nov 14, 2017

oh ya I use mine on a 90 gallon cube which is 30 by 30 by 24 tall and its plenty of light so a 40 gallon breeder this would be way more than enough just dont turn it up all the way I also keep the light 18 inches above from the water cuts down on the disco ball effect. A 40 breeder is 36 long ? you would have a little light spillage but not as much as you would think i have very little and my tank is only 30. I think you could get away with the first one with some dim edges. Which is not a bad thing you could keep your low light corals there. the light itself is 32 inches long if i remember correctly.

I would get the second if I was in your shoes because lets face it you know your going to get a bigger tank and you might as well have a light for it when you do.

Ryan115 · Nov 15, 2017

I would also checkout SBReeflights.
Still considered a black box, but with some upgraded components and different spectrum. Comes with a 2-year warranty, based in the US (tech-support and seller are in Pensacola). They are also a sponsor here.

You could get by with 1x 16" fixture (depending on mounting height), and you can always add a 2nd fixture later.