Nano lighting on the cheap

dawson reynolds · Aug 22, 2018

I have a nuvo 20 with a cheap nicrew light, I was wondering what lights you all suggest. I was wondering about the mars aqua light or 2 of the hipegero aqua knights. My max budget is about $150.

cloak · Aug 22, 2018

FWIW I have a 165 watt MarsAqua fixture over my standard 20 gallon tank and have been very happy with it so far. (almost 2 years old) I'm able to keep pretty much anything I want in this tank.

dawson reynolds · Aug 22, 2018

cloak said:
FWIW I have a 165 watt MarsAqua fixture over my standard 20 gallon tank and have been very happy with it so far. (almost 2 years old) I'm able to keep pretty much anything I want in this tank.

What are some ways to mount it other than putting a hole in my ceiling lol

James M · Aug 22, 2018

Aquakight, have it on a 20 high and its even supporting my bubble tip .

dawson reynolds · Aug 22, 2018

James M said:
Aquakight, have it on a 20 high and its even supporting my bubble tip

How many do you have 1 or 2

James M · Aug 22, 2018

dawson reynolds said:
How many do you have 1 or 2

I have 1 but your tank is longer than mine

DanTer · Aug 22, 2018

For my black box led, I just made a structure of some PVC. Total cost about $8 if I remember correctly. It might be a bit of an eye sore, but I will probably paint it next time I have a chance. Also, I'm planning on drilling a whole in the horizontal piece of PVC and running the power cord through it, just didn't get around to it yet.

ChaseBurke · Aug 22, 2018

I have a small 15 gal. Just upgraded to the Aquamaxx Prism. It's getting delivered today. dont know if i will like it though... seems like it might be under powered. Originally had 2 of the XHO strip led lights. one caught on fire...;Dead so thought i would try out the Aquamaxx

Tuffyyyyy · Aug 22, 2018

I started with an IM 20 and used a Galaxyhydro black box. I built a wood fixture for the light and stained it. I think my total cost was ~$10. You could also hunt around for a used AI Prime HD, those typically go on sale in your price range.

Robert McCreary · Aug 22, 2018

how great are you at DIY projects?

dawson reynolds · Aug 22, 2018

Robert McCreary said:
how great are you at DIY projects?

Me not so much but my dad is a carpenter

Robert McCreary · Aug 22, 2018

go online look at the different mounting brackets and replicate one that you like. i would design one from scratch but i wouldn't be able to just give it away. nor do i have the time.

reeferfoxx · Aug 22, 2018

You could always look for a TV mount for the black box.

Robert McCreary · Aug 22, 2018

reeferfoxx said:
You could always look for a TV mount for the black box.

their you go!

dawson reynolds · Aug 22, 2018

Robert McCreary said:
their you go!

Now I just got to talk them into letting me drill a hole in the wall lol. I might just do that if I go with this light

dawson reynolds · Aug 22, 2018

Anyone else like the aqua knight or any other suggestions?

Algaewarrior · Aug 22, 2018

I like the aquaknight hipargero. I have it on my 10 gallon. The Bali green slimer I have looks amazing under it.im renting a par meyer from my lfs To Help dial it in.

alex.mccann99 · Aug 23, 2018

Zetlight 1201. It's programmable and will take care of softies and some lps just fine. Has "sunrise" and " sunset" settings, night mode, etc. Got mine for 70 bucks.