Need lights for under 200.. what's best

[JKDMan]

Just like the title says. I'm looking for lighting options for my reef for under 200$, it's a new setup with 2 clown fish and a tiny cuc only right now. My plan for the aquarium is for it to be a softy and LPS tank. It's a standard 4' 75 gal... what are some good lighting choices ?

 

[Brad Waddell Wrath's Reef]

Just like the title says. I'm looking for lighting options for my reef for under 200$, it's a new setup with 2 clown fish and a tiny cuc only right now. My plan for the aquarium is for it to be a softy and LPS tank. It's a standard 4' 75 gal... what are some good lighting choices ?

I would honestly look for something used. You can go cheap Chinese black box and have good results. The issues is you will end up upgrading. I found 4 AI Sol Blue with controller and hanging kit with rails. Had less than a year use and got them for $500 on Ebay. They are amazing lights. Maybe you can find a few Kessil A360 Tuna used for a fair price.

 

[Reefnjunkie]

Ocean revive

I’ve used them for years growing acropora-

But then I spoiled myself with G4X30s

I’d go back to ORs without hesitation

Just me experience
Good luck, very opinionated question

 

[Aardvark1134]

When trying to keep cost down go T5s.
This one is a little over your # at $300

Supra Quad T5 Retrofit Fixture

Retrofit T5 Lighting for you Canopy! Supra Quad T5 Retrofit Fixtures are perfect for hoods, canopies, frag tanks, and refugium. They can be mounted with the included eye bolts and just add your favorite T5 bulbs and plug it in. Available in: 24" 24W Quad T5 36" 39W Quad T5 48" 54W Quad T5...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

4x4ft- T5s should work well. Maybe you can find one of these used or open box

 

[piranhaman00]

Two black boxes will be right around 200$ and will be more then sufficient

 

[Arthacker87]

I use msrsaqua but like stated above I want better lights for better color but they do well

Black box

 

[JKDMan]

Two black boxes will be right around 200$ and will be more then sufficient

What are black boxes

 

[Aardvark1134]

Genaric nonames from china

 

[Arthacker87]

Yep mine was marsaqua haha it had a name but cheap

 

[SeaJay]

Noopsyche

 

[Flippers4pups]

Mars Aquas. Grow anything.

 

[AbjectMaelstroM]

Mars Aqua or Viparspectra. 2 lights will run you about $210 shipped.

 

[Arthacker87]

Mars Aquas. Grow anything.

Whoa there is only room for one super awesome tank that's 90 ft long and has some cool coral here .... I'll delete my post

 

[Malifry97]

Two black boxes will be right around 200$ and will be more then sufficient

Agreed

 

[Malifry97]

Two viparspectra or mars aqua. They will grow anything and you won’t need to do any upgrading. They put out CRAZY par.

 

[RCS82]

Best light for under $200?
Easy,
A used T5 unit, maybe a 6 bulb Teck or Aquatic Life fixture. Even a 4 bulb unit would be fine starting out.