Selecting a decent light for my new tank

[droidus]

I have a 32g coralife biocube. I am looking to replace the hood which has led lights in it. I think it's really neat how it has lighting phases built into it like daytime, moonrise, sunrise, etc, but not sure if it's really required or not. I wouldn't really like to spend more than $500, but if something is really worth it, I might consider it. In my tank, I plan to have corals and clownfish, and some other livestock. If any more information is needed, please let me know. I'm just not sure which to choose, as there are so many options out there, and I'd like to plan for long term.

 

[DSC reef]

So many options! I like the look of a biocube without a lid and a nice kessil above it. Two A160 or one 360 would look nice.

 

[Retro Reefer]

Check out the nanobox retro.. Dave makes some really nice stuff, his Biocube upgrades are super easy to install and come with bluefish controller I have been using a single module on my 14 for over two years and it will grow anything..

 

[droidus]

I really like how mine goes through the different phases of sunrise/sunset, moonrise/moonset, etc. Are there any benefits to this? Would anyone know of lights that have this feature?

 

[hdsoftail1065]

Another option is Steve's LEDs. Running that on the wife's 32 Biocube. Nice lights and super easy to install.

 

[Jesterrace]

I have a 32g coralife biocube. I am looking to replace the hood which has led lights in it. I think it's really neat how it has lighting phases built into it like daytime, moonrise, sunrise, etc, but not sure if it's really required or not. I wouldn't really like to spend more than $500, but if something is really worth it, I might consider it. In my tank, I plan to have corals and clownfish, and some other livestock. If any more information is needed, please let me know. I'm just not sure which to choose, as there are so many options out there, and I'd like to plan for long term.

A single AI Hydra 26HD would be an incredible light for that tank and runs $350 or you might even be able to go with a single AI Prime HD which runs $200. The advantage to the AI lights is that they are fully programmable and customizable out of the box (no seperate controller purchase required). All you need to purchase separately is the mount for either of those lights and you are good to go. You can control the lights from a desktop/laptop or an app on your phone/tablet (although IMHO the Desktop/Laptop programming is more stable and much easier). I run a pair of the Hydra 26HDs over my 90 gallon tank and they work great: