Suggestions for lights on a tight budget

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Uzair Aiman

Uzair Aiman

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Right now Im planning to add corals to my tank. Currently I use a ZETLIGHT ZA1201 but I ruined it by changing the plug head into my type of plug instead of using a universal converter (huhuhu). So technically I cannot connect the light to my wifi, and cannot adjust any brightness whatsoever. Whenever its on, it just shows a low blue only light which I not know if it can accommodate corals. ( I dont have a par meter). So Im not sure if its enough brightness or not.
Anyways, are there any good quality brands that I you can recommend? Also, a cheap price is what Im searching for cause Im a student and on a tight budget. I dont think I need any special settings like wifi control, customizability etc. As long as its a light that can ensure my corals live, it should be fine.
 
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What size tank? Keep in mind that lighting is a very important purchase. On top of that the prices of coral will far outweigh what ever you spend on a cheap light. My advice would be to hold off on coral until you get a light that's good, not just cheap.
 
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PeterC99 said:
Not sure the second hand market in Malaysia, but can you find a good set of aquarium lights used?
Click to expand...
Right now I’m trying my best to get my hands on used branded lights. So buying a brand new cheaper light is technically my second option. The market here in my area isn’t that great so it needs a bit of luck
 

Jekyl said:
What size tank? Keep in mind that lighting is a very important purchase. On top of that the prices of coral will far outweigh what ever you spend on a cheap light. My advice would be to hold off on coral until you get a light that's good, not just cheap.
Click to expand...
Currently planning on making a DIY AIO tank with the display area being 50cm by 50cm with a height of 35cm. Regarding the prices I think you’ve really got a good point! I’ll be rethinking the whole process again and might just wait to buy a used branded light instead. But if there are any that is really recommended and it also affordable that would be nice!
 
Deltec
Used AI prime lights: you may be able to find the older versions for a decent price on eBay, or local selling forums. I have the original primes, the HD and a few Hd 16- all of them are good lights. Of course the newer models are a little more powerful then the older models but all will grow most corals.
Good luck my friend!
 
Bfragale said:
Used AI prime lights: you may be able to find the older versions for a decent price on eBay, or local selling forums. I have the original primes, the HD and a few Hd 16- all of them are good lights. Of course the newer models are a little more powerful then the older models but all will grow most corals.
Good luck my friend!
Click to expand...
eBay or any selling forums are a bit of a dead end for me since I’m living in Sarawak, Malaysia, where this hobby isn’t really abundant. Ebay also doesn’t really ship here and if it does it’s going to take a while and also a higher shipping price. But I might search for the older models regardless though, just in case I have some people selling it locally here. Good idea and thanks!
 
WWC
Uzair Aiman said:
eBay or any selling forums are a bit of a dead end for me since I’m living in Sarawak, Malaysia, where this hobby isn’t really abundant. Ebay also doesn’t really ship here and if it does it’s going to take a while and also a higher shipping price. But I might search for the older models regardless though, just in case I have some people selling it locally here. Good idea and thanks!
Click to expand...
A philzon, marsaqua or viparspectra 165w would be best cheap light that will grow anything. Should be able to find one of those brands.
 
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