What Lighting to get (cheaper end)

[Fatmike92]

I am just looking to get some basic lighting for basic corals.

I have owned radions in the past but do not want to get that crazy at the moment.

any suggestions on strip LED lights that are worth while?

the corner tank is a little awkward so Im looking to get a 36" and a 24"

 

[N.Sreefer]

I like the philzon lights only cheap but still bring out good color and encourage good growth. Same with virparspectra. Black boxes are alot better than they used to be.

 

[X-37B]

I have an old 5+year blackbox that I use on my fuge. They will grow anything from past experience, imo.

 

[redfishbluefish]

Fully agree with the "Black Box" lights....can't beat the value. I've own a number of different brands (Mars Aqua, Apollo, unbranded, etc.) and currently have the older rectangular SB Reef lights, basic units. I grow everything....like weeds.

 

[Fatmike92]

I have a canopy over my tank. would I have to cut holes in the top to exhaust with the black boxes?

 

[C_AWOL]

Blackbox or screw in par38 bulbs will work fine for inexpensive needs

 

[adittam]

Two Current USA LED strips will work just fine for softies and zoas. Definitely not SPS though, and YMMV on LPS.

 

[redfishbluefish]

I have a canopy over my tank. would I have to cut holes in the top to exhaust with the black boxes?

If the fixtures are mounted close to the enclosed top.....yes, you'll have to cut holes so the fans can vent.

For my canopy, I have no top on it, so the fixtures easily vent up without any restriction.

 

[Fatmike92]

If the fixtures are mounted close to the enclosed top.....yes, you'll have to cut holes so the fans can vent.

For my canopy, I have no top on it, so the fixtures easily vent up without any restriction.

Looks great!

 

[Fatmike92]

I ended up with (2)

Current USA Orbit Marine LED Aquarium Light​

They seemed to be a good price for my range and should get me through with the easy stuff I am looking to start with.

I also like all the options to control the lights and the different setting.

 

[Gtinnel]

I used viparspectra lights for a few years and for the cost they're not bad. I'm currently using Noopsyche K7 V3 lights and if you catch them on sale you can buy them directly from China for relatively cheap. I don't know when their next sale will be since a November sale just ended. They're somewhere between black box and High end brand IMO.