Inexpensive quality light for small tank

johnnydeez

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First I know inexpensive and quality never go together, but work with me if you can...I’ve got a 10g HOB filter tank I want to use as a frag tank/ quarantine tank. I will upgrade tank sizes and hopefully get a nice overflow tank for my office eventually. I have a 90g show tank and just want this little guy to grow etc. I need a solid light that i won’t get divorced over.😉 thanks for any input! John
 
Depends what you think is inexpensive…. There are many small factor form lights from reputable companies. Reefbreeders has a great nano light, the AI Prime lights would work well, etc and although they are not cheap, they are certainly less expensive then an Ecotech or a Kessil for example. There are ton of lights on Alie that are super inexpensive- some are available on Amazon. Do you want a pick or a bar? What are you growing? All this matters in deciding a light.
 
I’d like it to be able to sustain and grow sps. And I know this is crazy but $50-$100. I don’t really mind the type, bulb, bar, led etc. But I am running AI Hydra 32HD x2 in my 90g. Not that it matters, I don’t have a problem transferring/ transitioning corals from one type to another. But I would like to see growth in the small tank. Again like a grow out/ frag tank, small so I can control parameters very well.
 
Smatfarm is a pretty inexpensive light that is supposed to be decent. Could probably find a used ai prime 13 HD for cheap too.
 
I would look for a used HD Prine and use the BRS settings for it based on tank size. For a little more, $20-30, you may find an HD Prime 16.
 
Just keep an eye out on the for sale forums here. You can also look on Reef2Reef. I have one that I won't need soon, but I am waiting until I sell my 20 Gallon Waterbox to see if someone wants the light to go with it.
 
I’ve had good luck with the current USA orbit marine- I have a 20long so it’s shallow but - I’ve had no problems with my sps
 
Chinese black box will work amazing for what you want to do, can throw a few more bucks and get one with a timer.
I know a few people that have them. They throw pretty light..
 

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