Budget lighting

[Eradliff]

Hello, i’m currently using an Aqua knight on my 14 gallon cube tank, but going to be upgrading to a 20 gallon peninsula tank, the dimensions are roughly 24L 12W 16H.
I’ve been looking into the tuna blue by kessil but i’m afraid it won’t be strong enough to reach the bottom. I’m only doing lps so par doesn’t need to be extreme but is there anything better that doesn’t make me throw up at the price? Thanks!

 

[nereefpat]

What is "budget" to you?

What features are important?

 

[Bpb]

Which kessil were you looking at? The a360x can easily penetrate that deep, Especially with the 55 degree lens.

 

[Eradliff]

I’d really like to stay under $250
and all i want is for it to grow my corals, i don’t need it to be super smart i’m still fairly new to this so simple is best, i’ve heard AI is good but just wanted some other opinions before i make a decision

 

[Eradliff]

Which kessil were you looking at? The a360x can easily penetrate that deep, Especially with the 55 degree lens.

I was looking at the A80 it was the first recommendation to me and i like the dials on top

 

[nereefpat]

I’d really like to stay under $250
and all i want is for it to grow my corals, i don’t need it to be super smart i’m still fairly new to this so simple is best, i’ve heard AI is good but just wanted some other opinions before i make a decision

For Kessils and AI, the 160 or a single Prime would be in that range and sort of in the same class. They aren't terribly powerful , but might be okay for LPS in most of that footprint if you hand them sort of high and crank them up.

I was looking at the A80 it was the first recommendation to me and i like the dials on top

That light is really weak, at only 15 Watts. I don't think you'll be happy there.

For <250$, I would probably get a Noopsyche K7.
I would also look at Amazon specifically at the Smatfarm 95 watt and the Nicrew 100 or 150 watt.

The 'black boxes' like Marsaqua and Viperspectra were popular for a while, but I think Smatfarm/Nicrew would be an upgrade.

 

[Eradliff]

For Kessils and AI, the 160 or a single Prime would be in that range and sort of in the same class. They aren't terribly powerful , but might be okay for LPS in most of that footprint if you hand them sort of high and crank them up.

That light is really weak, at only 15 Watts. I don't think you'll be happy there.

For <250$, I would probably get a Noopsyche K7.
I would also look at Amazon specifically at the Smatfarm 95 watt and the Nicrew 100 or 150 watt.

The 'black boxes' like Marsaqua and Viperspectra were popular for a while, but I think Smatfarm/Nicrew would be an upgrade.

I’ve seen the Nicrew mentioned a couple of times, so i’ll definitely look into that one, thanks for your help!

 

[twentyleagues]

21" AI blade grow