If you had money for only ONE light on a budget of under $500, what would you buy?

[TanknTang]

Both my Ai primes 16s, crapped the bed this morning!

If you had to pick only one light under $500 what would you buy?

Buy the same one again OR what other brand would you try?

Bonus points if its $300 or less.

 

[SaltyWalty]

What size is the tank and what are your light requirements (Sps, lps, softies)
Also what is wrong with your primes?

 

[mrpontiac80]

You never said how big a tank… but my answer is probably still going to be Reefbreeders photon. You can even find great prices on them used.

 

[mrpontiac80]

Duplicate post.

 

[Aaron75]

Need way more info but I'll recommend Noopsyche's. You can get 2 Mini's for like $200. I prefer K7 Pro's for full spectrum

 

[KrisReef]

Duplicate post.

Yup, I agree if you want budget equipment then buy stuff others tried and didn't like or quit the hobby and their investment benefits you. LFS I know is selling Kessils A9 or whatever the latest about 2 years ago, he took them down for photons after about a year of use and is selling them $ 500. Bring cash, skip the taxes or bargain for a free frag to sweeten the deal.

What @mrpontiac80 said was my same thought, with a few more bonus words for free

 

[SomeHappyFish]

K3 v7 by noops

 

[TanknTang]

Alright thanks guys I will order one of the suggestions asap, need a light asap. Tank is 125 but I only have 3 corals and will get more lights as I have the budget for it. 1 of my ai primes just stop getting bright very dull, and the other is in a constant error white symbol that I could not resolve. These lasted me since 2020 so just might be time for new lights. Thanks everyone for quick replies!

 

[TanknTang]

Need way more info but I'll recommend Noopsyche's. You can get 2 Mini's for like $200. I prefer K7 Pro's for full spectrum

I been thinking about trying them out since the giveaway just needed a small push lol might snag them

 

[Dbichler]

you could do 3 viparspectras for $420 and thats new.. $140 a piece off Amazon and you could probably get away with 2 for quite a while.

 

[TanknTang]

Duplicate post.

Sorry I can delete later I just needed a quick reply as its urgent

 

[TanknTang]

you could do 3 viparspectras for $420 and thats new.. $140 a piece off Amazon and you could probably get away with 2 for quite a while.

How do those compare with the noops? I got the noops in the cart right now but if my bang for buck is better I can do those

 

[exnisstech]

I been thinking about trying them out since the giveaway just needed a small push lol might snag them

Here a nudge toward the noopsyche k7s. They were here

And are now over this tank. Great bang for the buck IMO

 

[Aaron75]

How do those compare with the noops? I got the noops in the cart right now but if my bang for buck is better I can do those

Vipars are excellent. A pain to mount, pretty big/heavy and no special controls. If you just want flat out power, the Vipar wins. For luxuries like sunrise/sunset, full spectrum control, wifi control, choose the Noop

 

[TanknTang]

Here a nudge toward the noopsyche k7s. They were here

And are now over this tank. Great bang for the buck IMO

Ooof yeah those are s3xy

Here a nudge toward the noopsyche k7s. They were here

And are now over this tank. Great bang for the buck IMO

those are s3xy for sure.. and love the mount thats something I can make a goal to do as I grow this tank for sure. Alright looks like noop it is. Appreciate the push!!

 

[Tamberav]

Reefi 2.1 pro

Blows radions away

3 year warranty

Not sure if you meant per light or for the entire tank

Noop if you need cheaper

 

[exnisstech]

The noops come with a bracket that isn't too shabby so that can save a few bucks too. I wanted to be able to move mine when I'm working in the tank so a member here designed the mount for me and I bought everything and assembled it. I'm really happy with it but I went all out as this is planned as my last tank since I'm not getting any younger

 

[TanknTang]

The noops come with a bracket that isn't too shabby so that can save a few bucks too. I wanted to be able to move mine when I'm working in the tank so a member here designed the mount for me and I bought everything and assembled it. I'm really happy with it but I went all out as this is planned as my last tank since I'm not getting any younger

I like that a lot how much did that guy charge you for that?

 

[spsick]

Used ATI Sunpower, no Contest.

 

[TanknTang]

Reefi 2.1 pro

Blows radions away

3 year warranty

Not sure if you meant per light or for the entire tank

Noop if you need cheaper

. I will buy more lights as I can afford it, this I didnt anticipate happening unfort. My main light looked dull noticed corals not open lately, and then my backup failed lol. These have a better wattage than the noops. Forgive my ignorance but does higher wattage mean better? I do like being able to control the settings via app. I would like to buy a light the will also help me for future growth.