LED lights

[Tategrant]

I'm going to set up my 90 gallon saltwater tank soon. I want to set up a reef aquarium but the lights are ridiculously expensive. Does anyone know where to get some cheap but effective lights?

 

[fishmonkey]

Don't be afraid to check eBay and Craigslist! Also, did you know you can do DIY LED's?

 

[Tategrant]

Don't be afraid to check eBay and Craigslist! Also, did you know you can do DIY LED's?

How exactly!?

 

[fishmonkey]

Do a search on the forum for "diy led", or go through the DIY forum

 

[Tategrant]

Do a search on the forum for "diy led", or go through the DIY forum

I couldn't find anything...

 

[mr_X]

Get 2 of these-
New Dimmable 120W Aquarium Coral Reef Fish Tank White Blue LED Light Black US | eBay

You will be able to grow whatever you want in your 90.

 

[fishmonkey]

That would work, if you decide you're not up to the DIY challenge.

 

[mr_X]

Awful hard to DIY a 4' fixture that can grow whatever you want for under $260.00.

 

[Tategrant]

Would one of these fit my 90?

 

[Bectan01]

Nope, you would need at least 2 to cover the tank but also they would not support any corals. When looking at LEDs check that each diode is 3w each. This fixture has 1w LEDs. The taotronics dimmable LEDs are going to be the best lights and for the best price for your reef tank.

 

[Tategrant]

Nope, you would need at least 2 to cover the tank but also they would not support any corals. When looking at LEDs check that each diode is 3w each. This fixture has 1w LEDs. The taotronics dimmable LEDs are going to be the best lights and for the best price for your reef tank.

120w at least?

 

[Callen]

How do those square LED fixtures attach to the tank? Would that same units fit my 75?

I need to replace at least 2 of my 48 inch white lights and that is well on its way to the LED fixture

 

[mr_X]

They come with hanging hardware. You can build a rack to hold them over the tank if you wish. This is where you get a little creative. Yes, 2 are perfect for a 75.

@Tategrant- You don't necessarily need 120 watts. It depends on the type of LEDs, the optics, and placement also. These are a suitable plug and play option. You can turn the potency up or down as needed, and to tweak the amount of white and blue.

 

[Tategrant]

My tank has a thing in the middle to hold both hoods so id need two? Defiantly?

 

[mr_X]

It's not so much the center brace, it's the 4' length. One unit will not light the entire 4'. You definitely need 2.

 

[Tategrant]

The dimmable ones are the best for the price?

 

[mr_X]

What do you mean? I think these are about the cheapest way to light your tank with LEDs.

 

[Tategrant]

Would this be reef safe... I'm thinking not.

 

[mr_X]

That's just for looks. You can't keep anything alive with that.

 

[Tategrant]

Good light for reefs?