Best budget light for a 40B?

[Slammed01]

Hi all, setting up a 40B for dwarf cichlids.

Trying to get some feedback on lighting for a 36"w x18" D 40B. No plants planned.

I was looking at the Current USA 36-48" fixture $99 at dr foster but will price match amazon at $61!

Just want other feedback so I don't jump the gun from others. I have a $50 GC so would prob cost me $15 or so!

I also see beamswork and nicrew on amazon. Do like the current USA remote tho haha. Pretty cool for the kids.

 

[coralbandit]

I run the beamsworks DA FSPEC on my 40bs.The white leds are 10,000k.
https://www.amazon.com/Beamswork-FS...TF8&qid=1503965260&sr=8-3&keywords=beamsworks
They are so bright [as bright as my 24/7 on 100% or my fluval 2.0] that I ordered a $4.99 dimmer for each of them.
https://www.amazon.com/FAVOLCANO-Si...F8&qid=1503965353&sr=8-29&keywords=led+dimmer
The dimmer has worked on every 12v LED I own so far. As long as you can install in between power switcher and light you are all good !
Then just use a simple timer..I run 95% timers and only 2 tanks with 24/7 .
I just added 2 @ 36" of the DA FSPECs to my 180 with 2 @24/7 on 24/7 setting[found new for $90] for a mid day burn!I just run them 4 hours mid cycle on full.
The DA Fspec is a very good light for the money.
Current has poor customer service ......
I just renewed $1,000+ of lights...I have 8 of beamsworks going now all on 40b or 30b.I have the fluval 2.0 on a 40b and the 24/7 on a 29 and my 180 .
I was for most part replacing all my true lumen pros [current]...
I also use reefbars as cheap light sources ,but no bells and whistles with them ,just straight out 12v led bars..I run 2 @48 inches over my 80/60/60 deep sea frag tanks for fry and my 20/20 /15 racks.I run the 8,000k .
https://www.amazon.com/Aquarium-LED-ReefBar-Natural-FreshWater/dp/B00J5M1HCY
More then 2 per power source dims but they still beat current for color and price..
Info the FA SPEC
http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/1...-fspec-dhl-6500k-par-lux-kelvin-pur-data.html

 

[Slammed01]

I'll check them out thanks!

 

[BBradbury]

Hello Sla...

If you're not interested in a planted tank, then why waste money on expensive lighting?
I use shop lights from the local hardware store. A four bulb fixture and 4 of the 32 watt T8 bulbs will cost maybe $40.00. The bulbs last well over a year and I hang them just above the tank. This level of light will easily grow low to moderate light plants if you change your mind on the plants.

B

 

[Slammed01]

Hello Sla...

If you're not interested in a planted tank, then why waste money on expensive lighting?
I use shop lights from the local hardware store. A four bulb fixture and 4 of the 32 watt T8 bulbs will cost maybe $40.00. The bulbs last well over a year and I hang them just above the tank. This level of light will easily grow low to moderate light plants if you change your mind on the plants.

B

Nicrew is $38 and use less power tho no?

 

[Fresh2o]

Nicrew is $38 and use less power tho no?

128 watts versus 18 watts? You bet. Plus, minimal heat output, slim chassis, no bulbs to change.