Lighting for 30 gallon reef

[fishlife1]

Hi,
I am upgrading to a 30 gallon reef (36 long by 12 wide by 16 deep) and am trying to find an affordable lighting option. Does not need to be too intense, just enough to keep lps corals. Anyone know of any affordable options that will work? Like under 100$? I know that is a low budget but I don't have the money for like a 400 dollar light.

[rustyjames]

Under $100 is tough. Only thing I can think of would be an Evergrow led from ebay.

[grant778]

I light my 29 gallon with a reef breeders value fixture. Its a little over your budget at I think 179 dollars if I remember correctly, but of good quality and very cheap compared to other powerful LEDs.

[fishlife1]

The evergrow looks pretty good. Would 1 be enough for a 36" tank?

[kfisc]

For $100 or just a little more, you could possibly rig one of the older single-ended metal halides. Ask around any of the reef shops/clubs in your area or anyone you know who may be willing to part with a 10K 175watt MH bulb, reflector and ballast. They're old school, but they really worked and a single MH at that wattage would be great for a tank that size.

[maddmaxx]

The evergrow looks pretty good. Would 1 be enough for a 36" tank?

no..you would have to raise it wayyyyyy to high to get enough coverage. you would need atleast 2 fixtures...

[fishlife1]

no..you would have to raise it wayyyyyy to high to get enough coverage. you would need atleast 2 fixtures...

hmm.. that could be a problem.

[maddmaxx]

hmm.. that could be a problem.

i would suggest waiting and saving a lil more money and do one of two things...

save and get 2x everygrow d120s

OR

save and get a T5 fixture off of ebay ... 4 bulb fixture would be good, a 6 bulb fixture would be better..

[maddmaxx]

just sent you a PM...