Setting up a thriving nano reef can be surprisingly affordable, especially when it comes to lighting. This article reviews five budget-friendly LED lights perfect for fostering coral growth in smaller tanks. We'll explore various options, from simple, entry-level fixtures to more advanced systems offering app control and customizable settings. Whether you're a beginner looking for a basic setup or a seasoned reefer on a budget, this guide will help you find the perfect LED light to illuminate your nano reef without breaking the bank. We'll delve into the pros and cons of each light, considering wattage, spectrum, features, and price, to help you make an informed decision.This comprehensive comparison analyzes lights ranging in price and capabilities, ensuring there's a suitable option for every budget and reefing ambition. We'll examine the lighting needs of various coral types to help you choose a fixture that promotes healthy growth. From single-puck designs to strip lights, we'll compare features like app control, color customization, and wattage to highlight the best value for your money. Ultimately, this review aims to guide you towards creating a beautiful and flourishing nano reef ecosystem without compromising on quality or exceeding your budget.
Pros And Cons
- Around $70 (comparable to Aquanite)
- Multiple colored LEDs (Reds, greens, UltraViolets, royal blue, blues, and cool whites)
- Single puck design
- 60W
- Controllable via app
- Grows various corals including SPS
- Brand new is about $250 without mount
- Used ones can be difficult to find or may include extra attachments affecting price
- 60W (double the wattage of Aquanite)
- Controllable via app
- User-friendly app
- Budget-friendly for its wattage
- Requires separate purchase of mount
- K7 mini and K7 Pro cannot be linked together
- Cheaper side at about $70
- Three pucks for more coverage
- Lower wattage
- Limited controlability (only two buttons for whites and blues; no ramping, timers, or additional channels)
- Not suitable for large tanks or significant coral growth (suitable for softies and LPS, possibly entry-level SPS in small nano tanks)
Read more: Top 5 NICREW Aquarium Lights
Hypar/Hypa Aquanite LED: Budget-Friendly Option
The Hypar/Hypa Aquanite LED, available on Amazon, is a 30W fixture with three LED pucks for wider coverage. At around $70, it's a very affordable option for smaller nano-reefs. However, its simple two-button control (for whites and blues) lacks advanced features like timers or ramping periods.
While it won't produce explosive coral growth, the Aquanite keeps corals healthy and provides adequate lighting for less demanding species. It's suitable for softies and LPS corals, possibly even low-light SPS in a very small tank, but isn't powerful enough for larger tanks or more demanding species.
Nicrew K7 Mini: Powerful Single Puck Design
The Nicrew K7 Mini is a single-puck 60W LED, offering double the wattage of the Aquanite. Its controllable nature, via a user-friendly app, makes it more versatile. Priced around $90-$200 (including mount), it’s a good value for its power output.
The app allows for personalized settings and scheduling, offering better control over light intensity and spectrum than the Aquanite. Note that it can't be linked to other Nicrew lights.
Current USA Orbit: Affordable Strip Light Option
The Current USA Orbit (18-24 inch) is a budget-friendly strip light option for nano tanks, around $60 for the non-Bluetooth version. While it only offers 21W, the included controller provides some customization. The Bluetooth version with app integration is significantly more expensive at $150.
Its low wattage limits it to softies or a few LPS corals. It works best as a supplemental light alongside a more powerful fixture, or for smaller tanks with minimal coral requirements.
Nicrew 30W LED: Versatile Color Options
The Nicrew 30W LED, a previous contender to the Aquanite, is a 30W single-puck light with a wide range of LEDs (reds, greens, UV, royal blues, cool whites). Its color diversity enhances coral appearance compared to simpler lights. It's priced similarly to the Aquanite at around $70.
While lacking the multiple-puck coverage of the Aquanite, the diverse spectrum of LEDs makes it a compelling alternative. Its price point is excellent considering its features.
Used AI Prime: High-End Option at a Discounted Price
Buying used equipment, like the AI Prime, can significantly reduce costs. The AI Prime is a higher-end 60W light with app control and a broad spectrum ideal for even demanding SPS corals. While a new one costs around $250, used ones can be found at a substantial discount.
Finding a used AI Prime may require some searching, as availability and condition vary. However, it's the most powerful light on this list and offers excellent growth potential.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Light for Your Needs
The best light depends on your tank size, coral types, and budget. The Hypar/Hypa Aquanite is the most budget-friendly, suitable for smaller tanks and undemanding corals. The Nicrew K7 Mini offers better control at a slightly higher price. The Current USA Orbit is a low-wattage option, perfect as a supplement or for tiny tanks. The Nicrew 30W LED provides a diverse color spectrum at a reasonable price, and finally, the used AI Prime is a high-end option offering impressive growth capabilities for a fraction of the cost.
Consider your coral selection, desired growth rate and tank size to choose the option that best meets your needs. While the used AI Prime offers the best potential for growth, the other options are excellent choices for budget-conscious reefers.