Lighting for a Standard 20 gallon frag tank

I am trying to figure out a cost effective way to light up a standard 20 gallon frag tank. I am plumbing it to my display tank and it is all I have room for. I have been looking at DIY 20w chips, par38 bulbs and 120w full spectrum lights on ebay. Every thing I consider seems to end up coming close to the price of a full spectrum 120w fixture which seems like over kill and more that what I want to spend. Looking for suggestions on a cost effective way to grow SPS and LPS corals in a 20 gallon.

Thanks

Paul

 

well what are you looking to spend on it? That will help guide the recommendations!

 

Good question
Less than $100 or I would go with a 120w full spectrum fixture.

 

I'm not sure you will find anything for under $100 (unless you go EBAY t-5s) that you will want over a frag tank unless you get a great deal on a used product.

 

there are several par38 fixtures that are selling for around 80, they might be a good option for ya. look at boostLED and Reefbreeders

 

I think 2 would be necessary for a 24" tank.

 

You would need 2 par 38 tho so thats not as cheap. I have 2 zet light nanos on a 15 long. Not a cheap light but very awesome!! All sorts of dimnesses and features! Very cool light!

 

true, I hadnt thought of that. i'd get the reebreeders value fixture, because it would give the coverage and grow anything in that tank. 180, and the two channels are controllable. I know its over your budget, but its probably the best new option

 

Good question
Less than $100 or I would go with a 120w full spectrum fixture.

 

This isn't going to be a popular opinion, but you could at least look into DeepBlue Solar Flare. They are off-brand LED's but I really like the strip on my nano. It was 15w for $50. Two might work but wouldn't be great for SPS. They have a 24" fixture for $120 that has 9 10k leds and 6 actinic.