I recently purchased a s cone hand Coralife Biocube 29. Long story short I thought the blue actinic bulb ballast was bad and purchased a replacement. Upon that not working I traced the problem most likely to the ballast's writers that plug into the hood and they are scorched. My question is I really don't want to keep dumping money into this hood that may have major issues. A couple of ideas that I have thought of, 1) get a Biocube 32 hood or a whole setup for a few dollars more. 2) Get a modified hood kit that uses all new internals. I have found several threads that are a few years old however I was just wondering what everyone is recommending and is it worth it to go the mod route vs just buying a new lid/tank combination. I'm not looking to go to crazy on this tank but want to do it right. Thanks for the advice.
Advice needed Coralife Biocube 29
- Thread starter gough25
- Start date
Joshnieder216
Member
I also have the 32. The built in timer is awesome, but i agree 100% about the white lights. Im considering throwing in Steves leds. Another downside to the new hood is not being able to fit a decent skimmer in chamber 1 also...just something to consider before switching lids.
trixter227
New member
I had the same problem and mine was brandnew. My solution was to remove the top completely and get a nice LED light. Good growth very adjustable with color and beable to schedule ramp times. I went with the Hydra 26. Not the best nor the brightest but it works really well for the 29
Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
Yeah my only concern would be with the occasional snail escaping I guess that is a risk worth taking. Is there any advantage to not having a lid? Also can anyone recommend other lights then the one above? I was hoping to keep this under $200 but if it is truly worth it with timers I would be willing to spend more.
Smoke Inator
Member
new 32 hood is in the 230-250 range. steves, nano box and rapid all have kits for the hood.
I have the 32 and i would rather have the 29 hood since its taller and can have a skimmer in chamber 1. if you go rimless (many have) there are screened covers you can DYI....opens up the lighting options but adds to the evaporation.
I have the 32 and i would rather have the 29 hood since its taller and can have a skimmer in chamber 1. if you go rimless (many have) there are screened covers you can DYI....opens up the lighting options but adds to the evaporation.
rockhead51
New member
Are the Coral life and AL skimmers that bad?
Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
soulpatch
New member
homer and Reef have both had good success witht he aqualife skimmer 115. https://www.amazon.com/Aquatic-Life...20&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=aqualife+skimmer+115
for the hood I would stay with the 29 hood since it is taller and gives you more room for any gear.
As for lighting you are hard pressed to stay below 200 for a quality setup. You can go with a stand alone light sans hood for 300+ or go with a retrofit kit that will run you 200+ (likely closer to 250-300)
aftermarket lights will give you ability to have more of whatever hue you wish over the tank.
If my tank I would scrap the hood and hang a t5 above it like this: http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/24-ati-sunpower-high-output-t5-light-fixture.html
Though small tanks are the only area where LED is actually cheaper then T5 so choice is yours...
for the hood I would stay with the 29 hood since it is taller and gives you more room for any gear.
As for lighting you are hard pressed to stay below 200 for a quality setup. You can go with a stand alone light sans hood for 300+ or go with a retrofit kit that will run you 200+ (likely closer to 250-300)
aftermarket lights will give you ability to have more of whatever hue you wish over the tank.
If my tank I would scrap the hood and hang a t5 above it like this: http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/24-ati-sunpower-high-output-t5-light-fixture.html
Though small tanks are the only area where LED is actually cheaper then T5 so choice is yours...
trixter227
New member
I use a glass lid that fits in the track to help with evap and escapeing. But yes the aqualife 115 works very well for the biocube.
Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
KnightReefer19
New member
I've got a kessil a160we tuna blue on my 29 gal. No issues whatsoever except for light bleeding. It's even better with the kessil controller because I don't have to flip any switches or turn any knobs or anything fancy. I haven't had the hood on at all since I purchased my tank and have had no problems with anything escaping
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
