Biocube 29 Build

W

Wmich2008

Member
I recently purchased a biocube 29, and have one quick question I would appreciate some help on. I plan on keeping it pretty simple with only my two clowns some sexy shrimp and covering the one large middle rock with zoas.

My question is, will the stock lights be ok for this for awhile or should I just bite the bullet and go with an all led hood? If I keep it stock I may add one of the 50/50 bulbs. My other option would be to maybe take out the 4 add on stock slots and throw in one panorama pro or something similar. So run stock lights plus one led, only concern is the heat may burn out the panorama.

If I go all led I am planning on buying a kit from Nano-box led. He includes a control with his kits so I think it would be a pretty simple install.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I think you should be good. Especially since you want zoas, they should be good. Start a build thread would like to see your progress. Thinking about purchasing some sexy shrimp as well :D
 
You'll be fine with the stock lighting. Zoas will grow and spread just fine.

However, if you really want the nice colors to pop, or if you ever wanted to get into more light demanding corals/inverts..... LED's are the way to go.
 
My in tank baskets and tunze 9002 are in the mail now. I will start a build thread this weekend when I get that all setup. Need some opinions on my scape.
 
Your stock lights should be fine for what you have planned. You'll like the in-tank stuff. I had the 9002 and it took a little while to get it adjusted but it worked pretty well.
 
Yea I am currently running the in tank baskets on my nuvo 16. He makes great stuff so I knew this basket would be quality.
 
My plans for the tank are my two clowns, a large group of anemone shrimp, and a goby/pistol pair. I may add a purple fire fish or something similar. That is all I want as I am frequently out of town and need the tank to be easy to maintain right now. I know I probably don't need a skimmer but what the heck, can't hurt. I plan on doing 5 gallon or so water changes every two weeks. Build thread will be started Saturday. I have pics of the scape and early things.
 
Anyone know if one of the 1.4x12 rapid led heatsinks would fit where the led expansion slots are? I am now thinking of just taking those four slots out and adding one DIY strip. Wondering if this heatsink is too big or will get too hot.
 
Looking at mine, I believe it will fit width wise but you might have to trim the length. The one that comes with the retro kit is ten inches wide and it leaves room for air to circulate around the end of the sink. I think the bigger challenge of the 1.4x12 will be mounting it into the hood. Just depends on if the fin spacing on the sink will fit over plastic mounting posts used for the stock led fixtures. I'd give rapid a call. They are good to work with and can probably tell you for sure if it will fit/work.

As far as heat, you're going to be leaving your cp lights in so you'll still need to leave the fans in and run them. That should give you enough flow to keep everything cool. When I stripped mine and put the retro kit in I left the fans. I run the fans off of my Apex 10 min on and 20 off. That has been enough to keep the head sink cool.

You might want to check on the pricing to do this. It's probably not that much more to just go ahead and do the whole retro and be done with it.
 
Thanks RDM. I have just figured I will wait and do the whole retro eventually. The kit I wanted to build was around 100 and they have nice retros for 200. Probably does make way more sense.
 
Steve's and Rapid LED both sell retro kits that tuck in the stock hood for around 240 give or take US dollars. I have one of each and both are solid.
 
I was very unhappy with the colors of the std pc lights that came with the tank. I installed a Rapid two ballast kit and its great. Look for sales coming up for the 4th of July.
 
I recently purchased and installed RapidLED's aurora puck with the the storm controller. I couldn't be happier. My BioCube was doing fine with the stock PC lights but the LED's really transformed my tank. It's like upgrading from Standard Definition TV to High Definition TV. Couldn't be happier with the upgrade.
 
I have the StevesLED Retrofit in my Biocube 29. I bought the tank with it already installed. The fans in the hood itself are basically silent. The fan on the power supply does have a little noise to it. Nothing I would consider loud though. My tank is roughly 6' from my television and I cannot hear the fan with the TV on.

I haven't had any problems with it at all. It is a lot of light though, so be sure to acclimate your corals to the light.
 
Wmich2008 said:
Thanks everyone, I just purchased the aurora puck from Rapid. I will try to start a build thread this weekend.
Click to expand...

When you start the assembly keep in mind that it will take a few hours to get it completely assembled. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions with the installation. Did you also purchase a storm controller?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

T
Alternative Lighting for Biocube 29
Replies
0
Views
108
thommyboy12183
T
S
Tank Update & Tentative Stocking Plan
Replies
2
Views
106
griss
griss
T
New 55g setup. Advice for fish appreciated
Replies
6
Views
423
Uncle99
Uncle99
N
75 gallon set up and stocking advice
Replies
8
Views
2K
Newham94
N
M
Can I use 2 bubble magus qq2 in my tank?
Replies
3
Views
158
Guygettnby
Guygettnby
Back
Top