Biocube 29 Lighting Upgrade

[zmoakes]

Hey everyone,

New to the site and had a couple questions for the veterans. I'm looking to upgrade the stock lights on my Biocube 29. I'd like to go LED but open to other suggestions. If there is a build thread that i missed feel free to post the link. The cheaper the better.

Thanks everyone in advance,

Zach

 

[saf1]

Several choices out there. I have two Oceanic 29 gallon Bio Cubes each with LED retro fit kits. One uses Steve's the other Rapid's. Steve's uses Phillips/Luxeon while the Rapid kit uses Cree's.

Both will work very well with the 29 gallon tanks.

 

[zmoakes]

Thanks Saf1! do you have a preference on one of the two? Do you know a price range they'd cost to get up and running? Ease of installation? any info helps.

Thanks

 

[saf1]

Thanks Saf1! do you have a preference on one of the two? Do you know a price range they'd cost to get up and running? Ease of installation? any info helps.

Thanks

They are both around 250 bucks give or take rounding down. They are both good kits but use different LED's. Some say Cree are better, others like the Phillips / Luxeon. Honestly, I don't think it matters one way or the other because in the end, both are excellent quality.

Rapid's uses mean well drivers/power and a 50/50 cool white and royal blue combination. Steve's uses a custom driver and a knock off mean well power supply that is probably the weakest link in his total kit. However, his kit is a bit more on the actinic / blue side of things since he mixes in more royal blues.

Both kits can be dimmed and I would highly recommend you do has LED's can be intense. Originally Steve's kit was easier to install when I look back since most if it is already done and pre-soldered. I think rapid's kit now comes with some connectors that makes it easier. If you can solder then it isn't a issue regardless.

 

[kalan850]

i'm using a 120w chinese led fixture i got off ebay. wow is it bright, has good color, is dimmable, they are growing my corals (sps, lps, and softys) but have been having some issues keeping color in a few sps. i would say look into it if your on a budget, if now go with a kessil or a maxspect