Coralife Biocube 29 LED upgrade??

[Adam113]

Well, it’s time to replace the bulbs on my 29 again...

Is this a good replacement to go LED instead of spending $60 every 8 months for subpar t5 bulbs? Plan on just gutting the hood and still using it to place over the tank. Don’t want to go hoodless. The reviews all seem amazing, the low price seems too good to be true. Any experiences with them? I don’t know enough about lights to make a good evaluation from reading the specs. What’s the difference in the “pro” version that’s more than twice the cost? I only have softies and LPS.

Current USA Orbit Marine Aquarium LED Light, 18 to 24-Inch

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GFTK7CQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_n34KAb3EBFXKF

 

[EmdeReef]

What corals do you keep in your tank?

The lights you seem to be considering are likely ok for soft corals and maybe some lps., otherwise don’t seem adequate for sps or even anemones.

 

[pharazon]

To answer your question directly, yes, I think it would be a better choice than replacing $60 bulbs every 8 months. However; I don’t necessaril think it’s the best option.

Everyone has their favorite lights, or at least anecdotal accounts of success with what is generally considered to be a sub-par light. I think you would find yourself better off to spend just a liiiiiittle but more money and enjoy more success in the long run.

I will say that Kessil A160WE’s pop up in the market place here fairly often for under $200. It would be more than adequate for the types of corals you’re keeping, while also giving you a better chance at keeping SPS should you decide to try them.

Google “BioCube 28 Kessil A160WE” and “BioCube Orbit Marine” if you’d like to read some first-hand accounts. In fact, do the same for any light you may be considering. It’s my favorite way to research options.

Good luck!

 

[ZaneTer]

@ADAM What do you mean subpar T5s?
The output of T5s can be exceptional when paired with a good fixture (ATI) I personally run T5s over my 200g SPS with no issues.

 

[Adam113]

What corals do you keep in your tank?

The lights you seem to be considering are likely ok for soft corals and maybe some lps., otherwise don’t seem adequate for sps or even anemones.

I just have a hammer, yellow polyps, GSP, an acan, zoas, and some Xenia. I’ll never have SPS in this tank.

To answer your question directly, yes, I think it would be a better choice than replacing $60 bulbs every 8 months. However; I don’t necessaril think it’s the best option.

Everyone has their favorite lights, or at least anecdotal accounts of success with what is generally considered to be a sub-par light. I think you would find yourself better off to spend just a liiiiiittle but more money and enjoy more success in the long run.

I will say that Kessil A160WE’s pop up in the market place here fairly often for under $200. It would be more than adequate for the types of corals you’re keeping, while also giving you a better chance at keeping SPS should you decide to try them.

Google “BioCube 28 Kessil A160WE” and “BioCube Orbit Marine” if you’d like to read some first-hand accounts. In fact, do the same for any light you may be considering. It’s my favorite way to research options.

Good luck!

My biggest issue with these type lights is I have to go hoodless, which I don’t want to do.

@ADAM What do you mean subpar T5s?
The output of T5s can be exceptional when paired with a good fixture (ATI) I personally run T5s over my 200g SPS with no issues.

Don’t mean that t5s are subpar. Just that the stock biocubes t5s are.

 

[ZaneTer]

My apologies, I misinterpreted what you said.

 

[pharazon]

I just have a hammer, yellow polyps, GSP, an acan, zoas, and some Xenia. I’ll never have SPS in this tank.



My biggest issue with these type lights is I have to go hoodless, which I don’t want to do.



Don’t mean that t5s are subpar. Just that the stock biocubes t5s are.

My apologizes, I misread your post.

Since you are considering gutting the hood internals anyway, would you be opposed to cutting a hole in the hood to accommodate a better lighting option?

See here: https://www.nano-reef.com/forums/topic/371231-kessil-biocube-mod/

 

[Adam113]

My apologizes, I misread your post.

Since you are considering gutting the hood internals anyway, would you be opposed to cutting a hole in the hood to accommodate a better lighting option?

See here: https://www.nano-reef.com/forums/topic/371231-kessil-biocube-mod/

This is probably what I will end up doing. Thank you.

 

[pharazon]

This is probably what I will end up doing. Thank you.

Don’t forget to update us when you do!

 

[Adam113]

Don’t forget to update us when you do!

Absolutely. It’ll be here Wednesday.

 

[Adam113]

Just bought a Prime Hd too.... oops.

Need to figure out which is going above my 29 and which is going above my NUVO10.

 

[ArowanaLover1902]

I have a Biocube 29 and use current usa lights. I tried one and growth wasn't good, corals weren't very happy but were alive. I use two now and its great, I absolutely love my orbit lights.

 

[ArowanaLover1902]

I have a Biocube 29 and use current usa lights. I tried one and growth wasn't good, corals weren't very happy but were alive. I use two now and its great, I absolutely love my orbit lights.

 

[Adam113]

I have a Biocube 29 and use current usa lights. I tried one and growth wasn't good, corals weren't very happy but were alive. I use two now and its great, I absolutely love my orbit lights.

I have a Kessil 160 and a Prime on its way, thanks though! After much research these two seem to be the go to lights.

 

[pharazon]

Just bought a Prime Hd too.... oops.

Need to figure out which is going above my 29 and which is going above my NUVO10.

What type of corals do you keep in the 10?

 

[OrokuSaki84]

Just bought a Prime Hd too.... oops.

Need to figure out which is going above my 29 and which is going above my NUVO10.

I have a Prime HD over a Nuvo 40 and its doing wonderfully. I've had it going for a little over a year now - once you get it set up you should check out the numbers BRS recommends to use in the color settings. Swinging it blue and overdriving a few channels has really made a difference in my coral growth and color. Great little light for the price!

 

[pharazon]

Did you get your new lights?