I need help...

[BestMomEver]

I have a new Biocube LED 32 that I hope to make an anemone/Clown tank. I understand that I can probably keep anemones under the stock lighting but that I may sacrifice color of the anemones if I choose to do this. So, I’m trying to decide if
1) if I should keep the stock light or replace it
2) if I replace it, whether I should use Steve’s or nanobox

What I like about Steve’s is the size of the unit (spread is better) and the price. What I don’t like is the fact that they do not publish any real data (par at different levels, etc). I also don’t like the idea of drilling a hole in my lid.

What I like about Nanobox is that they publish data about their lights and the ease of installation. What I don’t like is the price, the narrowness of the fixture (dark areas in corners and/or back) and the amount of time before they can deliver.

Please help me. I would love to hear about your experiences with these fixtures. For those that decided not to upgrade, what makes you like your stock lights.

Thanks.... Elizabeth

 

[Crabs McJones]

While I don't own one, I have heard very good things about the Steve's LEDS upgrade. Some even comment that they're to powerful and have to turn them down

 

[glb]

I have a new Biocube LED 32 that I hope to make an anemone/Clown tank. I understand that I can probably keep anemones under the stock lighting but that I may sacrifice color of the anemones if I choose to do this. So, I’m trying to decide if
1) if I should keep the stock light or replace it
2) if I replace it, whether I should use Steve’s or nanobox

What I like about Steve’s is the size of the unit (spread is better) and the price. What I don’t like is the fact that they do not publish any real data (par at different levels, etc). I also don’t like the idea of drilling a hole in my lid.

What I like about Nanobox is that they publish data about their lights and the ease of installation. What I don’t like is the price, the narrowness of the fixture (dark areas in corners and/or back) and the amount of time before they can deliver.

Please help me. I would love to hear about your experiences with these fixtures. For those that decided not to upgrade, what makes you like your stock lights.

Thanks.... Elizabeth

I have a 12g nano and bought Steve’s LED’s for it. I didn’t have to drill the top, everything fit within the existing lid. I like them but was bothered that I didn’t know the PAR.

 

[Retro Reefer]

I have had a nanobox on my Biocube for two and a half years it’s a great light and worth the price and wait.

 

[BestMomEver]

I have a 12g nano and bought Steve’s LED’s for it. I didn’t have to drill the top, everything fit within the existing lid. I like them but was bothered that I didn’t know the PAR.

Wow.... the instructions and videos show drilling a hole in the inside of the lid. How old is your tank? Mine is the newer LED 32 gallon. Is there a difference that you know of other than size?

 

[York1]

I have steves on my biocube.I love it. install was simple and the hurricanex controller is easy to use

 

[BestMomEver]

I have steves on my biocube.I love it. install was simple and the hurricanex controller is easy to use

What made you decide to upgrade? What are you keeping in the tank?

 

[glb]

Wow.... the instructions and videos show drilling a hole in the inside of the lid. How old is your tank? Mine is the newer LED 32 gallon. Is there a difference that you know of other than size?

My tank is 10 years old and the LED’s are at least 5-6yo. Maybe the lid is different now. Also, my tank originally had CF bulbs.

 

[York1]

bubble tip anemone, some LPS, and a bunch of mushrooms and zoas. I upgraded to have more control over the lighting. The base controller that comes with the kit is great.

 

[BestMomEver]

Thanks for that. I’ll probably order. Is the difference huge? I mean, will my hubby come home from work and say, “You got new lights, huh?” He doesn’t want me to spend the extra money.

 

[York1]

Oh ya it will be a huge difference

 

[hdsoftail1065]

I have the 32 Biocube and did have to drill 1 hole for the power cord. It is at the back of the lid and you will never see it. Very simple to install. Although I couldn't find any par info, I did call and discuss their lights with them. When shipped to you they are set to about the same power the stock Biocube lights so you will have to acclimate if you have other corals, according to Steve's. They are insanely brighter! But, my nems looked as good with the stock lights, if I was doing easy corals and nems I would be satisfied with the stock lights. If you plan to expand what you have in your tank (which it seems like most people do) then it is a great light.

 

[hdsoftail1065]

I have the 32 Biocube and did have to drill 1 hole for the power cord. It is at the back of the lid and you will never see it. Very simple to install. Although I couldn't find any par info, I did call and discuss their lights with them. When shipped to you they are set to about the same power the stock Biocube lights so you will have to acclimate if you have other corals, according to Steve's. They are insanely brighter! But, my nems looked as good with the stock lights, if I was doing easy corals and nems I would be satisfied with the stock lights. If you plan to expand what you have in your tank (which it seems like most people do) then it is a great light.

To continue, am I satisfied with the lights, you bet! Would I purchase them again, yes! Customer service has been good, no real complaints, once you get someone on the phone they are very helpful, email responses are good, no experience dealing with them on Facebook personally, but my wife has and said it was good. If you have any questions or want a pic of the "hole" and location let me know and I will be happy to take one.