Nano Cube LED upgrade

[ziggy2]

I saw a JBJ cube that someone had taken one of those Mars LED's apart and installed it in the top. Has anyone ever seen this done?

 

[bblumberg]

No doubt it can work, but success depends a lot on how handy you are. Have you considered the pre-designed retrofits for JBJ nanocube that RapidLED and Steve's LEDs sell? I have a RapidLED upgrade on my old 24G nanocube and like it well enough.

Bruce

 

[ziggy2]

I am a buyer by trade so I am cheap. I can get a Mars light for less than a hundred. It's hard to spend two, but. How easy are the retro kits?

 

[bblumberg]

Dead easy, but much more costly than a Mars (probably at least double). If you want cheap, then the upgrade kits are not going to be your rock bottom alternative. For that, you'd need to buy your own heat sink, source the LEDs and drivers, etc.

Bruce

 

[ziggy2]

After looking it over, cheaper may not be better.

 

[bblumberg]

If you decide to go with the RapidLED DIY kit, I'd recommend a different mix than what they provide. The standard mix (12 RB and 12 CW) will grow corals, but you will need to run the white channel rather low compared with blue. I'd go with 12 RB, 4-6 neutral white and whatever other colors you find pleasing (perhaps some blue, UV and lime). I have the potentiometer dimmers for this tank, but went with the Storm controller for my 2nd build and a Bluefish mini for my new tank. Nothing cheap, but far less than premade fixtures of similar quality.

Bruce

 

[Dr.Xipoles]

I would go for the galaxyhydro from amazon. They have good reviews under $100 and 165 w.

 

[ziggy2]

If you decide to go with the RapidLED DIY kit, I'd recommend a different mix than what they provide. The standard mix (12 RB and 12 CW) will grow corals, but you will need to run the white channel rather low compared with blue. I'd go with 12 RB, 4-6 neutral white and whatever other colors you find pleasing (perhaps some blue, UV and lime). I have the potentiometer dimmers for this tank, but went with the Storm controller for my 2nd build and a Bluefish mini for my new tank. Nothing cheap, but far less than premade fixtures of similar quality.

Bruce

I appreciate the help.