Upgrading 32g Biocube

jackalexander · Mar 19, 2021

Didn’t want to do it because i’ll probably upgrade in the near future but I can’t stand the stock LED’s on the biocube so I’m going to purchase an AI Prime 16HD Reef LED and the flex arm. That’ll come with an added cost of an ATO and a screen top (don’t want the wrasse to carpet surf). I don’t want to have to rent a PAR meter for $70 so does anyone know a good height for the light? I have an LPS dominant tank but plan on keeping some high end SPS.

Brady4000 · Mar 19, 2021

Just out of curiosity, have you consider Steve’s LED, and if yes, why did you go with the AI?

Also food for thought. I was told by @jskoms on another thread. Was probably something I would have never thought about.

“I have considered going with Steve’s but last week I cut out some of the clear plastic light cover and siliconed in a piece of glass. The plastic was hazy and scratched up. I have a monti cap that is now showing growth daily.”

Was probably something I would have never thought about.

jackalexander · Mar 19, 2021

Brady4000 said:
Just out of curiosity, have you consider Steve’s LED, and if yes, why did you go with the AI?

Also food for thought. I was told by @jskoms on another thread. Was probably something I would have never thought about.

“I have considered going with Steve’s but last week I cut out some of the clear plastic light cover and siliconed in a piece of glass. The plastic was hazy and scratched up. I have a monti cap that is now showing growth daily.”

Was probably something I would have never thought about.

I did consider Steve’s LED upgrade but the price put me off.. The AI is a third of the cost if I find a good deal on a used one. Which light was jskoms talking about? Sounds like a powerhouse of a light!

Brady4000 · Mar 19, 2021

jackalexander said:
I did consider Steve’s LED upgrade but the price put me off.. The AI is a third of the cost if I find a good deal on a used one. Which light was jskoms talking about? Sounds like a powerhouse of a light!

He took the plastic off the stock Biocube light and replaced it with glass

Brady4000 · Mar 19, 2021

His other post.

“Really easy to do. The local hardware store cut the glass to size and was only $2.50. Big difference in the intensity of the light.”

jackalexander · Mar 19, 2021

Brady4000 said:
His other post.

“Really easy to do. The local hardware store cut the glass to size and was only $2.50. Big difference in the intensity of the light.”

Oh wow! Might have to do this before I drop some money on a light

Brady4000 · Mar 19, 2021

If you do, let me know how it worked out, I might be doing it next lol

jackalexander · Mar 19, 2021

Brady4000 said:
If you do, let me know how it worked out, I might be doing it next lol

Will do for sure. I’ll be sure to let you know, hopefully I don’t mess up ;Nailbiting

jskoms · Mar 19, 2021

jackalexander said:
Will do for sure. I’ll be sure to let you know, hopefully I don’t mess up ;Nailbiting

It’s easy, just take your time. The splash guard on mine was hazy and scratched up. With the glass, the light is more intense.

jackalexander · Mar 19, 2021

jskoms said:
It’s easy, just take your time. The splash guard on mine was hazy and scratched up. With the glass, the light is more intense.

Did you unscrew the led fixture prior to switching to glass or did you do it while it’s attached to the hood?

jskoms · Mar 19, 2021

jackalexander said:
Did you unscrew the led fixture prior to switching to glass or did you do it while it’s attached to the hood?

I took it out to minimize any damage to the LED fixture. Didn’t have lights for a couple days but the end result is worth it.

Mike H2020 · Mar 26, 2021

I just upgraded my bio cube 32 to Steve’s LEDs. 5 days in and I gotta say I’m super happy with them so far. Noticeable difference on some coral already.

Brady4000 · Mar 26, 2021

Mike H2020 said:
I just upgraded my bio cube 32 to Steve’s LEDs. 5 days in and I gotta say I’m super happy with them so far. Noticeable difference on some coral already.

Do you have before and after photos?

Mike H2020 · Mar 27, 2021

Brady4000 said:
Do you have before and after photos?

I do but honestly in the pics it’s not much different thru the lens (iPhone cam) but to the naked eye it’s huge. Particularly my scolys. They are nice and puffy looking instead of flat.

jisc · Mar 27, 2021

I’ve been running Steve’s for a couple years now. Work great.

Mike H2020 · Mar 27, 2021

jisc said:
I’ve been running Steve’s for a couple years now. Work great.

I initially put my zoas close to top. Now with the new leds I’m thinking I should be moving them closer to mid /lower level. Especially since I’m just starting out at 30% intensity