Feel like a beginner... Class of 2004

[Cesar]

WOW! How the hobby has changed. I've been missing in action for a couple of years. Been reefing for about 11 years but was gone from the hobby for about 4 years now. Well...I got the reef virus. I want to start again. I have a 28g Nano Cube that I'm going to start up. I want to remove that 150W MH hood. I want to hang an LED light fixture. I'm thinking of a Kessil 150. But I really need to do some research because so much has change in the hobby.

 

Feels good to be somewhat back. Even though I'm in the begging stages of the hobby, or already feels good.

[Sancho]

if you like the halide I would go with the Kessil 360e. The 150 only gives you one color. The 350 and 360 lets you blend the color to your liking. If money is an issue get a used 350 or 360. I have seen them on the forums for a little more than a new 150.

[Jonnywhoop]

DIY Retrofit the hood with LED's. I did my 8g biocube with rapidLED retrofit. You can blend color channels as well. Its a bit more expensive... I would assume $200+ depending on what kind of LEDs and equipment to run the thing..

 

Atleast you get to the keep the hood on which is a cleaner look in my opinion.

[Wattman]

The new kessil a160we will let you adjust the color and is only slightly more expensive than the 150.

[seabass]

Welcome back, from the class of 2003.

[Kijho]

Welcome back, the class of .... err, 2014. haha.

[Cesar]

Thanks for the input. I will look into both Kessils. The money isn't really an issue. It's a matter of wanting to do it correct. I remember when I started the hobby many many years ago I bought everything underpowered. So I ended up buying everything (almost everything) all over again. Was way more expensive that way.

[Cesar]

Welcome back, from the class of 2003.

Oh man, Seabass. What's up. Thanks for the welcome. I remember interacting with you quite a bit back in the days.

[jestep]

With the exception of heat issues, the stock MH is a great light that can grow just about anything.

 

Speaking from experience, the A150 or A160 are going to be way underpowered in that tank. If you are going to go LED, I would also recommend a retro LED kit. I love rimless and open top tanks, but I think the AIO's look a lot better with their hood on them.

 

Also some unsolicited recommendations on that specific tank, the MJ900's are great replacement pumps. They are almost the same flow as MJ1200's at much less wattage. The Octopus BH1000 skimmer fits perfectly on that tank and still allows you to use the rear chamber for media. Those are the 2 best simple upgrades that I found when using the tank. You can use 1/2" locline wye's and extensions to alter the return flow from the rear chamber. A MP10 was a great pump for in-tank flow.

[seabass]

Oh man, Seabass. What's up. Thanks for the welcome. I remember interacting with you quite a bit back in the days.

Haha, yes I remember. Glad to see you back. I've been dragging my heels on setting up a 100 gallon reef. Good luck on this new project of yours.