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Biocube light upgrade


Mitchell

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First, depends on what you prefer - to keep the stock hood, or to run an open top?

 

Second, there are multiple retrofit options: NanoBox (probably the best), Steve's, RapidLED, etc.

 

Third, if you prefer open top, what looks good to you - both the light fixture itself and the color rendition under it?

 

Fourth, what do you plan on keeping - high-light corals, or more moderately demanding species?

 

Fifth, what do you want to spend?

 

 

If I had to choose from just the three options you listed, I might go with the Maxspect Razor Nano, as it has the controller already, good color rendition, and is the least expensive. If I needed higher light levels, I would go with the Kessil A360NE, with or without the controller, depending if you prefer a daily dimming feature and have the $$$. If I was keeping the hood, I would retrofit a pair of NanoBox 13-ups... B)

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I am using a rapid LED onyx dimmable fixture. I like it, 90w and mostly crees. I don't really know anyone else using one, so i don't know how well they hold up, but i did end up running it 12" off the tank rim and it seems pretty nice.

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If you're only lighting for LPS, softies, and maybe some SPS, my current setup has 3xEcoxotic panorama pros with the current USA controller on it, and it's less expensive than most of the kits or fixtures mentioned here, and works just fine.

 

I'm exploring the options you did mention, which tend to be much more expensive than my current setup (I bought the tank with these and didn't think I would upgrade; famous last words for this hobby), because I want more light of more colors than I currently have to color/brighten up my acropora (already at ~0 NO3/PO4).

 

I'm interested in what anyone else has to recommend or if anyone has any other options that fit inside the stock hood (I'll be keeping my hood on)

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reefernanoman

Nanobox duo would fit the bill nicely. B). I think that you would never have to worry about upgrading again, you can keep anything in there, you can choose your custom colors of the casing, and it's hand made.

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another vote for nano box retro. Dave is awesome to deal with and the kit was amazingly easy to install. Got it today and it was running 2 hours later (and that was only because I am not very technical). The best part is you don't have to permanently modify the hood. If you are careful everything you pull out can be reinstalled (I however went scorched earth and just cut wires).

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I have the Kessil 360we and I love it. I use the Kessil Controller with my light and it looks and works amazing. All my corals love it, and it's one of the primary lights that Unique Corals uses. I admit it is a bit pricey, but let's be honest, if we were looking to save money we'd all sell our aquariums :D

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I did the NanoBox retrofit to my Biocube 14 and all my corals are thriving. The only issue is the fan periodically makes noise

but Dave sent me a new one. I really like the Storm controller.

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I'm thinking about getting the nanobox retro for my coralife biocube 29, I usually don't have very good luck installing anything electrical so anyone whose done it with limited skills like mine give me some words of encouragement, lol ! Thanks !

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I'm thinking about getting the nanobox retro for my coralife biocube 29, I usually don't have very good luck installing anything electrical so anyone whose done it with limited skills like mine give me some words of encouragement, lol ! Thanks !

It's a peace of cake. GO FOR IT.

It took me all of two hours to install.

Barry

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I am completely non technical, like shock myself when plugging in an appliance and I was able to install my nano box retro with no issues. Go for it!

I'm thinking about getting the nanobox retro for my coralife biocube 29, I usually don't have very good luck installing anything electrical so anyone whose done it with limited skills like mine give me some words of encouragement, lol ! Thanks !

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