AI Nano BioCube HQI Custom Mount

[TRiNiCHAP]

I have a BioCube HQI 29gal and decided I wanted to switch to LED. After much research I decided to go with the AI Nano (and couldn't be happier). One of the challenges was that I did NOT want to loose the initial BioCube look. I did not want to long cables hanging from the ceiling ... basically I wanted to keep the HQI Hood but replace the lighting with LEDs.

 

I got this idea from a "quick" video I saw on YouTube. I went through the same process but took detailed pics of what I did. I knew I was not going to go back to Halide lights so I gutted the hood. I took everything out carefully so can always sell the parts if needed. Not hard to do and here's the process for anyone else that is interested.

 

 

 

Refer to attached pictures which go with each step.

 

Step1: Lay HQI light on its back. Ready for operation.

 

Step2: Slide siding off and then slide off grill (just as if you were replacing the bulb).

 

Step 3: Pop off fan.

 

Step 4: Remove screws as shown in the picture.

 

Step 5: Now that screws are removed, you can remove the siding AND also the trim edge (they slide off also).

 

Step6: Remove other side as well … this is what it looks like so far.

 

Step7: Unplug the fan.

 

Step8: Unscrew the mount screws as shown in the figure below.

 

Step9: Screws removed …. Here’s what it looks like so far.

 

Step10: Since screws are removed, we can now separate the arm from housing shell.

 

Step11: The arm has two screws on the side. Remove those screws to open the arm.

 

Step12: Here’s what the opened arm looks like …. We are almost ready to remove the wiring.

 

Step13: Cut the wires and remove then.

 

Step 14: Here’s the empty housing shell. Now it’s ready for AI Nano mounting. First we must drill two mounting holes thoug

 

Step15: DO NOT USE A FLIMSY SHEET OF PAPER. USE A CARDBOARD TO MAKE A TEMPLATE FOR WHERE THE HOLES ARE.

 

STEP16: Position the AI Nano and the cardboard template. NOTE THE HOUSING IS CURVED!! THIS IS WHY YOU NEED TO USE CARDBOARD AND NOT A FLIMSY SHEET OF PAPER.

 

STEP17: Here’s another view. Be sure to leave some clearance for the wires and arm bracket. TAKE YOUR TIME HERE! LAST THING YOU WANT IS TO DRILL THE HOLES IN THE WRONG SPOT!!

 

Step18: Carefully removed AI Nano and left my template. Marked the holes and drilled.

 

Step19: Here’s the housing with the two holes drilled.

 

Step20: Ooops I had to bend the metal arm bracket back a bit as it was blocking the hole. Guess I didn’t leave enough clearance. Good thing the metal is bendable.

 

Step21: Passed the power AND AI Controller cable through the metal bracket. Note I had to pass wires through and then screw it down.

 

Step22: Here’s a view of the cables from the back, when the housing and arm are put back together. The power cable has that big round cylinder thing on I couldn’t hide it within the arm itself. BUT I was able to still neatly tuck/hide it away.

 

Step23: Now that the arm is mounted and cables are there, the AI Nano can be mounted. Here’s a side view.

 

IMPORTANT IMPORTANT IMPORTANT!! Do not over tighten! Also, be sure the screws are straight (perfectly vertical). The AI Nano is meant to just “hang”. Remember the outer housing is bit curved so if you completely tighten your screws will not be perfectly vertical/straight. If screws are not straight then the housing may “pinch” the fan. You will hear a weird noise when the fan comes on, or not see the fan come on at all! This is something I learned when doing this mod.

 

Step24: Put light back on cube. Here’s a couple pics of how it looks … just like new, except now its LED lights. Incase you are interested, here’s a side profile show of the clearance. I have not had an over heating problems. Also, the BioCube HQI housing has little holes on it for airflow.

[SerenityReef]

VERY nicely done....

[TRiNiCHAP]

Thanks!

[blankstreet]

Very cool