Reef Central Online Community

Go Back   Reef Central Online Community > General Interest Forums > Do It Yourself
Blogs FAQ Calendar

Notices

User Tag List

Reply
Thread Tools
Unread 11/15/2013, 01:17 AM   #1
mstark
Registered Member
 
mstark's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Redding, CA
Posts: 22
Lightbulb Pass or fail: Biocube 29 light upgrade for under $20

So I wanted to upgrade the lights on my 29 Biocube, but I am on a budget, and am thrifty even when I do have money... I considered putting in a lamp from a 14 cube I have, but want to sell it because, well, money.
Perhaps I just wasted some? I'm interested in feedback.
I added 2 10w 6500k compact fluorescent aquarium bulbs from wmart. A fourth of the bulb is covered by the rest of the bulb, so I'd say its a 15w increase. It's certainly brighter. This did cover two of my stock moon lights, but I already have an upgrade there, thanks to a previous owner. I might even pull those 2 or re-route them.
The fixtures are close to the stock pc lights, but not touching. I figured that since its built to handle a much hotter bulb, it should be fine. I'll monitor it tomorrow. I hope the pics attach correctly.


Attached Images
File Type: jpg IMG-20131114-00445.jpg (49.0 KB, 32 views)
File Type: jpg IMG-20131114-00444.jpg (45.7 KB, 32 views)
File Type: jpg IMG-20131114-00446.jpg (36.8 KB, 36 views)
mstark is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 11/15/2013, 05:56 AM   #2
ss30
Registered Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Oxford, United Kingdom
Posts: 13
Have you increased the ventilation to account for the extra heat?


ss30 is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 11/15/2013, 08:38 AM   #3
mstark
Registered Member
 
mstark's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Redding, CA
Posts: 22
Quote:
Originally Posted by ss30 View Post
Have you increased the ventilation to account for the extra heat?
I cut the metal vents off previously, and have added a small fan under the flashing.


mstark is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 11/15/2013, 09:55 AM   #4
_ToXIc_
Moved On
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 54
what k range does the final result look like? do you have enough blues to off set the added white?


_ToXIc_ is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 11/15/2013, 10:05 AM   #5
mstark
Registered Member
 
mstark's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Redding, CA
Posts: 22
Quote:
Originally Posted by _ToXIc_ View Post
what k range does the final result look like? do you have enough blues to off set the added white?
Not sure what the overall k range is. If I turn off the actinic, you can see the lack of blue. I'll take some photos later today. I considered putting in a 10w 50/50 bulb, but the brand at my lfs was wider at the base and twice as expensive.


mstark is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 11/15/2013, 11:03 AM   #6
ss30
Registered Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Oxford, United Kingdom
Posts: 13
Are the bulbs you added cool white or warm white?


ss30 is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 11/15/2013, 11:05 AM   #7
mstark
Registered Member
 
mstark's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Redding, CA
Posts: 22
6500k, which is cooler


mstark is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
biocube 29, diy, lighting upgrade


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 08:52 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Powered by Searchlight © 2025 Axivo Inc.
Use of this web site is subject to the terms and conditions described in the user agreement.
Reef CentralTM Reef Central, LLC. Copyright ©1999-2022
User Alert System provided by Advanced User Tagging v3.3.0 (Pro) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2025 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.