Lighting Upgrade for 16 Gal LED Biocube

Superperson · 05/31/2018, 06:31 AM

Hi everyone! This is my first post on this form, but I've been lurking here for many a years. Any-who, here is my current situation; I have a 16 gal Biocube with it stock LED lights and I also have some various corals. When I got the cube and set it up, (around 7 months ago) I was under the impression that the LED were top notch, alas I have been told many different things about how good they are and I'm now looking at my options for upgrading.

Coral wise in the tank I have a plate coral, birdsnest, frogspawn and two lps that I for the life of my cannot recall their names! I can attach a pic if you wanted to see them!

I know I have two options, either rip the hood off and put a hang on LED light like the ECOTECH RADION XR15W PRO GEN 4 LED, or do I retro fit where I cut the hood and attach it inside. I'm not a big DIY person so I'm hesitant to do the retro.

As for lights I'm considering, I'm looking at the Ecotech because its within my price range and looks like a good light. I would ideally love for my current coral to thrive and grow under the lighting.

I appreciate you help in resolving this matter!

rockhead51 · 05/31/2018, 06:39 AM

Check out Steve's LEDs. I just upgraded my BC32 LED and am very happy.

Sent from my XT1710-02 using Tapatalk

Superperson · 05/31/2018, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockhead51

Check out Steve's LEDs. I just upgraded my BC32 LED and am very happy.

Sent from my XT1710-02 using Tapatalk

I see that they have one meant for my biocube. Was it difficult to get it situated onto your hood?

rockhead51 · 05/31/2018, 06:54 AM

No. Literally 30 minutes going extra slow.

Sent from my XT1710-02 using Tapatalk

Superperson · 05/31/2018, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockhead51

No. Literally 30 minutes going extra slow.

Sent from my XT1710-02 using Tapatalk

Thats great! How about the heat output of the lighting? I currently have to leave the feeding door open with a fan to help with the heat of the current lights. Do the other ones you mentioned crate a lot of heat? If so how did you resolve that?
Thank you so much for your reply!

rockhead51 · 05/31/2018, 06:58 AM

The Hurricane controller was also easy to set up. It looked far more difficult than it was.
They have instructions and a series of 30-second set-up videos on their website. You basically just follow along for the actual lighting unit, and then just go step by step for the controller.

Sent from my XT1710-02 using Tapatalk

rockhead51 · 05/31/2018, 06:59 AM

Comes with a built in fan that is MUCH more powerful than the stock one. No cooling issues so far.

Sent from my XT1710-02 using Tapatalk

rockhead51 · 05/31/2018, 07:01 AM

Another recommendation. Regardless of what lights you choose. When you have the splash guard off, take the opportunity to clean any scale/pitting. I used the 3M headlight restoration kit, and it worked very well.

Sent from my XT1710-02 using Tapatalk

Superperson · 06/01/2018, 07:01 AM

Thanks for your advice! I have purchased the Steves LED kit and i'm very excited to add it to my tank!

05/31/2018, 06:31 AM	#1
Superperson Registered Member Join Date: May 2018 Location: Illinois Posts: 8	Lighting Upgrade for 16 Gal LED Biocube Hi everyone! This is my first post on this form, but I've been lurking here for many a years. Any-who, here is my current situation; I have a 16 gal Biocube with it stock LED lights and I also have some various corals. When I got the cube and set it up, (around 7 months ago) I was under the impression that the LED were top notch, alas I have been told many different things about how good they are and I'm now looking at my options for upgrading. Coral wise in the tank I have a plate coral, birdsnest, frogspawn and two lps that I for the life of my cannot recall their names! I can attach a pic if you wanted to see them! I know I have two options, either rip the hood off and put a hang on LED light like the ECOTECH RADION XR15W PRO GEN 4 LED, or do I retro fit where I cut the hood and attach it inside. I'm not a big DIY person so I'm hesitant to do the retro. As for lights I'm considering, I'm looking at the Ecotech because its within my price range and looks like a good light. I would ideally love for my current coral to thrive and grow under the lighting. I appreciate you help in resolving this matter!

05/31/2018, 06:39 AM	#2
rockhead51 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 204	Check out Steve's LEDs. I just upgraded my BC32 LED and am very happy. Sent from my XT1710-02 using Tapatalk

05/31/2018, 06:54 AM	#4
rockhead51 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 204	No. Literally 30 minutes going extra slow. Sent from my XT1710-02 using Tapatalk

05/31/2018, 06:58 AM	#6
rockhead51 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 204	The Hurricane controller was also easy to set up. It looked far more difficult than it was. They have instructions and a series of 30-second set-up videos on their website. You basically just follow along for the actual lighting unit, and then just go step by step for the controller. Sent from my XT1710-02 using Tapatalk

05/31/2018, 06:59 AM	#7
rockhead51 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 204	Comes with a built in fan that is MUCH more powerful than the stock one. No cooling issues so far. Sent from my XT1710-02 using Tapatalk

05/31/2018, 07:01 AM	#8
rockhead51 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 204	Another recommendation. Regardless of what lights you choose. When you have the splash guard off, take the opportunity to clean any scale/pitting. I used the 3M headlight restoration kit, and it worked very well. Sent from my XT1710-02 using Tapatalk

06/01/2018, 07:01 AM	#9
Superperson Registered Member Join Date: May 2018 Location: Illinois Posts: 8	Thanks for your advice! I have purchased the Steves LED kit and i'm very excited to add it to my tank!