Lighting for Biocubes

[BriGuy]

Currently have the original lamp setup and configuration within my Oceanic 29g BioCube and looking to get some better colorization out of my coral without the hassle of going to the Metal Halide systems (cost as much as the tank, to change to this lighting). Any thoughts on the following lights that I belive will use the standard ballast?

COMBO BULB (10,000K/7100K BLUE)
The original 10,000K daylight and blue actinic lamp built side-by-side. This lamp contains a crisp, ice-blue daylight and 7100K blue.

I have seen this lamp locally as well as on line, just wondering if anyone has had any exp with this, thoughts, comments or concerns?

Thanks,
BriGuy

[tony]

i have seen these (http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_AquariumPage%7EPageAlias%7Elighting_metal_halid e_coralife_aqualight_advanced.html) sell for as little as $75 on here used which would be the way to go IMO

[BriGuy]

Since the house also has a cat, I am looking for something that can fit within the lid for the tank and look as stock as possible.

Thanks,
BriGuy

[fjr_wertheimber]

I've got the Nanotuners 4.36 upgrade, it works pretty well and fits within the stock hood with some modifications. I've been pretty pleased with it, actually.

[tony]

Since the house also has a cat, I am looking for something that can fit within the lid for the tank and look as stock as possible.

Thanks,
BriGuy


you could leave the hood off and sell tickets to that show, then the light pays for itself :D

[BriGuy]

From the responses so far, it appears that no one has used these bulbs before and that the best case resolution would be to buy the upgrade kit from nanotuners and hope that the lighting comes out to my liking. I am in the process of watching the installation video, and beginning to wonder why not sale a whole new hood, versus all of this cutting of this and cutting of that. Makes more sense to just replace the hood and press on, after the kit the plastic shell is all that remains anyway (minus a few tabs).

Doing the break down of the parts, the cost is around 120.00, a new shell (lid) is around $40.00…so why not sell the kit complete as is?

[BioCube14]

i would not buy the upgrade it is brighter but not that much more..I did it on my biocube.. I would buy a halide fixture thats what i did I love it

[BriGuy]

Thanks all for the input on the nanotuner upgrade kit, sounds like no one has tried out the bulb. Might do it for giggles to see what it does.

Thanks,
BriGuy

[VoodooMach]

I have a coralife aqualight clampon for $175 ($75 like previously posted gets you a broken fixture) and a chiller if you change your mind.

[bozack]

I did the upgrade and have the 4 lights under my BC
Yup, it's brighter but you also have more bulbs t play with the spectrum. I too didn't want to to have an open hood just because I like the enclosed look.

[kkralicek]

I have a 50/50 for my 14Gal biocube and love it. I run a 50/50 and an actenic. Everything seems to love it as well. It gives a little more blue apperance and everything green looks neon. If you do the upgrade I would run all three bulbs different (10,000k, 50/50 and actenic). Then you can simulate sunrise and sunset especially with the moonlights. Good luck!