lighting

[reefer man]

does anyone know if there is better lighing for my biocube and if so where i can get some

[LoneStar]

does anyone know if there is better lighing for my biocube and if so where i can get some

Check out NanoTuners if you haven't already:

http://www.nanotuners.com/

[reefer man]

thanks for the info

[cpreefguy]

We need some more info..,
What size biocube? What are your goals as far as stocking? ie: sps, lps, softies, clams, etc...
Your long term stocking goals will determine what type of lighting you will need.

[reefer man]

its a 14 gallon. and i wanted not to have limitations on coral

[kkralicek]

its a 14 gallon. and i wanted not to have limitations on coral

If you go to nanotuners.com, they have a upgrade kit for the 14G Biocube that makes your lighting over 5W per gallon. I believe it is 72W total lighting. 5w per gallon should be enough to do almost anything. On top of that they offer a moonlight upgrade and with 3 bulbs in there you can really do some awsome sunrise/sunset effects. On top of all this, it looks totally stock. Hope this helps.

[reefer man]

thanks

[SoLiD]

its a 14 gallon. and i wanted not to have limitations on coral


If you go to nanotuners.com, they have a upgrade kit for the 14G Biocube that makes your lighting over 5W per gallon. I believe it is 72W total lighting. 5w per gallon should be enough to do almost anything.......

The Watts Per Gallon theory has been Debunked a long time ago. What you are looking to do is getting a decent amount PAR into your tank. With that said, the 14g water size could be your main limitation. Lighting is important but so is water chemistry and temperature. Especially when you're trying to grow the harder to keep SPS corals. With only 14 gallons you're gonna have to be diligent with your water changes to keep everything stable. Also keep in mind, with higher PAR lights such as Metal Halides, you will more than likely need a small chiller (around 1/15hp) to effectively cool it. 14 gallons is just too small to rely on evaporation for cooling. Good Luck. :)

-David

[na1paj]

Will LEDs help w/ the overheating problem? nanotuners have some retro fit LEDs, any experience w/ that?

[BioCube14]

small tank + halides = heat unless you want to dump some money on a chiller in that case you would still have to top off your water like crazy. I would add an extra PC bulb fromnano tuners and call it good. It is very hard to be unlimited on corals in that size tank

[BioCube14]

you can do LEDs if you have the cash for the good ones

[reefer man]

thanks everyone

[LoneStar]

you can do LEDs if you have the cash for the good ones

LED's work very well. You just have to find a 'quality' manufacturer of them to make it worthwhile......