oceanic biocube 14 led retro kit

[envy]

has anyone gone this route oceanic biocube 14 led retro kit. If so how do you like it or hate it. What else did you have to buy besides buy the kit to make sure it functions properly. I am considering going through this site rapidled.com and here is the link of what I am looking into.
http://www.rapidled.com/solderless-biocube-14-dimmable-retrofit-kit/

Any comments thank you in advance

[malofish]

Ive used this kit before and i loved it! Steve has great customer service and very helpfull in making sure he gets ya set up right. Ive personally used 3/4 of his kits. He offers them in several stages depending on yer diy skills. http://shop.stevesleds.com/BioCube-14-Gallon-LED-retrofit-kit-Oceanic-AND-Coralife-BC14.htm

[polarbear]

I am currently running the rapid LED retro kit that you are looking at. The only things that I got differently are listed below. I got 2 of the Mean Well ELN-60-27P dimmable driver becuase I wanted to buy the controller so that I could dim the white and blues seperatly. The controller also allows you to set sunrise/daylight/sunset times. When you call you can talk to the people there and they will walk you through everything. They are very helpful.

http://www.rapidled.com/mean-well-eln-60-27p-dimmable-driver/


http://www.rapidled.com/ddc-02-pwm-controller/


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[polarbear]

Here are some pictures after the lights were installed




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[envy]

I was looking into steve's leds last night I liked how the set up is too. Malofish can you post up pictures of how the fixture looks under the hood Im undecided on which one to go with but might be leaning toward steve's

[polarbear]

Im not trying to say anything bad about Steve's LED kit but im not sure if you noticed that the $154.99 price is without the heat sink drilled or anything. If you want it done by them you have to pay $65.00 extra. Just something to think about.

[envy]

I noticed that.
Steves led biocube 14 retro kit $155
95% completed system $65
digital light controller $48
Steves leds total of $268 without shipping

rapid led solderless biocube 14 retro kit with two dimmable drivers $180
ddc-02 PWM controller $65
rapid led the total $244 without shipping

[Zack]

At that price you might as well buy an used AI nano for 200 or so.

[envy]

steves led controller let you controll 4 channels rapid led lets you control 3 channels. rapid led comes with 12 leds(6 cool white 6 royal blue) steves led comes with 14 leds (9 royal blue 5 neutral white).

[envy]

I dont want to have an open top because I have a child and Im afraid he will throw something in or play with the water being that it is next to the bed

[malofish]

Haveing dealt with steve personally i like his kits.....his service is awsome and he is quick to respond. He backs what he sells and i personally like some of diy stuff...it leaves you with options. I dont have pics since that nano sold 2yrs ago. As far as 95% done...the rest is super easy! The fan is huge, silent and extremely efficient. Also if ya call and talk to steve personally he can walk you thru options on your build. There are several items that he sells that are not on his current site. With all that being said i cant knock rapid. They also offer great service and great prices. Before choosing a kit id atleast give ol' Steve a call and see if he has any special or deals pending(hint hint)