Led question

[ivegotcrabs]

If I get a premade fixture that is controllable, can I mount it in the hood of a biocube and what optics should I opt for???
I really like the look of LEDs and want to keep something more than soft coral in this tank.

I don't want the DIY LEDs it's too much hassle for me and I need to keep it simple

 

[rcrain]

I've been using 6 AI SOL units on my 180g tank and the corals are loving it. mounted under my hood, but make sure you have ventilation via fans or it will run hot

 

[ivegotcrabs]

It's going in a biocube hood so it will be 4-6 inches from the water

 

[rcrain]

wouldn't need something as powerful as what I have, but I've seen quite a few selections from marinedepot.com

 

[ivegotcrabs]

I have been looking at the reef breeders photon unit.

 

[rcrain]

looks like a good system, but it looks like it will not do too well under a hood.

 

[elfloyd]

Just got the RapidLED Onyx. I'll mount it 6"-7" above the water and will use 100 degree optics to get a 24" x 24" x 24" spread.

 

[curtismaximus]

The trouble your going to have is finding somethi g to fit in the hood. There are many premade led units that will work but most are to big to fit inside the hood. That is my most people go the DIY route with the biocube. Even with the premade led units you will need to modify the hood and find a way to mount the fixture inside it.

 

[ivegotcrabs]

So what about the ecoxotic panorama pro 2 strips
I guess if I am to keep the hood those will be my only option for a pre made setup?

 

[tbub1221]

There is a guy on ebay that makes led upgrades for all the cubes , its a 3w bridgelux led without optics , a blue white mix I think he makes them with dimmer etc its pree mounted on 3 heat sink strips , you just take your bulbs out and stick this in its place and your doen.
He has great feedback , I didn't buy one because I can build it for half and I'm fond of my own creations , but I checked his setup out and asked a bunch of questions because I'm retrofitting mine to led and used his as a basic diagram .

 

[ivegotcrabs]

Do you know his contact info by chance?

 

[jdavid]

Considering an upgrade myself.. so I just made a thread in DIY.

 

[tbub1221]

http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewitem?sbk=1&nav=SEARCH&itemId=270896416305">http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewitem?sbk=1&nav=SEARCH&itemId=270896416305</a>
That's his link , he has more than the 12 led that's just the base price , bear in mind the pc lighting needs bulbs. About every 10 month's .
I determined I could make me one with 16 led with a dimmer for about 60$ but to not have to build it , this is a good deal I think.