Upgrading a 29g Biocube

[cici22]

Less than three months after breaking down my old tank I decided I wanted another saltwater tank. I went with a Biocube 29 due to time and space restrictions.

So now I am in the process of making my new All-In-One not so All-In-One. I don't mind putting some money into this tank as it will have to keep me happy for at least a few years before I consider upgrading to a larger setup. My first step is to upgrade the lighting, but I also plan on adding a skimmer and a small fuge among other things.

For those of you who have Biocubes, what have you done to improve the stock system (lighting, skimmer, etc.)? Do you recommened upgrading the stock return pump? What's the best way to add a refugium to the system?

Any information and/or pictures would be great!

 

[c3gear]

You may want to take a visit to nano-reef.com and check the Bio Cube owners thread for all of the Mods/upgrades.

Most people add a media basket, or make a fuge in the center chamber.

 

[jead85]

put a maxi-jet 1200 as a return pump. checkout nanocustoms.com also. put a Hydor flo on your outlet.

 

[cici22]

Thanks C3Gear! I remember someone posting about a nano forum a while back but I couldn't remember the name. I'll have to check it out.

jead85;507249 wrote: put a maxi-jet 1200 as a return pump. checkout nanocustoms.com also. put a Hydor flo on your outlet.

Thanks for the advice Jead! I've been to nanocustoms.com to look at their lighting upgrades. Their led lighting upgrades seem pretty impressive but I must admit I find those retro kits a bit intimidating.

 

[eandrews]

I'm looking at lighting and pump upgrades on mine as well. Let me know what you find over on nano-reef - I'm curious on the lighting and pump upgrades

 

[eandrews]

Nanocustoms offers a pretty sweet HQI and LED upgrade...

The LED retro fit consists of:

1 x 100w Universal Heatsink -
3 x Edison Opto 6x3w Modules (choice of Cool White, Royal Blue, 50/50 (3 x Cool White + 3 x Royal Blue)

3 x Paclantic 700mA Drivers
2 x Power Cords (3 Drivers + 2 Drivers)
2 x Cooling Fans (60mm) - Options Available
1 x Fan Power Supply - Options Available
1 x Mounting Hardware Parts Kit
1 x 6 Ft Male/Female Harness
1 x Large Ballast Box

 

[cici22]

I found a great thread on Biocubes on the Nano Reef forum. I haven't read all the way through it yet but it seems to have some great info.

http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=180788">http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=180788</a>

[QUOTE=][B]EANDREWS;507674 wrote:[/B] Nanocustoms offers a pretty sweet HQI and LED upgrade...[/QUOTE]

I might actually go for one of those LED upgrades. Initially I was a little afraid of the installation part, but after looking over the instructions it seems pretty straight forward. They are a little pricey but I think it would be worth it in the long run.

 

[eandrews]

Cici22;507805 wrote: I found a great thread on Biocubes on the Nano Reef forum. I haven't read all the way through it yet but it seems to have some great info.

http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=180788">http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=180788</a>



I might actually go for one of those LED upgrades. Initially I was a little afraid of the installation part, but after looking over the instructions it seems pretty straight forward. They are a little pricey but I think it would be worth it in the long run.[/QUOTE]

I just got off the phone with Nick over at Nanatuners (nanocustoms) and after about 30 mins I know see the light... I'm going to do the meanwell drivers and adjustable power adapters with CREE leds to maximize them out and not have that ugly power box and all the buckpucks... worth the extra cheese to me...

 

[cici22]

EANDREWS;507822 wrote: I just got off the phone with Nick over at Nanatuners (nanocustoms) and after about 30 mins I know see the light... I'm going to do the meanwell drivers and adjustable power adapters with CREE leds to maximize them out and not have that ugly power box and all the buckpucks... worth the extra cheese to me...

A little over my head on that one. My knowledge of lighting, electrical, etc. is quite limited. But sounds good! :thumbs:

My original plan was to pick up a few of the Ecoxotic Panorama LED Modules: http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=21600">http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=21600</a>
Jenn at Imagine Ocean has a small tank (12g?) with one of these to replace the stock lighting and I was pretty impressed. My concern is that I would need quite a few on a 29 gallon. That cheap price quickly adds up and I'm still not sure if it would have the light output I'm looking for. Not to mention each seperate light would have a seperate plug which could be a pain.

So now I'm considering Nanocustom's 5.6 LED retro kit:
[IMG]http://www.nanocustoms.com/product_info.php?cPath=30&products_id=212&osCsid=p2u881d758ie3hkum5ga112lo4">http://www.nanocustoms.com/product_info.php?cPath=30&products_id=212&osCsid=p2u881d758ie3hkum5ga112lo4</a>
I'll probably give them a call and get some more information.

If anyone with some LED expertise wants to throw out some advice it would be much appreciate. :)