[Chinook]

Hello everyone, ultra noob here. I was given a free biocube tank but no lighting and by the looks of it, I can easily save quite a bit of money by making my own. (It would be dimmable, have color spectrum control and night/day timer) I'm very technically proficient but new to the reef community. Is there some common LED replacement fixture I just happen to have missed?

This is the Oceanic biocube 29. There is no "hood" only a glass pane over the top.

 

[chi]

There are websites that sell kits and/or separate components for you to DIY. I'm not endorsing any in particular, but to get you started check out rapidled.com which seems to be one of the popular one.

 

[Chinook]

Thanks! I was more looking for some obscure place that sells replacement fixtures for that particular biocube. The one I did find was about twice as expensive as I could make a better light array for. Looks like that's the way I'm going unless the guy who gave me the tank can come up with the light. ...even then, I'd probably want to upgrade anyway.

 

[McPuff]

If you want to save money, I'd suggest looking for a used LED fixture. DIY isn't so much a money saver anymore as there are so many dimmable fixtures that are very reasonably priced. When you consider how much time and effort is required for a DIY fixture, it becomes much more expensive than you planned. And you may require additional equipment as well (i.e., soldering tools, etc.).

I have done it both ways. If your application is very small, DIY can be fun and easy. That might make it worth your time. But I don't think it's really any cheaper... and you don't get a warranty!

 

[Chinook]

Thanks guys! My buddy found the light but it's a metal halide. That will work for now but I imagine the more I get addicted, the more I'll want to go LED. Thanks again for the response!

 

[gmselec]

I like metal halide better anyway--more reliable -can get any spectrum bulb you want-nice spread---just the elec bill thats a problem