Nano Cube 12g DX lighting thoughts . . .

[BigAl07]

I have had my Nano 12g DX now for right at 2 months (almost to the DAY). I have several questions I would like some experienced input on....

#1 The front light pack (closest to the feeder hatch) is visbily dimmer than the back. Shouldn't these bulbs last longer than 2 months? This just seems WAY short to me.

#2 It has two 24W fixtures in it now each having a combo 10000K 50/50 but that's all the bulbs say. I want to upgrade the bulbs but don't really know WHAT to upgrade to because I can't tell exactly what I currently have nor do I know what the exact replacement would be... I see on nanotuners Lamps that I have the options of ..

024w PC- JBJ 10K Combo (10000K Daylight/7100K Blue)
024w PC- Nanocustoms 10000K/7100K Blue Combo
024w PC- Nanocustoms 10000K/Actinic Blue Combo
024w PC- Realux Actinic Blue
024w PC- Nanocustoms 10000K Daylight
024w PC- Realux Combo (12000K Blue/7100K Day)


#3 It has space in the back for an additional light pack.... can I get that and just "plug & play" additional light into My hood?
How much more heat does it produce?
How "idiot proof" is this one?
Can it be done without cutting and grinding of the hood?

#4 Can I get "upgraded" bulbs for my stock hood? I would like to add more "oomph" by just new lights .... I see some 27W bulbs from "Current USA" but don't know if they fit my hood/ballast or not Current USA - 27Watt 9.75" x 1.75" x 1" (2027)

Any help or ANY or all of these issues would be GREATLY appreciated. BTW, the option of totally scrapping or modding the hood with exotic (high $$) lights isn't an option as I already have a small fortune in this bad boy

Sincerely,
Allen

[Wooden Harpoon]

Not sure if this is helpful, but it's something to consider. My LFS is a nanocube hot spot. He's been selling tons of packages. I almost bought one that has a Sunpod 75w Metal H. It works great for the nanocube. I love this Sunpod lighting system made by current. I have a 150w Metal H. Outstanding lighting. The 200w. is now on sale. However, way too much. I believe that even though the 75w. is now a discntinued model, you can still find them. $170 is what I can find.

[BigAl07]

Wow! That would REALLY light this lil water world up! I would LOVE to do that but it would be over-kll for this tank and the light bleed off would make me go blind (it's on my desk here in my face all day long).

Thanks for the info though. It's very much appreciated!!

Allen

[BigAl07]

Ok I have decided I want to attempt the 3.24 DIY from nanotuners nanotuners

Now I have a TON of questions....

#1 What choice of bulbs would be MOST beneficial for my reef tank that are listed in the drop-down box for this kit?

#2 Should I opt for increased fan/airflow? If so, anyone use the "8db" Silenx upgrade?

#3 Any reason I would opt for the "adjustable" power supply? I don't run any exotic lighting schemes or even moonlights on this tank since it's in my office. Lights are either ON or OFF and that's all on a timer.

#4 Which of these bulbs would give me to most BANG for my tank in the stock/existing light fixtures?
024w PC- JBJ 10K Combo (10000K Daylight/7100K Blue)
024w PC- Nanocustoms 10000K/7100K Blue Combo
024w PC- Nanocustoms 10000K/Actinic Blue Combo
024w PC- Realux Actinic Blue
024w PC- Nanocustoms 10000K Daylight
024w PC- Realux Combo (12000K Blue/7100K Day)

#5 Would the 12000K Blue/7100k Day be worth the money? IF so why?

#6 What is a Realux bulb and why is it more expensive?

Or should I seek out another "bulb" source for my current 24w packs?

Ideas & suggestions welcome

I'm just looking to enhance my tank and increase the light intensity/quality while still maintaining the stock hood and ease of use.

Allen

[flricordia]

Originally Posted by BigAl07

Wow! That would REALLY light this lil water world up! I would LOVE to do that but it would be over-kll for this tank and the light bleed off would make me go blind (it's on my desk here in my face all day long).

Thanks for the info though. It's very much appreciated!!

Allen

Maybe already answered but the 16.5" 70wt sunpod would be just perfect. It wouldn't be overkill except for low-light corals. Remember it is jsut 70wts though it is MH and because it is 14k stock bulb you wouldn't need actinic and without the hood the tank would run cooler.

[BigAl07]

I am ordering the 3.24 kit and will be leaving the stock JBJ 50/50 bulbs in for now and have the 3rd fixture be purely actinic to help boost my corals a bit. I'm assuming that wont really change the appearance of the tank much to me but my corals may like it more.

IS the "Daylight" bulb by itself much more brighter (visibly speaking) than the 50/50 bulbs? Now that the tank is "maturing" and the rock has become darker the tank as a whole just seems darker and I would like to brighten it up.

IDeas?

Suggestions?
Allen