50 Gal Cube Lighting Suggestions

[patrickf]

So I recently picked up a 50 Gal rimless cube. 24X24X20. I purchased the Combo HQI, T5 and LED unit that went with it. Unfortunately the Misses complains about the noise of the fans on the light. Therefore I need to look elsewhere. For the wife to OK it it needs to also look good, so not DIY with wires hanging everywhere.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I was thinking maybe a couple PAR 38 bulbs? Would this be enough?

Hoping to not spend more than a few hundred bucks.

 

[ouija212]

Hey Partrick. Grats on picking up the cube. Theses are very similar to what I have


http://www.amazon.com/TaoTronics-Aq...2?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1335213989&sr=1-2

Can also be bought on ebay for even cheaper
http://www.ebay.com/itm/TaoTronics-...White-Blue-LED-Grow-Light-White-/180810632901


I got the 20k, but would recommend the 14k.

 

[jbaeza83]

I would just bite the bullet and get an AI Sol Blue, you can get them used for around $300. Sell the combo light you bought and add some $ to get the AI.

 

[patrickf]

Hey Partrick. Grats on picking up the cube. Theses are very similar to what I have

View attachment 9138
http://www.amazon.com/TaoTronics-Aq...2?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1335213989&sr=1-2

Can also be bought on ebay for even cheaper
http://www.ebay.com/itm/TaoTronics-...White-Blue-LED-Grow-Light-White-/180810632901


I got the 20k, but would recommend the 14k.

Those have a nice look to them also which my wife will like! Are those good enough for SPS or clams? Also, how loud are the fans?

 

[562Reefer]

Plenty of light for sps and clams, but not dimmable. I like the idea of the ability to control the light output.

 

[ouija212]

Yes. I like the idea of dimmable and will one day shell out for some AI's or Radions, but until then, I'm perfectly happy with mine. 3 tops fans are quiet. I can't even hear them over the sound of the drain water. I keep lots of sps. no clams yet but it should be just fine.

 

[patrickf]

Stupid Noob question. What is the advantage of dimable? I only have experience with my PC's

 

[ouija212]

Patrick, You PMed me but I thought it might be useful info so I'll just post here.

If I had to do it over again, I'd go with these:
http://www.amazon.com/TaoTronics-LEDGrow-Light-Indoor-Aquarium/dp/B006OVVQL6/ref=pd_sim_sbs_lg_5

I found them on ebay for around $209.

The fans are quiet IMO but then again, I've been listening to rock for 20+ years. The overflow is louder.

 

[SchnitzelReef]

Check out the Kessil LEDs. Prolly one of the best nano LEDs out right now


Sent from my iPhone

 

[Confuse]

Amen! Hell, if you're gonna drop $399 on the SOL, you might as well wait a bit till the A350 comes out and see if it lives up to the hype.

 

[Diemess]

Yes. I like the idea of dimmable and will one day shell out for some AI's or Radions, but until then, I'm perfectly happy with mine. 3 tops fans are quiet. I can't even hear them over the sound of the drain water. I keep lots of sps. no clams yet but it should be just fine.

I actually had the same lights (taotronics) and I thought the fans were quite loud. I ended up returning them. However they use computer fans so they can be replaced with quieter fans.

@patrickf; Lights are probably the second or even the most expensive thing you'll spend on your setup. I've seen a few members selling used AIs. Look out for them. Just be careful of scammers though, ask for pics!

 

[Albertoreef]

I'm looking to start up a 50 gallon cube up soon to. Is the a350 able to do a dawn to day affect?

 

[ClamMania]

Ecoray, Cadlights 50 watt, AI vega are all great

 

[minhtrung_0106]

also, i have the 50 gallon rimless, the one is exactly same the want u have , but i using the kessil 350w ocean blue, and it work very quiet and make tank look very nice, the coral very like it

 

[danmartis]

get one from aquariumleds