Beginner Question

[Papaw]

I have been looking at the Bio Cube & Bio Cube HQI for a reef tank, what are the pro's or con's of the 2. Is the HQI an upgrade that I should consider ?

 

[JimmyR1rider]

HQI(Metal Halides) will give you the ability to grow more demanding corals, but they let off a lot more heat.
It's a decision you need to think about, if you plan on staying softies and LPS then the upgrade definately isn't necessary, if you want to get into high end sps then it may be needed, but then a chiller will be needed as well most likely.

 

[Jaftica]

I have the 150 watt hqi Biocube29, it never gets past 78 with the halide on for 9 hours, and with the top covered it only evaps about 1/2 gallon a week.

 

[JimmyR1rider]

I guess 150W isnt bad witht hte heat, good to know- I always only had either 250's or 400's. Heat monsters!

 

[wschang812]

you can always get the regular biocube and retro fit LEDs for less heat

 

[Donewiththisplace]

IMO the HQI is too powerful for the Bio Cube and will cause heat problems.

 

[Paolissimo]

I had heat issue when I had the halides over the tank, not so much in the winter, but in the summer, unless you have the AC on, your tank will get past 80 degrees, you will need a chiller.

 

[Donewiththisplace]

Originally I had the CF-Quad and with the top on in the winter the temp was pushing 80....I had to leave the food port open and allow some heat to escape. Also evaporated about 1.5-2 gallons a week.

Recently converted the lighting to NEP 20" 6 bulb T5. Took the top off and definitely notice more evaporation...but temp is more stable. 77-78 throughout the day.