Biocube lighting selection

[Tide2water]

I had a Smatfarm G5 over my tank in the spare bedroom, the cat jumped from the window onto the light and then the bed. When she landed on the light it blew out the entire side of the tank. It was a mess. To outsmart the cat I decided the replacement needed to be an AIO with a cover. I ended up with a old Oceanic biocube. Now to my dilemma. I had upgraded the DT to a Orphek Natura Icon and love it, so I thought I'd stay with orphek. With a little maneuvering I figured I could mount three of the OR4 12” fixtures in the hood. I ordered two day plus and one blue plus. I hate them. The diodes are so far apart and the lenses are narrow so much so that that I have almost no blending in the 2” before the light hits the water and only a tiny bit by the time it reaches the sand. I need help. I’m open to suggestions but keep in mind that I have less than 4” to mount the light/s. Here are a few options I’m considering:

Orphek Icon Compact

Maxspect Jump MJ-L290

Illumagic Pixel (x3?)

Reef Breeders Meridian 11

PopBloom RL90

 

[dustinc]

I had a Smatfarm G5 over my tank in the spare bedroom, the cat jumped from the window onto the light and then the bed. When she landed on the light it blew out the entire side of the tank. It was a mess. To outsmart the cat I decided the replacement needed to be an AIO with a cover. I ended up with a old Oceanic biocube. Now to my dilemma. I had upgraded the DT to a Orphek Natura Icon and love it, so I thought I'd stay with orphek. With a little maneuvering I figured I could mount three of the OR4 12” fixtures in the hood. I ordered two day plus and one blue plus. I hate them. The diodes are so far apart and the lenses are narrow so much so that that I have almost no blending in the 2” before the light hits the water and only a tiny bit by the time it reaches the sand. I need help. I’m open to suggestions but keep in mind that I have less than 4” to mount the light/s. Here are a few options I’m considering:

Orphek Icon Compact

Maxspect Jump MJ-L290

Illumagic Pixel (x3?)

Reef Breeders Meridian 11

PopBloom RL90

I think you will have the same issue with any of those lights unfortunately. Maybe not as much as the orphek, but most fixtures need a bit of space to get the proper diffusion you’re looking for. You’re also up against a ventilation issue with a canopy that small as well. I don’t have a great suggestion unless they still make those retrofit kits without lenses. That would probably be your best bet.

 

[Tide2water]

I don’t have a great suggestion unless they still make those retrofit kits without lenses. That would probably be your best bet.

Gah! I keep ending up back there. They all just look so… diy? It’s under the hood I know… but I know it’s there.

 

[Tide2water]

I’m leaning towards the Meridian 11 at this point. I need to dig in a bit more. I do prefer the passive cooling over a fan, plenty of airflow in my canopy. Back stays open and I’ve significantly upgraded both fans. I’m leaning towards the Meridian due to the 0-10v capability and maybe being able to integrate it into my Hydros system.