Customizing my CUBEY JBJ 20 gallon

[Nezareth]

Im not sure anyone has done what I am about to do. But being that the community is so large its a viable possibility. I haven't even set up my tank yet but I want the best possible chance at growing a variety of corals in my tank. I know bacteria and all that plays a role but I know lightning can be a big portion of it as well. That being said I don't think my stock lighting will be enough, not because of the PAR or intensity but simply because I cant control the LEDs, its just a tap button with a few different modes. So I took apart the tank lid and LED light system and I started looking into what I could fit in its original space as a replacement but Im not too sure of anything. Then I looked into a controllers and I just don't know if it’s a viable option.

 

[Tahoe61]

What brand of tank specifically? Fluval, Biocube....


:)

 

[Nezareth]

Hmm. Good question, I bought it off a guy from facebook marketplace but I think its a fluval. Im pretty sure its a JBJ 20 gallon Cubey CB-20-B

 

[Nezareth]

Honestly Im leaning more towards some kind of external smart controller that I can control LED dimmability and a little more complex things like sunrise and sunset and a timer as well.

 

[Pro-Reef Co.]

I recommend removing the stock lighting entirely and upgrading to a light with a built-in controller. For example, this is my Fluval Flex 15 (old photo)—originally a freshwater kit with a built-in hood and light. I ditched the hood and added a budget Smatfarm G3 instead. You don’t have to choose that specific brand, but definitely go with something that has proper control features. I’m not too familiar with JBJ lighting, but like most stock setups, it usually underperforms.

Happy reefing!

 

[Nezareth]

Thank you so much! I have greatly considered the lighting benefits that come with removing the hood entirely however I am looking for a solution that doesn’t require me to remove the hood or at least a solution in which I might have to retrofit a light or cut a bigger hole in my lid for the LEDs to fit into

 

[Pro-Reef Co.]

Thank you so much! I have greatly considered the lighting benefits that come with removing the hood entirely however I am looking for a solution that doesn’t require me to remove the hood or at least a solution in which I might have to retrofit a light or cut a bigger hole in my lid for the LEDs to fit into

You’re going to have a tough time finding anything that fits. And if you do manage to find a light that works with the hood on, you’ll run into another issue—heat buildup and rising water temps. If you do find a solution, definitely share it for future reference!

-Following

 

[Nezareth]

Thank you so much! I have greatly considered the lighting benefits that come with removing the hood entirely however I am looking for a solution that doesn’t require me to remove the hood or at least a solution in which I might have to retrofit a light or cut a bigger hole in my lid for the LEDs to fit

You’re going to have a tough time finding anything that fits. And if you do manage to find a light that works with the hood on, you’ll run into another issue—heat buildup and rising water temps. If you do find a solution, definitely share it for future reference!

-Following

I plan on purchasing a popbloom wifi/app controlled aquarium LED (https://a.co/d/dJIiKDC)
If it doesn’t fit inside the hood like the original light then Im gonna cut out a hole and use a dremel to cut more slits so the LEDs dont over heat. Even though its gonna sit closer to the water than Id like, these lights can be controlled via wifi and their intensity can be adjusted so they wont scorch corals that I put into the tank yet be sufficient enough to give them the support they need. This LED also had a built in fan, it uses a quality cold forging heat sink and a smart cooling fan to extend the lifespan of the LEDs and save energy and if overheating truly becomes an issue then I will add some TIM’s (Thermal interface materials) that disperse heat effectively and efficiently or just add a small fan within the hood itself.