Nanotuners 4.36 lighting upgrade BC29

[dsly]

I ordered the upgrade kit from Nanotuners, and downloaded the instructions. They are a bit sparse on detail. Anyone out there installed one of these, and maybe kept a "..if I'd only done this first.." list?

[jackiechandc]

Hi,
I bought the 3.36+1.24 kit for the Nano 24. I assume the installation is similar for the BC29. It's not hard really, just need read all the instructions slowly and take your time with it. Takes about 3-4 hours or so to get it done if you have basic knowledge or electronics like me. Much faster if your expert I guess:)
I only crimped the connections and didn't solder it, and it did the job well.
Definitely make sure you put the rubber seal back on proberly with the splash guard or the salt creep will get into the canopy!
Good luck!
Wei

[dsly]

Did the upgrade this weekend. Took about 3 hours, including the 15 minutes to figure out that the pigtails in the kit were wired backwards. Everything is back together and runs great. I've used the dremel to remove the inner "L-shaped" louvres on the fan grilles, and the air flow is MUCH better.
Looks *much* cooler with the additional light.

[j@mes]

*Thread Hijack*

I have decided to get the JBJ 24G DX, but I have concerns about the stock lighting. I want to keep LPS corals, nothing to fancy (read:expensive) until I get the hang of things. Do I need to upgrade the lighting? What are the limitations of the stock lighting setup?


Thanks
James

[jackiechandc]

Stock lighting is fine for LPS. However, even with the upgrade, I wouldn't keep any SPS unless you get the Metal Halide lighting upgrade. You can however keep a clam or two.

The main thing that I like about the kit is you can get the sunrise/sunset option and that you also get more lighting throughout the tank. The only problem is that you do get more algae buidling up on the glass that you have to clean off daily:( The moonlight kit is really good cause you can put everything on timer. Good luck!

Wei

[j@mes]

Stock lighting is fine for LPS. However, even with the upgrade, I wouldn't keep any SPS unless you get the Metal Halide lighting upgrade. You can however keep a clam or two.

The main thing that I like about the kit is you can get the sunrise/sunset option and that you also get more lighting throughout the tank. The only problem is that you do get more algae buidling up on the glass that you have to clean off daily:( The moonlight kit is really good cause you can put everything on timer. Good luck!

Wei

You wouldn't happen to have before and after pictures of your tank or know where I can find some?
I am putting my shopping list together and trying to figure out my "need to have" versus "want to have".

[jackiechandc]

Sorry man... my digital camera broke a while back and haven't had the money to buy a new one since I just another 12 DX (got a great deal on it though!)

I might be able to borrow one later on to take a picture.

The Nanos, BC, etc.. all work fine stock if you plan to keep just LPS and softies so you don't "have to" add anything really to run it successfully.

I definitely however recommend modifying the middle chamber to a refugium as it does a great job of that and perhaps replace the pump with a Maxijet 1200 and use the stock for additional flow.

It does get expensive if you plan to raise SPS especially if you want the "stock all in one" look with the metal halides but the resale value of these guys tend to be a lot higher too.

The best build log on the Nano24 ever was steelhear's (sp?) thread which can be found on this site and nano-reef.com as well. It will take you all night to read it, but it has a tonne of info.

Wei

[j@mes]

A lighted refugium, MaxiJet 1200 and the Tunze 9002 skimmer are definitely on my need to have list. The jury is still out on whether I will "need" to upgrade the lighting though, although the sunrise/sunset option sounds good.