fuge lighting

[onecrzyboi4u]

Ok i just got my fuge and i'm wondering what would be a good lighting for it.. i picked up a cheap clip desk lamp.. it's like 25 watts.. doesn't seem all that bright.. plus the heat issue is gonna worry with me.. with haveing the lighting on 27/7

 

[jdellman]

I'd worry about keeping the light on 27/7 too!!

Check ot this link for a recommended light, I looked into it and this seemed to the best.

http://www.melevsreef.com/fuge_bulb.html

BTW- I think it is recommended to keep the light on when you tank lights are off, that way the pH balances better.

 

[jdieck]

I just finished several weeks of testing on cheto growth in summary:
a) The brighter the lighting the better ( the fastest growth of the test was under 175 metal halide 10K)
b) High flow or tumbling in a ball shape is not necessary not recommended as it slowed the growth.
c) spread the chaeto to capture as much area of light as possible, turn it upside down once a week. After trimming rinse it and put it back.

This picture shows the difference in growth.

 

[onecrzyboi4u]

lol.. what a major typo.. i thought you could keep your lights on 24/7.. or is it best to have it on when your main tank tanks are off?

 

[jdieck]

I woould use reverse cycle. Refugium on when tank is off.

 

[onecrzyboi4u]

oh ok.. ok another question.. which is better mud or sand.. which is easier to maintain over long periods of time?

 

[Trnman32]

home depot sells a light called lights of america that I use on my refugium and I run mine on a reverse schedule

 

[jdieck]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10150728#post10150728 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by onecrzyboi4u
oh ok.. ok another question.. which is better mud or sand.. which is easier to maintain over long periods of time?

I have never used the mud but oolitic aragonite sand has worked pretty well. If the refugium is rather small I would leave it barebottom as any benefit from DSB will not be significant.

 

[onecrzyboi4u]

i bought me a cpr hang on refrag.. smallest one they have..

 

[jdieck]

Don't bother with sand on that small. If you want some pods just pile up some live rock rubble in one corner.
For lighting a small pc stright bulb the lenght of the fuge will be OK. I think they even sell lamps fitted for those refugiums:
http://www.cpraquatic.com/products/aquafugelighting.html
If your aquarium lighting uses reflectors at certain height you may not even need light for the fuge as the light from the main will be enough.

 

[onecrzyboi4u]

Yeah i plan on adding cheato, and some shaving brushes, rubble.

 

[Uncle Boo]

I'm still setting my small" hob on sump" fuge up but this is what I have for lighting.

The light is a HD worklight and the bulb is a 6500K fluorescent. The bulb doesn't get hot. Total cost about $11.00

 

[onecrzyboi4u]

wow doesn't look that bad either..

 

[jdieck]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10151317#post10151317 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by onecrzyboi4u
Yeah i plan on adding cheato, and some shaving brushes, rubble.

Brushes are beautiful but I understand they need deep sand, besides chato will over take them in no time.

 

[onecrzyboi4u]

couldn't i just place them inside the main tank?

 

[jdieck]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10152414#post10152414 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by onecrzyboi4u
couldn't i just place them inside the main tank?

Yes you can, just decide first which fish you will want, many herbivorous like tangs will keep them well trimmed but in that case if you want some green in the main I would recommend something like Halimeda.

 

[Am4nn]

Light

Light

I bought the exact same light for my fuge though i have yet to try it out. I got the 13watt and i think im going to take it back for the 26 watt. It is about 4.5g total so i figure 26 should be about right. How is that like working out for you?