Is this bulb ok for small refugium?

[pammy]

I have a small section in my sump that I'm going to use for a refugium...with just some chaeto in it. I bought a clamp-on light bulb recepticle from HD with a aluminum reflector. I bought a spiral 75w=20w "daylight" light bulb. Will this bulb be ok, or is it just going to cause problem algae in my sump? Again, I just want some chaeto in there so I can hopefully have a place for some pods to reproduce and for the benefits of macroalgae for nutrient removal.

Thanks!
Pam

 

[spoonman]

I looked at those bulbs the other day, and if I recall correctly, they are trying to give the day light look. I went to Lowes and found plant grow lights. They are mini flood lights that are made to grow plants. I have used these to grow chaeto.

 

[seagirl]

your gonna have some algae in your sump no matter what light you use i think. the bulb you got, what is the kelvin rating? that's the number before the letter k on the base of the bulb? i think most people run 5700K-6500K that use those lights on their fuges.daylight bulbs are 3500k i think. i have no experience with that rating so maybe someone else can help you there.

 

[pammy]

Hi Seagirl. The Kelvin rating is 5500k. Is that good to grow a small amount of Chaeto....or do I need a higher rating. The spot for the refugium is very small...maybe 1/2 gallon.

Thanks!
Pam

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9984762#post9984762 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by seagirl
your gonna have some algae in your sump no matter what light you use i think. the bulb you got, what is the kelvin rating? that's the number before the letter k on the base of the bulb? i think most people run 5700K-6500K that use those lights on their fuges.daylight bulbs are 3500k i think. i have no experience with that rating so maybe someone else can help you there.

 

[MrZ]

I've been using those compact florescent bulbs for 3 years now to grow chaeto - they work great. I might recommend the ones with the built in reflector though. The salt builds up pretty quick on the open spiral bulbs but the ones with the built in reflector work great. You can unscrew and ditch the aluminum reflector that came with the clamp light afterwards.

Happy reefing,
-Rob

 

[Reef Sponger]

http://melevsreef.com/fuge_bulb.html

 

[pammy]

Thanks Rob and ReefSponger. I looked for that bulb at home depot, and couldn't find it. I'll keep my eye out for it.
Pam

 

[Reef Sponger]

http://www.1000bulbs.com/product.php?product=533
I found this link in an older post. Dee

 

[pammy]

Excellent. Thanks Reef sponger!

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9990270#post9990270 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Reef Sponger
http://www.1000bulbs.com/product.php?product=533
I found this link in an older post. Dee