I am working through the logistics of adding a display style refugium to my 120g sps system. I want to build the refugium not only as a natural method of phosphate and macronutrient control, but also as an added feature to my reef system. I know from reviewing tons of strings about successful systems that the benefits of an active refugium are many and that this is something that can also be done very attractively. So, my question is this:
Given that my hood for the refugium will be right at 24" in width and depth, I don't think I can incorporate T5 or VHO tube style lighting. Metal halides are just way to hot, so that leaves power compacts. The 65W tubes are well under my 24" size limit so I am wondering what number of these tubes I would need to have adequate light to fuel the growth of macro algae/aquatic species like:
Red Sea Lettuce-Halymenia
Red Gracilaria
Sea Lettuce (Assorted Ulva)
Feather Algae (Caulerpa Floridana
This will provide another distinctly different habitat for one or two interesting inhabitants. Any input or suggestions will be appreciated.
Mike
Given that my hood for the refugium will be right at 24" in width and depth, I don't think I can incorporate T5 or VHO tube style lighting. Metal halides are just way to hot, so that leaves power compacts. The 65W tubes are well under my 24" size limit so I am wondering what number of these tubes I would need to have adequate light to fuel the growth of macro algae/aquatic species like:
Red Sea Lettuce-Halymenia
Red Gracilaria
Sea Lettuce (Assorted Ulva)
Feather Algae (Caulerpa Floridana
This will provide another distinctly different habitat for one or two interesting inhabitants. Any input or suggestions will be appreciated.
Mike
