Lighting for a refugium?

[riverbum]

I am going to be adding a 5 1/2 gallon refugium to my 46 gal reef system very soon. I'm wondering what to do about lighting; specifically how much light will be enough. My first thoughts are that I could use a Jali 18 watt PC fixture, a DIY Home Depot Lights of America (LoA) 18 watt fluorescent fixture (cheaper), or a DIY 65 watt (LoA) fixture. Iââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢d rather use the lower wattage if possible just to keep my electric bill down (hey, every little bit helps).

I plan to keep Chaetomorpha and maybe some kind of sea grass if possible in the refugium.

Any thoughts appreciated.
Thanks.


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[stevemc]

I use the 65 watt LOA and find it works great. I have several types of Calurpa and sargassum, and some reds. Never had a problem in 1 year. Harvest lots every month. I would think 2 of these would be great over my 25 gallon refugium, but this one works great. Great light for the money and I dont think it uses any more money than a lower watt bulb. Barely. Steve. The tank I have it hooked up to has 720 watts over it so 65 is just a drop in the bucket. Good luck.

 

[Trek Rider]

I recently setup a 50gal refugium/sump for my grow out system. I put an inexpensive fluorescent flood light fixture (250W) over the tank. This was found on another link here on RC. The link indicated macroalgae would do well. I have had the system up for a week without any problems and my caulerpa seems to be doing well. The light was about $30 at a local hardware store and the wiring pretty cheap. If you're on a budget, look under the DIY section and check out some alternatives.