Refugium for 20 gallon

[MC Blowfish]

I'd like to setup a refugium for my 20 gallon long. Either purchase one or DIY. I've found plenty of recommendations for larger tanks but not so much due smaller tanks. I have looked at purchasing an aquaclear filter and then setting up a light for it. I'm a little lost on what light to use.

Does anyone have any recommendations for a refugium as well as lights?

 

[kfisc]

There are a lot of options for refugiums. I had good luck with a smaller watering stock tank; they come as small as 15 gallons at Tractor Supply. Plenty of room for heaters, skimmers and so on, and it adds to overall water volume. I'd opt for a skimmer over a filter. Hanging drains/pumps aren't that difficult and can be dialed in quite well if your tank isn't drilled. Lighting recommendations are beyond me these days.

 

[griss]

I used a cheap LED grow light from Amazon for my Refugium. My fuge is a 15 gallon tank I drilled, glued 2 pieces of acrylic together to make an overflow, and plumbed to my sump.

 

[MC Blowfish]

Would one of these work?

Fluval® Prism Multi-Color LED Spotlight

Buy Fluval® Prism Multi-Color LED Spotlight at Petsmart

www.petsmart.com

Top Fin® Flexible Nano Aquarium LED Light

Buy Top Fin® Flexible Nano Aquarium LED Light at Petsmart

www.petsmart.com

https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/coralife-marine-aquarium-clip-on-led-fixture

 

[griss]

I’m no expert on marine macros and plants but, I believe you want more of a red spectrum. @vlangel any thoughts?

 

[vlangel]

That is true. Between 6500 and 10k. Actually freshwater LEDs are good for macroalgae tanks.

 

[MC Blowfish]

That's what I went with. I have a light mounted to the side of a Fluval AC50. I need to get some black acrylic to put on the back of the tank and then switch the light schedule over to being on at night. Until the black acrylic comes, I'm going to run the lights during the day.

 

[Guygettnby]

When I had an AC fuge, I used a small LED pond spotlight. Found a bulb that had the correct K rating the whole setup was very inexpensive and worked great. Algea growth was insane. Had to harvest weekly. I believe I got the pond light and bulbs from home depot back then.