Refugium Lighting

[dots]

Currently I have a PC light that is too long and for once I am going to try to do the cheap thing and buy an el-cheapo light that is the right size for my application for a clean installation.

I just plan to grow Chaeto in this area, so I want to know what kind of bulb type, if any, is required. I know were just talking algae here, so would any type....bulb work from incandecent to PC....or is there a "special" type I need to find for this application to have efficent nutrient export?

Or will any old light of my preference work?

 

[Marc Daniels]

A lot of people use a cheap clip on work lamp from the box home improvement stores and the plant grow light (either incandescent or flood).

 

[CaptiveReefSystems]

anything in the 6500 range will do just fine.

 

[bbehring]

Depends on the sump size and depth, but probably around the 25 watt range.

 

[CaptiveReefSystems]

I meant 6500K

 

[Nu2SW]

I have a 95 watt flood halogen lamp. Im using a $6 wallmart special workshop light.

My chaeto fills up a 20g in about a month or so with that light.

 

[dots]

Im trying to get away without using the clip on flood light bulb and big Elizabethan dog collar reflector.......kinda bulky for my application......and want more of a "mini" light for this application.

I figure, most "standard" bulbs are in that 5500-6500K bulbs.....aka sunlight?

The insump refugium insert/filter chamber I designed has ohhh a 6"L x 10"W x 6"D, so its a small area and don't need a huge light.

(Side note: I am very pleased with the design so far, the intake from the display drops into a sock that catches the big stuff, anything that get through feeds the sandbed, which is a slower moving area and drops out, this is where the chaeto is. This whole area is in a lift out refugium to clean the sump....I should show you guys sometime, it fits into the sump that "O" st sells),

I am just using the chaeto to minimize sugar dosing and possibly replace it......so I just need any old thing, preferably on the smaller, more compact side........

So am correct about "most" bulbs being in that range correct?.....I can't remember for sure, but since this is the second time I am looking for lighting for this thing......I want it to be the last and make sure....

In addition, I want this thing small so it only lights the refugium and I don't get a bunch of coralline and other junk growing in the sump zone.....I like to keep that spotless to ensure the pumps work flawlessly. Not to mention minimize heat.

Thanks for the responses....appreciate it!!!!

 

[Marc Daniels]

Then with the quad PC, you know the one that looks lke a trident. Easy way to get almost 100w into a tight area but have a clean looking solution.

 

[jefathome]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8971820#post8971820 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dots
Im trying to get away without using the clip on flood light bulb and big Elizabethan dog collar reflector.......kinda bulky for my application......and want more of a "mini" light for this application.

I figure, most "standard" bulbs are in that 5500-6500K bulbs.....aka sunlight?

The insump refugium insert/filter chamber I designed has ohhh a 6"L x 10"W x 6"D, so its a small area and don't need a huge light.

(Side note: I am very pleased with the design so far, the intake from the display drops into a sock that catches the big stuff, anything that get through feeds the sandbed, which is a slower moving area and drops out, this is where the chaeto is. This whole area is in a lift out refugium to clean the sump....I should show you guys sometime, it fits into the sump that "O" st sells),

I am just using the chaeto to minimize sugar dosing and possibly replace it......so I just need any old thing, preferably on the smaller, more compact side........

So am correct about "most" bulbs being in that range correct?.....I can't remember for sure, but since this is the second time I am looking for lighting for this thing......I want it to be the last and make sure....

In addition, I want this thing small so it only lights the refugium and I don't get a bunch of coralline and other junk growing in the sump zone.....I like to keep that spotless to ensure the pumps work flawlessly. Not to mention minimize heat.

Thanks for the responses....appreciate it!!!!

I was looking at Home Depot the other day and the standard bulbs were more in the 3500k range. Even the most "blue" one was only 5500k. I think that the 5500 would probably work well though.

 

[Hardhearted]

I use a Cold Cathode Light better known as CCFL. I made my own system that just drops down into the Middle chamber. The cheto grows like crazy.

NO Extra Heat No clips.