Refugium Lighting

[Dwarf Seahorses]

Over a 36"x18"x16 breeder tank, how many T5's would you recommend for optimal nutrient export? I just be using ulva and chaeto as those two don't go sexual.

 

[SultanOfSushi]

I use 55 watt PC 6500K over my tank which is very similar in size and depth, with Chaeto and Calerpra (spelling, lol) and the combo does an awesome job with making over 4 gallons of algae a couple times a month. I do also add in some traceelements designed just for Macros too. Saw a real boost after doing so by the way.

 

[graveyardworm]

A couple 39 watt T5's with good reflectors over the 40 breeder should be enough.

 

[jaugermeister]

What about the cheap plant grow lights they sell at Home depot? I have heard some people using these low kelvin sodium bulbs with great success... anyone know anything about this?

 

[SultanOfSushi]

In my sump I run a set of 5500K daylight bulbs from GE and have some macros and many mangroves, they all seem to like it plus it is on 24hrs a day, which is more time then the fuge gets. The problem with the soium set ups is they are not designed for saltwater environment-rust and wild radicals freely falling after a point into what ever they are over. So you could use them, but do it with a bit of caution, or find one that is able to take the onslaught of salt in the air over your tanks ect. Best of luck. Remember, that macros and mangroves can utilize a much broader spectrum of light then corals can, issue is that certain spectrums get undesired things showing up, like leggy growth or washed out apperence, ect. Cheers!

 

[jaugermeister]

SultanOfSushi: what type of fixture are you using?

 

[SultanOfSushi]

just the 12.00 unit from homedepot it is a standard 2x400 watt set up, works good and stands up to some abuse.

 

[jaugermeister]

nice thanks for the info...

 

[SultanOfSushi]

er that was supposed to be 2x40 watt not 400...OH MY!! lol Good luck!

 

[jaugermeister]

thanks

 

[graveyardworm]

I would avoid the sodium lights just because they are not very efficient. If you want a cheap Home depot fixture that works really well for macros then go with the Lights of America outdoor PC fixture, 65 watts, 6500k, I've used them with great success. They're also available in 85 and 100 watt.