New refugium: question regarding light

FortyFour · 12/16/2009, 06:06 AM

Howzit,

So I am planning on using an 18G tall as a refugium for my 80G. The guys at my LFS (PetKingdom) have been great, and pointed me to Melev's site to check out the TCP PAR 38 5100K lights. No luck finding the lights in stock in San Diego so far, and am planning on ordering them online for $6-9 each + shipping. Read the thread but still needed some clarification.

My question is regarding the wattage. The dimensions of the refugium will be similar to a standard 10G, but instead will be 18.5 inches tall. I see 3 different TCP bulbs at 5100K: 16W (75W), 19W (85W), and a 23W (90W). Anyone know what wattage would be ideal for my set-up? I plan to have a 6-8 in sandbed. Also, not sure if I should run the light 24/7 or on a timer. Any feedback is appreciated.

Joe

12/16/2009, 06:06 AM	#1
FortyFour Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 371	New refugium: question regarding light Howzit, So I am planning on using an 18G tall as a refugium for my 80G. The guys at my LFS (PetKingdom) have been great, and pointed me to Melev's site to check out the TCP PAR 38 5100K lights. No luck finding the lights in stock in San Diego so far, and am planning on ordering them online for $6-9 each + shipping. Read the thread but still needed some clarification. My question is regarding the wattage. The dimensions of the refugium will be similar to a standard 10G, but instead will be 18.5 inches tall. I see 3 different TCP bulbs at 5100K: 16W (75W), 19W (85W), and a 23W (90W). Anyone know what wattage would be ideal for my set-up? I plan to have a 6-8 in sandbed. Also, not sure if I should run the light 24/7 or on a timer. Any feedback is appreciated. Joe