How to light an unconventional refugium?

dstoneburg · 11/13/2007, 06:27 AM

Im curious on any opinions on how to light an unconventional refugium. Its a HOB filter converted to refugium. It hangs on the back of my sump so naturally I want as little light passing into the sump as possible to keep algae from growing. What would you recomend? I just need to find something small enough to keep most of the light in the HOB filter and then I am sure I could maguiver the rest.

swjim · 11/13/2007, 07:12 AM

I would use an inexpensive compact flourescent fixture from Home Depot or Lowes i.e. Lights of America and wouldn't worry about stray light getting into the sump.

dstoneburg · 11/13/2007, 07:21 AM

Could you elaborate on this? Is it the whole shebang setup or just the light? Possible pricing?

swjim · 11/13/2007, 07:38 AM

It's an all in one setup. http://www.lightsofamerica.com/uc.htm I believe the model I have is the 7000. Cost is approximately $15. The spectrum in these bulbs is not desirable for lighting tanks because they would promote algae growth, but this same property makes them great for refugiums.

Hope this helps.

jefnalyssa · 11/13/2007, 07:44 AM

Use a clip on work light fixture.

Check out melevsreef.com

dstoneburg · 11/13/2007, 07:48 AM

Ive thought about the clip on fixture, the only problem is it would release light into my ENTIRE sump, promoting algae growth.

dstoneburg · 11/13/2007, 07:51 AM

Oh wow those look perfect, thanks for taking the time swjim. Hows the growth of cheato with this spectrum? If you say good then Im ordering right now! Or heading to jerrys in a few hours!

swjim · 11/13/2007, 08:54 AM

Chaeto grows great under them, they're cheap and don't burn much electricity. I've had no regrets.

11/13/2007, 06:27 AM	#1
dstoneburg Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Eugene, Oregon Posts: 97	How to light an unconventional refugium? Im curious on any opinions on how to light an unconventional refugium. Its a HOB filter converted to refugium. It hangs on the back of my sump so naturally I want as little light passing into the sump as possible to keep algae from growing. What would you recomend? I just need to find something small enough to keep most of the light in the HOB filter and then I am sure I could maguiver the rest.

11/13/2007, 07:44 AM	#5
jefnalyssa Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Reading,Pa Posts: 437	Use a clip on work light fixture. Check out melevsreef.com __________________ Lead Follow or get out of the way Current Tank Info: Aquapod 24,120 tech in the works

11/13/2007, 07:12 AM	#2
swjim Registered Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Boerne, TX Posts: 884	I would use an inexpensive compact flourescent fixture from Home Depot or Lowes i.e. Lights of America and wouldn't worry about stray light getting into the sump.

11/13/2007, 07:21 AM	#3
dstoneburg Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Eugene, Oregon Posts: 97	Could you elaborate on this? Is it the whole shebang setup or just the light? Possible pricing?

11/13/2007, 07:38 AM	#4
swjim Registered Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Boerne, TX Posts: 884	It's an all in one setup. http://www.lightsofamerica.com/uc.htm I believe the model I have is the 7000. Cost is approximately $15. The spectrum in these bulbs is not desirable for lighting tanks because they would promote algae growth, but this same property makes them great for refugiums. Hope this helps.

11/13/2007, 07:48 AM	#6
dstoneburg Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Eugene, Oregon Posts: 97	Ive thought about the clip on fixture, the only problem is it would release light into my ENTIRE sump, promoting algae growth.

11/13/2007, 07:51 AM	#7
dstoneburg Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Eugene, Oregon Posts: 97	Oh wow those look perfect, thanks for taking the time swjim. Hows the growth of cheato with this spectrum? If you say good then Im ordering right now! Or heading to jerrys in a few hours!

11/13/2007, 08:54 AM	#8
swjim Registered Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Boerne, TX Posts: 884	Chaeto grows great under them, they're cheap and don't burn much electricity. I've had no regrets.