Display Refugium lighting options, led/t5/cfl

TylerC · 01/26/2012, 12:07 AM

I made a new fish tank stand that is ready to get the final poly coat put on tomorrow. It will have my 55g reef with a 20 long refugium displayed below it. Right now the 20l isn't connected and only has a curlie que light on it. I want to upgrade when I make this into the fuge, and am leaning towards 3 options.

First is the cfl (maybe 3-4 of them, the spotlight style here http://www.melevsreef.com/fuge_bulb.html) Really don't like this option as well, would rather have a fixture even though it will all be hidden, it will decrease clearance over the tank, and for a display fuge I am wondering if I would want it a little bluer) price looks to be about 40 bucks.

Second is a 24" X 2 HO t5 lights. Like this because I know it will just work, and seems easy. price is right around 40 bucks with lights.

Third is a marineland double bright 24" led. I like the idea of not having to change lights, low power consumption, and low heat. I am very concerned about the light output. price is about 60 bucks.

Saw a few 55w pc for about the same price as the t5, could be an option as well I suppose.

What would you guys go with?

webfinger · 01/26/2012, 01:40 AM

I just got a 4 watt LED from BRS. Its small but I think it is fantastic on my 50 gallon fuge. I've got mine split in 1/2 - one on each side. 6,500k - looks and works great. haven't done a scientific analysis but seems to be working as good as the coralife CF light I had on it and 1/10th the wattage. I do think the color is critical per your link - needs a grow light I wouldn't recommend the marineland just because of the cost and color.

TylerC · 01/26/2012, 09:35 PM

Yeah im leaning towards the t5 or the spotlights. Anyone ever try anything like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Waterproof-Flo.../dp/B005I3YHNU

Where did you get and how much were the ones you are talking about?

01/26/2012, 12:07 AM	#1
TylerC Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Iowa, Ames Posts: 143	Display Refugium lighting options, led/t5/cfl I made a new fish tank stand that is ready to get the final poly coat put on tomorrow. It will have my 55g reef with a 20 long refugium displayed below it. Right now the 20l isn't connected and only has a curlie que light on it. I want to upgrade when I make this into the fuge, and am leaning towards 3 options. First is the cfl (maybe 3-4 of them, the spotlight style here http://www.melevsreef.com/fuge_bulb.html) Really don't like this option as well, would rather have a fixture even though it will all be hidden, it will decrease clearance over the tank, and for a display fuge I am wondering if I would want it a little bluer) price looks to be about 40 bucks. Second is a 24" X 2 HO t5 lights. Like this because I know it will just work, and seems easy. price is right around 40 bucks with lights. Third is a marineland double bright 24" led. I like the idea of not having to change lights, low power consumption, and low heat. I am very concerned about the light output. price is about 60 bucks. Saw a few 55w pc for about the same price as the t5, could be an option as well I suppose. What would you guys go with?

01/26/2012, 01:40 AM	#2
webfinger Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Portland, Oregon USA Posts: 55	I just got a 4 watt LED from BRS. Its small but I think it is fantastic on my 50 gallon fuge. I've got mine split in 1/2 - one on each side. 6,500k - looks and works great. haven't done a scientific analysis but seems to be working as good as the coralife CF light I had on it and 1/10th the wattage. I do think the color is critical per your link - needs a grow light I wouldn't recommend the marineland just because of the cost and color.

01/26/2012, 09:35 PM	#3
TylerC Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Iowa, Ames Posts: 143	Yeah im leaning towards the t5 or the spotlights. Anyone ever try anything like this: http://www.amazon.com/Waterproof-Flo.../dp/B005I3YHNU Where did you get and how much were the ones you are talking about?