Macro algae lighting

mpderksen · 09/14/2016, 11:12 PM

Today I picked up both some red algae and some Cheato from the LFS. It's in the sump now, and I have a clip light with a grow bulb that will run from 8:00pm to noon (effectively a reverse photo period). I have a low-flow sump, so there's no tumbling, but I'll flip the Cheato weekly.
The question: I have an LED bulb that I use for my QT, and I'm wondering if that would be better than the CFL plant growth bulb that's in there now. I have brain damage when it come to light spectrums and Kelvin. I would ASSUME that algae is far different than the needs of corals, but since I saw Dennis's growth with the MARs fixture in his new build, I have to ask which might be better.

Grayhead · 09/15/2016, 05:29 AM

I can say this with confidence the Mars hydro light kicks butt. My chaeto has completely over grown my fuge in no time. I ran CFL for several years and never had growth like this. The light has a pink hue so keep that in mind. It's not as bad as some pictures would indicate.

HefeWeizen · 09/15/2016, 08:24 AM

I use two 9 watt LED spotlights. 5000K. They work better than CFLs IME.

GimpyFin · 09/15/2016, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grayhead

I can say this with confidence the Mars hydro light kicks butt. My chaeto has completely over grown my fuge in no time. I ran CFL for several years and never had growth like this. The light has a pink hue so keep that in mind. It's not as bad as some pictures would indicate.

^This^

I have the same light (Mars Hydro Mars300 LED.) It blows away any other bulb/grow light I've used. I've also had coralline start growing pretty crazy in the sump since I've been using it.

rookie2reef · 09/15/2016, 06:58 PM

I use a led light too a fluval and my sump is full I keep cutting and it keeps growing

mpderksen · 09/15/2016, 07:53 PM

Okay, so, FINE! I get it! Just ordered on Amazon. $80 and free shipping. Arrives Sunday.
Next time I have extra money I'll ask another question.... ;-)

Grayhead · 09/15/2016, 08:21 PM

You will be happy

mpderksen · 09/15/2016, 08:49 PM

What photo period should I use?

Grayhead · 09/15/2016, 09:13 PM

I usually run mine during the day cycle. It runs for around 12 hours.

Grayhead · 09/15/2016, 09:14 PM

I would run it at night, but the light would spill into my bedroom.

mpderksen · 09/15/2016, 10:25 PM

This is in the living room downstairs. I'll stick with midnight to noon. That way the light bleed from the sump won't be irritating while I watch Dexter in the evening....

Grayhead · 09/16/2016, 06:03 AM

Awesome, sure don't need to disrupt your Dexter time :-)

vitodog · 09/16/2016, 07:05 AM

The only thing to consider with the Mars Hydro is that it might be overkill for the size of the refugium area in your sump. I have this light and it was just too much light for my refugium. My refufium is 12 1/2"L X 15"W and I had algae growing all over my sump. Algae was growing in the drain area and return area of my sump. I tried lowering the light to reduce over spray and reduced the photo period, but it was just too much light. My sump is a Trigger Systems Ruby 36".

mpderksen · 09/16/2016, 10:33 AM

I wonder if I could use a dim able plug?

mpderksen · 09/16/2016, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grayhead

Awesome, sure don't need to disrupt your Dexter time :-)

Although pink hue to the room might just be perfect for that.

D-Nak · 09/16/2016, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vitodog

The only thing to consider with the Mars Hydro is that it might be overkill for the size of the refugium area in your sump. I have this light and it was just too much light for my refugium. My refufium is 12 1/2"L X 15"W and I had algae growing all over my sump. Algae was growing in the drain area and return area of my sump. I tried lowering the light to reduce over spray and reduced the photo period, but it was just too much light. My sump is a Trigger Systems Ruby 36".

I was thinking the same thing. I was just planning to buy a screw in LED grow light with red and blue LEDs from Amazon. My fuge is only 12" x 15" x 15".

Grayhead · 09/17/2016, 06:51 PM

I doubt you can use that with this fixture without modding it in some way.
You may need to shield some of the light spillage. My fuge is separated from my sump, but under the stand. I see a bit of brown in the clear tubes on my drains, but nothing horrible. As for the sump, there nothing a bit of PM can't fix

locito277 · 09/17/2016, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mpderksen

This is in the living room downstairs. I'll stick with midnight to noon. That way the light bleed from the sump won't be irritating while I watch Dexter in the evening....

We're. Inge watching Dexter too!! Midway though season 7! I'm planning on running them 24 hrs but heard they run hot?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

mpderksen · 09/17/2016, 07:24 PM

Tonight is season 7, Ep 5. We were at season 2 when showtime took it off NetFlicks (Super Bowl Sunday!). We were so into it, I cancelled NetFlicks on the spot and got the Showtime app. Nothing else there I care about, so I'll be going back once I complete the series.
If the light ends up too bright, I'll just get better at sump cleaning. No clear tubing for my return. The hope is that this will keep me from having to build and fit an ATS in the rat nest. But GHA is an issue in the DT.
Oh, and locito, I have a chiller, and if I run it only at night I believe it should be fine. But I'll let you know.

locito277 · 09/17/2016, 07:39 PM

That's what I'm watching right now. Lol it's on Netflix. I'm trying to avoid the chiller. Adding a AC vent directly into the canopy hoping this will help. In the sump area I'll be adding some fans to circulate air down there. Looking to avoid a chiller due to the location of the tank

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

mpderksen · 09/17/2016, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by locito277

That's what I'm watching right now. Lol it's on Netflix. I'm trying to avoid the chiller. Adding a AC vent directly into the canopy hoping this will help. In the sump area I'll be adding some fans to circulate air down there. Looking to avoid a chiller due to the location of the tank

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

NO WAY!!!! During the Super Bowl there was an ad about the showtime ap, and my BIL told me they were pulling ALL ST content from NetFlicks to make more money. After the game we went to watch and it was gone. Maybe they brought it back. Either way, we're almost done. I already know the shocking ending, but still want to watch for myself. No spoilers!!

I have totally hijacked my own thread....

mpderksen · 09/18/2016, 05:05 PM

Let the growth begin!

scooter31707 · 09/19/2016, 08:03 AM

this what I am using with great results.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Innovative-M...EAAOSwpDdVMB7a

DamonG · 09/19/2016, 10:22 AM

Guys using the Mars.. Do yourself a favor and buy some black 1/8" acrylic sheet.. Either CA or acrylic cement some egg crate to it and make some light blockers.. As long as you cut the bottom edge about 1/2" above the water line, it will work well..

No need to modify the light at all.. It keeps light out of unwanted areas of the sump..

I use one on each side of my fuge and have been.. Before the Mars(hps 150 watt)and my current led..

And yes, corraline does grow well(though surprisingly well honestly) under these lights..

from note 7

mpderksen · 09/19/2016, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DamonG

Guys using the Mars.. Do yourself a favor and buy some black 1/8" acrylic sheet.. Either CA or acrylic cement some egg crate to it and make some light blockers.. As long as you cut the bottom edge about 1/2" above the water line, it will work well..

No need to modify the light at all.. It keeps light out of unwanted areas of the sump..

I use one on each side of my fuge and have been.. Before the Mars(hps 150 watt)and my current led..

And yes, corraline does grow well(though surprisingly well honestly) under these lights..

from note 7

Clever thought. I like it!

09/14/2016, 11:12 PM	#1
mpderksen Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Manteca, CA Posts: 1,853	Macro algae lighting Today I picked up both some red algae and some Cheato from the LFS. It's in the sump now, and I have a clip light with a grow bulb that will run from 8:00pm to noon (effectively a reverse photo period). I have a low-flow sump, so there's no tumbling, but I'll flip the Cheato weekly. The question: I have an LED bulb that I use for my QT, and I'm wondering if that would be better than the CFL plant growth bulb that's in there now. I have brain damage when it come to light spectrums and Kelvin. I would ASSUME that algae is far different than the needs of corals, but since I saw Dennis's growth with the MARs fixture in his new build, I have to ask which might be better.

09/15/2016, 05:29 AM	#2
Grayhead Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 581	I can say this with confidence the Mars hydro light kicks butt. My chaeto has completely over grown my fuge in no time. I ran CFL for several years and never had growth like this. The light has a pink hue so keep that in mind. It's not as bad as some pictures would indicate. __________________ 240 Gallon mixed reef, Apex Controlled Radion gen4 pro/T-5 hybrid combo, TBS Liverock Lifereef sump, skimmer, and Fuge 2- MP 40, 1- Vectra M1 return pump, Build thread below http:

09/15/2016, 08:24 AM	#3
HefeWeizen Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Posts: 182	I use two 9 watt LED spotlights. 5000K. They work better than CFLs IME. __________________ Dan

09/15/2016, 08:21 PM	#7
Grayhead Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 581	You will be happy __________________ 240 Gallon mixed reef, Apex Controlled Radion gen4 pro/T-5 hybrid combo, TBS Liverock Lifereef sump, skimmer, and Fuge 2- MP 40, 1- Vectra M1 return pump, Build thread below http:

09/15/2016, 09:13 PM	#9
Grayhead Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 581	I usually run mine during the day cycle. It runs for around 12 hours. __________________ 240 Gallon mixed reef, Apex Controlled Radion gen4 pro/T-5 hybrid combo, TBS Liverock Lifereef sump, skimmer, and Fuge 2- MP 40, 1- Vectra M1 return pump, Build thread below http:

09/15/2016, 06:58 PM	#5
rookie2reef Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Posts: 52	I use a led light too a fluval and my sump is full I keep cutting and it keeps growing

09/15/2016, 07:53 PM	#6
mpderksen Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Manteca, CA Posts: 1,853	Okay, so, FINE! I get it! Just ordered on Amazon. $80 and free shipping. Arrives Sunday. Next time I have extra money I'll ask another question.... ;-)

09/15/2016, 08:49 PM	#8
mpderksen Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Manteca, CA Posts: 1,853	What photo period should I use?

09/15/2016, 09:14 PM	#10
Grayhead Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 581	I would run it at night, but the light would spill into my bedroom. __________________ 240 Gallon mixed reef, Apex Controlled Radion gen4 pro/T-5 hybrid combo, TBS Liverock Lifereef sump, skimmer, and Fuge 2- MP 40, 1- Vectra M1 return pump, Build thread below http:

09/15/2016, 10:25 PM	#11
mpderksen Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Manteca, CA Posts: 1,853	This is in the living room downstairs. I'll stick with midnight to noon. That way the light bleed from the sump won't be irritating while I watch Dexter in the evening....

09/16/2016, 06:03 AM	#12
Grayhead Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 581	Awesome, sure don't need to disrupt your Dexter time :-) __________________ 240 Gallon mixed reef, Apex Controlled Radion gen4 pro/T-5 hybrid combo, TBS Liverock Lifereef sump, skimmer, and Fuge 2- MP 40, 1- Vectra M1 return pump, Build thread below http:

09/16/2016, 07:05 AM	#13
vitodog Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico Posts: 1,226	The only thing to consider with the Mars Hydro is that it might be overkill for the size of the refugium area in your sump. I have this light and it was just too much light for my refugium. My refufium is 12 1/2"L X 15"W and I had algae growing all over my sump. Algae was growing in the drain area and return area of my sump. I tried lowering the light to reduce over spray and reduced the photo period, but it was just too much light. My sump is a Trigger Systems Ruby 36". __________________ Current Tank Info: 124.7 gal. Reef Savvy D/T, Trigger Systems 36" sump, Octo Elite 150-S, GHL Mitras LX7 x 3, Profilux3, Masterflex 7550-30 Peristaltic pump, Vector M1 return Pump, MP40w QD x 2

09/16/2016, 10:33 AM	#14
mpderksen Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Manteca, CA Posts: 1,853	I wonder if I could use a dim able plug?

09/17/2016, 06:51 PM	#17
Grayhead Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 581	I doubt you can use that with this fixture without modding it in some way. You may need to shield some of the light spillage. My fuge is separated from my sump, but under the stand. I see a bit of brown in the clear tubes on my drains, but nothing horrible. As for the sump, there nothing a bit of PM can't fix __________________ 240 Gallon mixed reef, Apex Controlled Radion gen4 pro/T-5 hybrid combo, TBS Liverock Lifereef sump, skimmer, and Fuge 2- MP 40, 1- Vectra M1 return pump, Build thread below http:

09/17/2016, 07:24 PM	#19
mpderksen Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Manteca, CA Posts: 1,853	Macro algae lighting Tonight is season 7, Ep 5. We were at season 2 when showtime took it off NetFlicks (Super Bowl Sunday!). We were so into it, I cancelled NetFlicks on the spot and got the Showtime app. Nothing else there I care about, so I'll be going back once I complete the series. If the light ends up too bright, I'll just get better at sump cleaning. No clear tubing for my return. The hope is that this will keep me from having to build and fit an ATS in the rat nest. But GHA is an issue in the DT. Oh, and locito, I have a chiller, and if I run it only at night I believe it should be fine. But I'll let you know.

09/17/2016, 07:39 PM	#20
locito277 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: miami Posts: 1,535	That's what I'm watching right now. Lol it's on Netflix. I'm trying to avoid the chiller. Adding a AC vent directly into the canopy hoping this will help. In the sump area I'll be adding some fans to circulate air down there. Looking to avoid a chiller due to the location of the tank Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ Nothings Free in this hobby Current Tank Info: 224 and 720 gallon in progress!

09/18/2016, 05:05 PM	#22
mpderksen Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Manteca, CA Posts: 1,853	Let the growth begin!

09/19/2016, 08:03 AM	#23
scooter31707 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Virginia Posts: 4,971	this what I am using with great results. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Innovative-M...EAAOSwpDdVMB7a

09/19/2016, 10:22 AM	#24
DamonG Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 873	Guys using the Mars.. Do yourself a favor and buy some black 1/8" acrylic sheet.. Either CA or acrylic cement some egg crate to it and make some light blockers.. As long as you cut the bottom edge about 1/2" above the water line, it will work well.. No need to modify the light at all.. It keeps light out of unwanted areas of the sump.. I use one on each side of my fuge and have been.. Before the Mars(hps 150 watt)and my current led.. And yes, corraline does grow well(though surprisingly well honestly) under these lights.. from note 7