lighting a fuge

[illal]

dont realy have much money left after building the sump purchasing overflowbox and return pump.....what would a cheap but effective lighting option be??? oh yea the fuge is pretty small (the area i need lit is only 12 inches)

[sndwave80]

You could use shop lights with full spectrum bulbs or grow lights from Menards.

[clevername]

I second the shop light idea. SUPER cheap and the bulbs are cheap as well.

Dont go for the full spectrum, you dont need the colors to "pop" or look good in a refugium. Go for a plant light something along the lines of 5,000K to 8,000K

[Keelay]

A lot of people here at RC (myself included) are using melev's spot light.

http://www.melevsreef.com/fuge_bulb.html

I have been extremely happy. I am growing Cheato in the sump, I get nice coraline growth there too.

[GuySmilie]

Go to Wal-Mart or HD or Menards, etc.
Any of the spiral wound CF-style floods in the 3000K - 5000K range, built on a R20 form factor, would fit in there, be cheap, and do a good job for nurturing your algae.
Guy

[Reefjunkee]

You can also buy 6500k screw in power compact bulbs VERY cheap,like $8 for 2(1 spare) and a cheap clamp light for $4.Total of $12.That is what I use and it works great My chaeto grows like mad.Good luck.

[illal]

thanks for all the replies thats exactly what i was looking for ;)

[douggiestyle]

look for the ones that have a built in reflector.

[Keelay]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9347379#post9347379 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by douggiestyle
look for the ones that have a built in reflector.

I second Doug's suggestion.

You'll be easily twice as efficient per watt since everything is directed to where you need it instead of lighting up your entire sump compartment. You can easily wipe salt spray off the front glass. Wiping salt spray off the spirals is not easy and can damage the bulb. They crack at the base very easily.