Refugium Lighting

[drosen]

I am looking for advice on the best lighting for refugiums. I would love to hear thoughts on type - hanging bulb, strip, etc. Bulb types and color temperature. thanks in advance.

[rlabriola]

i use a 96w power quad running a 6500k bulb, it comes with little feet. refugium is 22" x 12". cheato grows like wild.

[drosen]

Thanks... i guess of all the fuges out there yours is the only one with lights ;-)

[Jefe12234]

A lot of people claim success with the 19-23 watt daylight screw in compact fluorescents from Home Depot or elsewhere. (Don't forget the reflector.) I've tried those bulbs and they look too dim to my eyes, so I went with a 2x40w PC fixture that I had laying around. Some algae require more light than others and I like to get the most out of my nutrient export. I have yet to see how well it works since it's a new tank, but it should be plenty if others are getting by with 20w CF's. Whatever bulb type you decide on, go with a daylight version (5500-6500k). You'll get more output from lower kelvin bulbs and macroalgae does great under yellow-white light.

[HiddenClown]

so would you suggest taking the actinic bulb out of the Coralife fixture and replacing it with a 6500K bulb?

[filippo]

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

:)