Refugium Light alternatives?

[JeffSauer]

Hey guys and gals, figured this would be the best place to ask this question.

Does anyone have any alternative ideas on what to use for a refugium light? I’ve been looking around on the internet for something and all I’ve been able to find are these expensive light set-ups…I am by no means a cheap person (by that I mean I would rather wait another paycheck or two to buy something that I want rather than just get something that “will do”) but I just cannot justify to myself spending $100 on a light for macroalgae.

Can I just use the light from an old tank? It’s a 40 watt bulb so I think it should be fine but I’m not sure.

[Cleaner Shrimp]

I like the JBJ Nano-Glo LED light. It's only 4W but grows my chaeto like crazy. The spectrum is 5500 or 6500, I forget which.

[planedoc]

http://img.tapatalk.com/4b1e54a3-e400-2836.jpgI bought some expensive macrogro light that did not grow anything. I now run these on both my tanks we great results. I use 6500 k 26 watt compact fluorescent bulbs
Most hardware stores sell them for less than $10

[JeffSauer]

I like the JBJ Nano-Glo LED light. It's only 4W but grows my chaeto like crazy. The spectrum is 5500 or 6500, I forget which.

I am all about LED's...i have a Steves LED light setup for my aquarium and i love them. Any suggestions on cheap LED setups?

[kriv4o]

DIY: 4x6 RapidLed heatsink, 4 NW leds and their moonlight driver. That's what I have on my fuge.

[mikehaase1norse]

http://img.tapatalk.com/4b1e54a3-e400-2836.jpgI bought some expensive macrogro light that did not grow anything. I now run these on both my tanks we great results. I use 6500 k 26 watt compact fluorescent bulbs
Most hardware stores sell them for less than $10

plus one. low heat, low price, and lots of light.

[disc1]

http://img.tapatalk.com/4b1e54a3-e400-2836.jpgI bought some expensive macrogro light that did not grow anything. I now run these on both my tanks we great results. I use 6500 k 26 watt compact fluorescent bulbs
Most hardware stores sell them for less than $10

+2. That's what I have. Chaeto grows like crazy.

[nepenthes99]

http://img.tapatalk.com/4b1e54a3-e400-2836.jpgI bought some expensive macrogro light that did not grow anything. I now run these on both my tanks we great results. I use 6500 k 26 watt compact fluorescent bulbs
Most hardware stores sell them for less than $10

+3 these grow both my cheato and mangroves well and are inexpensive.

[SaltyReefDog]

+4 on the clamp light with reflector. Cheap, easy, reliable, and works great. :thumbsup:

[JeffSauer]

well screw it then....if everyone says this is the way to roll i guess i wont shoot a perfectly good horse!

I want to go with a 6500 k 26 watt compact fluorescent bulb right?

Thanks Guys!

[planedoc]

Bulbs are pretty cheap, you could try a lower wattage but 6500k for sure.

[Maaka]

If you go to a home improvement store they will have LED light bulbs like this http://www.menards.com/main/lighting-fans/light-bulbs/led/mr16-gu10-5w-dim-led/p-1663963-c-6341.htm I just bought one like this to use on my 3 gallon tank and it is growing soft coral with no problem. Lots of people use them in their fuge also.

[JeffSauer]

Are you guys saying a 6500 lumen bulb? Wouldn't I need a ballast to run that bulb?

[Agu]

They mean 6500K (color temp) bulbs. Both those bulbs have the electronics built into the bulb, all you need is the socket and power.

[planedoc]

Like this
http://m.lowes.com/mt/www.lowes.com/pd_302257-3-26966_4294801209%2B4294794465%2B4294796090__?productId=3202347&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar%7C1&pl=1&currentURL=?Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar%7C1&facetInfo=Full%20spectrum%7CDaylight

[12BRAVO]

http://img.tapatalk.com/4b1e54a3-e400-2836.jpgI bought some expensive macrogro light that did not grow anything. I now run these on both my tanks we great results. I use 6500 k 26 watt compact fluorescent bulbs
Most hardware stores sell them for less than $10

I use this same setup. You won't go wrong. I was growing chaeto well and pulled it out over time feeding it to a yellow tang. The light is now keeping a few mushrooms and yellow scroll coral growing in my sump. If you use the clamp on light, don't just rely on the clamp. I have a couple of screws securing it as well. The clamp was slipping on mine and I secured it with the screws for piece of mind.

[JeffSauer]

Right on! Yeah i picked up a bulb and rocking the hood & bulb set-up. It was a PITA to find that bulb at home depot

[12BRAVO]

Right on! Yeah i picked up a bulb and rocking the hood & bulb set-up. It was a PITA to find that bulb at home depot

Yes !! If you can, grab a couple of extra ! 2700K are almost all you ever see.

[JeffSauer]

Yes !! If you can, grab a couple of extra ! 2700K are almost all you ever see.

haha, i got 4

[sqwat]

home depot has led grow lights bulbs that will skrew right into the clip on reflector

[RCoapstick]

I had a grow light and the chaeto would grow. Finally it took off. Give it some time

[Zoomadness]

I like this one

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-12W-Watt-PAR38-Led-Aquarium-Dimmable-Reef-Coral-White-Blue-Grow-Light-/251082566059?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a75afe9ab

I run it opposite my DT lights and it grows chaeto and caulerpa like a fiend! And I don't have to replace the bulb for 50,000 hours! Plus it has a built in dimmer with a credit card size remote!