Budget refugium light

[Landon K]

What are some good budget options for a refugium light < $100? I'm using my whole skimmer section in my RS Reefer 300 sump as a refugium. I want to grow a few different species of macro, so I would prefer if it had a more natural 6k look as opposed to the red/purple spectrum for aesthetic reasons, but it's not a big deal if there are no good options for that. Thanks!

 

[fishski13]

I really like the tunze refugium light and they do make a white version for display macroalgae tanks that you can definitely run as the refugium light. They are a longer light which for me is better as it spreads the intensity across as the algae tumbles. Plus they are waterproof so you can put them close to the water

 

[Garf]

What are some good budget options for a refugium light < $100? I'm using my whole skimmer section in my RS Reefer 300 sump as a refugium. I want to grow a few different species of macro, so I would prefer if it had a more natural 6k look as opposed to the red/purple spectrum for aesthetic reasons, but it's not a big deal if there are no good options for that. Thanks!

External garden floodlights work great and are super cheap. Not as efficient as the blurple lights but get one with a 6500k ish spectrum you’ll be good.

 

[Dburr1014]

A socket and a 65k led flood light from home depot.
$25 and going on 3 or 4 years now.

 

[Slocke]

I use a Walmart big led bulb attached to a reptile heat lamp. Works well. Probably 20$ together.

 

[Garf]

I use a Walmart big led bulb attached to a reptile heat lamp. Works well. Probably 20$ together.

Heat lamp, for the deep red? I’ve often thought heat lamps should replace traditional heaters just to keep the working bits out the water.

 

[Spare time]

There are plenty of small lights that will work. Any nano reef light should do well. Look for wide peaks around 420-470nm and 660nm. These will likely be the most efficient per your dollar. Avoid cheap off brand grow lights as they are often not splash proof and may be hazardous.

 

[Garf]

There are plenty of small lights that will work. Any nano reef light should do well. Look for wide peaks around 420-470nm and 660nm. These will likely be the most efficient per your dollar. Avoid cheap off brand grow lights as they are often not splash proof and may be hazardous.

Lol, I used 4 x 240V clip on lights for my first algae scrubber. Not the best idea I’ve had . Buzz, fizz, bang.

 

[Slocke]

Heat lamp, for the deep red? I’ve often thought heat lamps should replace traditional heaters just to keep the working bits out the water.

It doesn't work as a heat lamp as it uses a normal bulb. It's just the shade. I used to keep reptiles and the bulb was just sitting around so I just stuck it in and have had no reason to upgrade.

 

[Nate Chalk]

I'm getting okay growth with the nicrew 15w light.

Goes whites and blues. $15

 

[Chrisanthellae]

There's a plethora of LED grow lights on Amazon in every shape and size imaginable. Anything will work really as long as it fits your space and has a decent wattage.

I got this 35 watt spotlight bulb for ~$24 and it's almost too bright. I run my fuge on an inverse cycle and it grows so fast that my PH is actually a little higher at night than during the day lol. I checked and it actually draws closer to 40 watts at the wall!

I'd post a link but this particular listing doesn't exist anymore.

 

[Chrisanthellae]

If you want something programmable and reliable that's actually made for aquarium use (and comes with a mounting bracket), you could check out the Fluval Plant Nano. I've had one running strong on a freshwater planted tank for 5+ years now. They go for ~$60 new on eBay. I bet it would work great for a refugium too.