Good LED bulb to grow algae in refugium

[Macropora]

What's a good LED bulb to grow algae such as chaeto in a refugium? Would a 6,000K par 38 bulb work or 12,000K? Does it need to be a white bulb only or combined with blue? Just wondering what's better. What bulb or LEDs do you use for your refugium?

 

[Murfman]

I saw work lights at Home Depot that are LED and sit on a stand. If you have the room, that might be an option. The whole light was like $54.

 

[wld1783]

As long as the white has a nice 450nm spike you dont need the blue. If you stick with the Cree Cool White you'll be fine. The better PAR 38s use the Cree XR-E Q4 Cool White.

 

[Macropora]

As long as the white has a nice 450nm spike you dont need the blue. If you stick with the Cree Cool White you'll be fine. The better PAR 38s use the Cree XR-E Q4 Cool White.

Thanks for the advice! I just want white light look over the chaeto to grow it.

 

[Dave3112]

I have found over the years that chaeto likes a more "yellow" spectrum in the 5,000-6,500k range. So a PAR38 from Home Depot or Lowes should be just fine. I am using a 125w CFL grow light on mine and I give away or just throw out about a gallon bag worth of chaeto every 2 weeks.

 

[Macropora]

I have found over the years that chaeto likes a more "yellow" spectrum in the 5,000-6,500k range. So a PAR38 from Home Depot or Lowes should be just fine. I am using a 125w CFL grow light on mine and I give away or just throw out about a gallon bag worth of chaeto every 2 weeks.

Exactly what I'm thinking. I didn't think chaeto needed the higher kelvin rating. It's just algae I want to use for nutrient export. e.g. Phosphate removal. Heading out to Home Depot and Lowes to check them out tomorrow. Thanks Dave for the advice.