How many A360X Refugium lights do I need for an 8' refugium?

[EriktheRed]

I am setting up an 8' refugium for my 540 gallon display tank. How many A360X (or H380) lights would I need for an 8' refugium? And, since I am new to refugiums, what type of critters (incl. macroalgae) should I grow in the refugium?

 

[Crabs McJones]

For an 8 foot refugium I'd utilize 4 lights, minimum three. A combination of macro's will help your fuge succeed. I prefer chaeto, sea lettuce, and red ogo. I try to steer clear of caulerpa. You can also add snails and hermits to keep pest algae to a minimum as no matter what you're going to get some growing.

 

[EriktheRed]

Thanks McJones!

 

[Camaro Show Corals]

Both are great lights, I am using the new a360x huge light on my new build. I agree a total of 4 lights should give you the best results!

 

[EriktheRed]

Thanks Camaro! I was trying to figure out if it is worth the extra $150 per light for the A360X over the H380. Bulk Reef Supply tested the H380s, along with three other refugium lighting options, and the H380 blew those other options out of the water on all front (PUR/PAR, light spectrum, and nitrate/phosphate reduction). BRS did this comparison study before the A360X light came out, so I don't know how the A360X and H380 compare. I am using my 8' sump as the refugium for my 540 gallon tank and maybe for a 150 gallon tank I have upstairs. I have really nice AquaticLife Expert Series Fixtures on my saltwater tanks (man, I love those lights) and I don't want those lights to outcompete my refugium lights for algae growth.

 

[ca1ore]

H380 isn’t controllable, and the fan has a high failure rate, but it grows algae really well. Have not tried the 360x fuge light.

 

[TripleTruble]

It really depends on what you are planning on doing exactly as in what kind of light are you looking for in there?

 

[nereefpat]

What are the dimensions of the sump? There are probably cheaper, and possibly better, options.

 

[Aardvark1134]

H380 doesn't even have intensity control...total fail use the 360x refugiums instead