lighting for 5 gallon bucket refugium

[SeeFu]

Will a Kessil H160 be sufficient as a refugium light for a 5 gallon bucket or do i need to get the H380? Hell will the H80 be sufficient?

 

[Bryn]

BulkReefSupply had a great video on efficiency of dedicated refugium lights at the correct wave length. It does seem the more you spend, the better the growth of the Macro Algae, but many people have successfully grown Macro Algae with a full spectrum compact florescent light. I think any of them would suffice that you have, when set to Macro Algae wavelength of choice, which tends to be more reddish/pink.

An argument can be made, that efficient refugium lights need to be able to compete with DT lighting, so that the Macro Algae in the refugium can out compete with the lighting of Algae in the DT. It becomes a very interesting discussion with a lot of anecdotal evidence, BRS has taken the data and made more of a case for better lights, anecdotal conclusions.

Best of luck.

 

[ellisz]

Can't really refute the data but I have successfully used a Daylight CFL or LED bulb in a refugium for many years. Probably the old way as I have been in this hobby for a bit but it has been done.

 

[Pntbll687]

You could probably use something like this or something similar. Theres all types of options on amazon.


If you're going the backet route, use a lid and cut a hole for the light and recess it inside the lid slightly. This will reduce light spill out into the sump and ensure the cheato or whatever algae is getting all the light. It doesn't have to "compete" with the display, it just has to be enough light to stimulate sustainable growth. If you truly needed the fuge to compete with the display we would all be looking at $1000+ lights for a refugium.

 

[ellisz]

That is the bulb I use today. I like the aesthetics of a daylight bulb but not really looking at the sump at night.

 

[SeeFu]

guess i'll give it a shot

 

[splitting_lanes]

My refugium is about 4 gallons, and I use an H80 at a maximum of 50% brightness

id suggest you mount the light 4-5” from the water

 

[SeeFu]

You could probably use something like this or something similar. Theres all types of options on amazon.


If you're going the backet route, use a lid and cut a hole for the light and recess it inside the lid slightly. This will reduce light spill out into the sump and ensure the cheato or whatever algae is getting all the light. It doesn't have to "compete" with the display, it just has to be enough light to stimulate sustainable growth. If you truly needed the fuge to compete with the display we would all be looking at $1000+ lights for a refugium.

how hot does that bulb get? I was planning on laying the bulk right on top of the 5 gallon lid.