Looking for ideas for a fuge light

feh · Oct 31, 2013

I'm still looking around for a nice low profile fuge light. I really don't want to go the HD clap / CFL route. I'm looking for something that won't take up a lot of space and still light a 20" x 5.75" fuge.

Something that I can either lay on top of the fuge or hang from inside the stand. I've mainly been looking at LEDs, but just not finding much that has been reviewed.

My biggest point is it needs to be low profile. I don't want it getting in the way of maintenance. I don't want anything thats going to produce a lot of heat either. Also I'd like something that is some what "presentable".

I've been looking at the Reef Breeder Fuge-lite LED and spoke to them about it and they mentioned positioning it at an angle to get the most from it, but still not sure.

Any ideas?

Reefing Madness · Nov 1, 2013

20" T-5 HO Aquarium Light

feh · Nov 1, 2013

Reefing Madness said:
20" T-5 HO Aquarium Light

Nice. The fixture is definitely the right size. Looking at PAR readings for their 36" 2x39 watt on another forum I might have to hang it. Throws out about 100 micromols at 15" from fixture, but the PAR does drop to about 50 micromols at 20 inches. The water will only about 8.5" to 9.5" deep. Nice price too.

Wondering how well it would do inside a cabinet. I haven't sorted ventilation out for the stand yet. Waiting to see where I need to cut for plumbing first.

Are you using one for a fuge light? Just thought I'd ask.

Reefing Madness · Nov 1, 2013

I use a 40w Power compact light. T-5HO anything is a huge amount of light for just being over Macro Algae.

Connie · Nov 1, 2013

I use this... JBJ-USA Aquarium Products There's no heat, takes up practically no room and it grows chaeto like crazy.

spspirate · Nov 1, 2013

Connie said:
I use this... JBJ-USA Aquarium Products There's no heat, takes up practically no room and it grows chaeto like crazy.

Very cool light! Def ideal.

Connie · Nov 1, 2013

Very reasonably priced too. I think I paid $50 or $60.

spspirate · Nov 1, 2013

I say that would be a good light to go with.

ShawnSaucier · Nov 2, 2013

I just got 2x12w LED Reef Radiance fuge lights that have adjustable gooseneck mounts

DontMakeNoSense · Nov 2, 2013

Innovative Marine has an LED light for under $90. I use a 14k light but I have my frags in there. I think if your running a full fuge the 10k would be good.

knap_123 · Nov 2, 2013

Home depot has par 20 & 38 Cree Leda at 5000k daylight

dcfluegel · Nov 2, 2013

we have a finnex fuge-ray on our sump and both chaeto and mangroves seem to be loving it... good price, minimal heat - had it in place for about 6 months now...

Amazon.com: Finnex FugeRay Aquarium LED Light Plus Moonlights, 12-Inch: Pet Supplies

feh · Nov 2, 2013

dcfluegel said:
we have a finnex fuge-ray on our sump and both chaeto and mangroves seem to be loving it... good price, minimal heat - had it in place for about 6 months now...

Amazon.com: Finnex FugeRay Aquarium LED Light Plus Moonlights, 12-Inch: Pet Supplies

I looked at that fixture but couldn't find any real reviews on it other than from the planted tank folks. How well does your chaeto grow? Also how deep is your fuge?

dcfluegel · Nov 2, 2013

Fuge is 13" deep, charts growth seems good and steady

feh · Nov 2, 2013

dcfluegel said:
Fuge is 13" deep, charts growth seems good and steady

How often are you trimming?

dcfluegel · Nov 3, 2013

we pull it apart/ fluff it about every other week, trim once a month...

Coraloliseffect · Nov 3, 2013

I use the marine land double bright led over a old bioball sump. Varies from 4 to 12 in deep. Led is like .75'thick
Had both lying around so put them to work.
It works great , pulling out chaetomorpha all the time.
Also have 1 mangrove hanging on. Just for fun.

Dylan J. · Nov 3, 2013

I run this, Shop Utilitech 90-Watt PAR38 Medium Base Daylight Outdoor LED Flood Light Bulb at Lowes.com

I use a reptile clasps, but i took the clasp and the reflect on and have the cord stable (stable gun) to the bottom of my stand where the fuge is and it just hangs, to me its a nice clean look and wont fall in the tank, as well as chaeto grows like a weed and pull a football size of it out every 2-3weeks.

This is what it looks like just to give you an idea

kuansreef · Nov 3, 2013

Use LEDs if heat is a concern.

feh · Nov 3, 2013

Dylan J. said:
I run this, Shop Utilitech 90-Watt PAR38 Medium Base Daylight Outdoor LED Flood Light Bulb at Lowes.com

I use a reptile clasps, but i took the clasp and the reflect on and have the cord stable (stable gun) to the bottom of my stand where the fuge is and it just hangs, to me its a nice clean look and wont fall in the tank, as well as chaeto grows like a weed and pull a football size of it out every 2-3weeks.

This is what it looks like just to give you an idea

I'm trying to get away from the shop light fixture. I have one on my current tank, but running a CFL bulb. My new tank is a 24x24x20 cube so I'm looking for something sleek and low profile to conserve on space. I may try one of the PAR38 bulbs, or maybe even the Reed Breeders Fuge-lite but still looking at ideas. If I go that route I'm probably going to put it on a goose neck or flood light fixture so I can aim the light into the fuge.