Need help with refugium light

Velcro · Feb 15, 2017

My refugium dimensions are 20x7.5(w)x9.5(h)

I was looking at the finnex plant LED, but reviews of poor build quality have steered me away.

To be honest, I'd like to stick with fluorescent anyways. I see a couple 20" t5 fixtures out there, but I feel like 2x20" t5 is going to be way overkill for this use.

Any suggestions?

Velcro · Feb 15, 2017

This is another light I am considering.

https://www.amazon.com/Zetlight-ZP-...qid=1487170099&sr=8-33&keywords=20"+plant+led

368 · Feb 15, 2017

I've always used a simple drop light with a clamp. I think a 6.5kish bulb works best but any light will work. T5 seems excessive.

BlueCursor · Feb 15, 2017

Single drop light with clamp. 100 W 6500K LED bulb. Get the 6500k LED bulbs, not 5000K bulbs. Macro does best with more blue.

Velcro · Feb 15, 2017

Refugium dimensions seem a little long for one bulb don't they?

BlueCursor · Feb 15, 2017

Yeah, I would put 2 fixtures on there. That's how I have mine setup.

USMC4Life · Feb 15, 2017

Take a look at something like this

LED Grow Lights, Hgrope 5W LED Clip Desk Lamp with 360 Degree Flexible Gooseneck Light for Office, Home, Indoor Garden Greenhouse https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018HQSXB6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_4YiPybQRGPTPT

BlueCursor · Feb 15, 2017

USMC4Life said:
Take a look at something like this

LED Grow Lights, Hgrope 5W LED Clip Desk Lamp with 360 Degree Flexible Gooseneck Light for Office, Home, Indoor Garden Greenhouse https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018HQSXB6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_4YiPybQRGPTPT

A 5W LED is way too low. I have 2 15 W LED bulbs on my fuge. My height is about 10 inches, so that is about the same as Op's 9.5h fuge. Again, you really want 6500K because macro algae doesn't use red light very well. Land plans use it well, but water plants are more geared towards blue light.

Salty1962 · Feb 15, 2017

PAR 39 grow light on goose neck. My Mangroves are going crazy under it. Got it from Amazon for $39, light and goose neck.

Velcro · Feb 16, 2017

I decided to try the finnex planted since it's form factor looks the best for me. I'll take some par data and if it isn't enough I'll get a second. \

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GH9HS80/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The other selling point was the 660nm reds.

bubbaque · Feb 17, 2017

If for some reason the light you chose does not work out the Mars Hydro led grow light is an absolute beast. It grows my chaeto from a baseball size to a watermelon in about a week. I seen d2mini running this light is the reason I gave it a try and I have not regreted it. https://www.amazon.com/MarsHydro-Sp...403&sr=1-1&keywords=mars+hydro+led+grow+light

Velcro · Feb 17, 2017

bubbaque said:
If for some reason the light you chose does not work out the Mars Hydro led grow light is an absolute beast. It grows my chaeto from a baseball size to a watermelon in about a week. I seen d2mini running this light is the reason I gave it a try and I have not regreted it. https://www.amazon.com/MarsHydro-Sp...403&sr=1-1&keywords=mars+hydro+led+grow+light

It's just a bit too large for my footprint unfortunately... I didn't want to light up the whole sump haha

bubbaque · Feb 17, 2017

Velcro said:
It's just a bit too large for my footprint unfortunately... I didn't want to light up the whole sump haha

ah ok. Yeah it does light up a lot of area. I ended up putting plastic up around the light to block some light and have it shine straight down.

Velcro · Feb 18, 2017

Pretty impressive light for 16 watts. 200 par at the surface. Lots of light makes it to the skimmer though, so I'll be adding something to block that.