Phyto culture lighting?

[cloggins]

I have a spare, cheap refugium light. Would it be good for growing a phyto culture, or would another light be more appropriate? Google wasn't much help with this...

 

[Dr. Reef Verified Sponsor]

never grown myself lets get some help, #reefsquad

 

[hdsoftail1065]

No experience here, sorry.

 

[Gareth elliott]

What are you growing the phyto in?
Phyto cultures are often grown in smaller containers and the heat produced by the lighting can have negative effects on the culture if theres no means of dispersion.

 

[cloggins]

What are you growing the phyto in?
Phyto cultures are often grown in smaller containers and the heat produced by the lighting can have negative effects on the culture if theres no means of dispersion.

I was planning on 2L bottles, with this light on its side, facing the bottles.

 

[Flippers4pups]

I've just used 6500k florescent tubes with good results. There's a great deal that goes into culturing phytoplankton, sterile containers are a must when starting a culture.

 

[Gareth elliott]

Test it with just water, and an airline. Take a temp reading after several hours. If is within 72-84 should be fine. What type of light is it?

 

[cloggins]

I can certainly a different light. They're cheap enough. This one is an extra. I ordered it, and then changed my mind. Decided to go w/ an H360 over my 'fuge.

 

[cloggins]

Test it with just water, and an airline. Take a temp reading after several hours. If is within 72-84 should be fine. What type of light is it?

Sorry, didn't link it well in the original post. Here it is: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XC3LBI2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Gareth elliott]

I've just used 6500k florescent tubes with good results. There's a great deal that goes into culturing phytoplankton, sterile containers are a must when starting a culture.

I used brewing sterilizer when i cultured Gammarus for my freshwater pipefish. Its similar to oxiclean leaves no residue.

Another option is using wider containers. And the culture itself goes into a bag. Use the culture chuck the bag. Any food safe bag of heavier mil plastic should work.

 

[Dancingmad]

Phyto cultures are often grown in smaller containers and the heat produced by the lighting can have negative effects on the culture if theres no means of dispersion.

Yep. I admit it. Totally learned that lesson first hand. I tried to use one of those outdoor flood/spot lights without remembering how the beams focus on a point. It was a phyto light of judgement, burning all phyto in its path and cooking the water into a sea of doom.

 

[Jonreefer]

i just have a regular 6w led house light on my phyto cultures and they are growing like crazy for me. I have them growing in a 3liter water bottle and the LED light gives off basically zero heat.
the larger bottle was that bright green and within 3 days it was as dark as that small 16oz was.
Also every time i keep a culture for use I use a new water bottle starting the new culture.

 

[Subsea]

Phytoplankton culture is driven by light and will produce more with warmer temperatures. I would think that 85 degrees is a maximum temperature. Light should be on for 16 hour minimum with 24/7 optimum.

 

[shred5]

As long as the light is putting out the right spectrum and if it was designed for a fuge that grows algae it should be ok.

I have never had a issue with heat and my last light was strapped to the gallon jars I use.

I suppose with a cheap light it could be a issue. I know some were having issues with the tape light wrapped around jars but that has no way to disperse heat.