Proper lighting for refugium?

[scoopsthedog]

I am breaking down my 25G and I have a Current USA Orbit Marine Pro http://current-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Orbit_Marine_Light_Specifications.pdf (pro is a different model). Question will that work for the refugium / plant needs in my sump? If so what is the ideal mix of W/B and intensity settings?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I am breaking down my 25G and I have a Current USA Orbit Marine Pro http://current-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Orbit_Marine_Light_Specifications.pdf (pro is a different model). Question will that work for the refugium / plant needs in my sump? If so what is the ideal mix of W/B and intensity settings?

yes it will. use more white than blue. yours is the non lensed. intensity will depend on how high it it over the tank. fwiw green plant like more warm, so you can put a small piece of white printer paper over some of the leds to warm them up in color temp.

 

[scoopsthedog]

yes it will. use more white than blue. yours is the non lensed. intensity will depend on how high it it over the tank. fwiw green plant like more warm, so you can put a small piece of white printer paper over some of the leds to warm them up in color temp.

I will only be about 1.5" above the sump (which is 13" in depth). Start with 75%W/25%B? How long should the lights be on?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I will only be about 1.5" above the sump (which is 13" in depth). Start with 75%W/25%B? How long should the lights be on?

Id start at prob 30 or 40% I think, give you some wiggle room at that distance. and the color I do by eye. you may want more blue. I run my fuge opposite the display.

 

[scoopsthedog]

Id start at prob 30 or 40% I think, give you some wiggle room at that distance. and the color I do by eye. you may want more blue. I run my fuge opposite the display.

Cool thanks for the feedback and info. One last Q - any links you would suggest I read up on for refugiums? This is my first one.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Yup, here's some things. Pop back in if you have questions.
My .02. A simple effective fuge needs only chato. keep the bottom clean. avoid rubble(for cleaning)
http://successfulreefkeeping.com/learn/refugium/
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2004/11/tips
http://www.qualitymarine.com/News/Feature-Articles/Intro-to-Refugium-Algae-(12/23/15)
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-01/sl/index.php
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/volume_6/volume_6_3/refugiums.html

 

[scoopsthedog]

One more question (or maybe not! [emoji6]) it says that 6500K is the ideal Temp for lighting. Anyway to test / set the Orbit Marine Pro to 6500k?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

The white is pretty warm, I forget the exact temp. True 6500 is sun light. led for reefs generally dont contain enough R Y & O for a true 6500k.

 

[scoopsthedog]

The white is pretty warm, I forget the exact temp. True 6500 is sun light. led for reefs generally dont contain enough R Y & O for a true 6500k.

I'm back! [emoji23] So after more research the only outstanding issue I see is they talk about having water flow in the refugium. If I throw a power head in there (wave maker style) would that suffice?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I'm back! [emoji23] So after more research the only outstanding issue I see is they talk about having water flow in the refugium. If I throw a power head in there (wave maker style) would that suffice?

Depending on the flow in sump or fuge already, you may be ok. All plants like flow. some more than others.
If you have a low turnover from the return you might.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

But yea a powerhead is fine. I actually use the small 12v $4 DC pumps, to save a penny on electricity.