Refugium lighting choice. H380 or A360x?

[Crashnt24]

I assumed the A360x was the way to go judging by price alone... Then I saw a video comparison between the two, showing the H380 has twice the par values at 10" above the water line. I want the best bang for my buck, as I keep it on grow most the time anyways. I want a chaeto factory in my refugium. Can anyone who had both lights post their results and preference? My fuge is 14x14x14 with a clear acrylic lid on it to reduce evaporation. My light will be hung 8" above waterline.

Thanks!

 

[Albertan22]

Honestly I feel like both those lights are overkill on a fuge that size. Have you considered the AI Fuge light? Or something else in a lower wattage range?

 

[Crashnt24]

I'm currently running the H80, but it's not intense enough. My display tank lights out compete the fuge on algae growth. I need to up it more, especially to penetrate the lid

 

[Albertan22]

Fair enough. The H80 is only a 15W light whic is pretty small. The AI Fuge is a 45W light, and the A360x refugium and H380 are both 90W lights. If you are going for the 90W light I’d be more inclined to go with the A360X as it is adjustable. I was dead set on an H380 but when I did my research I found a lot of people complaining about the fan noise, heat generation, and it burning their Cheato. I settled for the AI fuge and it grows chaeto plenty good enough for me. I do not have a lid on my fuge though so the 90W may be a better option for you but at least with the A360x you can turn it down if needed.

 

[Crashnt24]

right on, thanks