Refugium Lighting Options

bcarl77 · Feb 23, 2020

Hi all,

Looking at making a change to my refugium lighting. My refugium is a bit of an awkward size about 6inches Long and 17 inches wide, 9inches deep. I currently was using a Grostar UFO 150W. The light was very bright (horrible spillover), but it got rusted, gets hot, it's large, and I hate how it's mounted and the weight it puts on the glass of my sump. Can I get some recommendations for a replacement?

I am hoping to get something with some good strength and that would be better equipped to fit the dimensions. A few I was considering:

Kessil H80 (still have spillover/spread issue, may not be strong enough)
Tunze ECOCHIC WATERPROOF REFUGIUM LED LIGHT 8831.00 (May not be strong enough)
TaoTronics 18W Dual Head Grow Light, 36 LED (may not be strong enough)

Can anyone give some insights on these lights and other options?

Admann · Feb 23, 2020

Cost limit?

bcarl77 · Feb 23, 2020

In a perfect world, $150 or less but could be persuaded to go higher.... lol

Admann · Feb 23, 2020

bcarl77 said:
In a perfect world, $150 or less but could be persuaded to go higher.... lol

Have you considered the Zetlight e200s? 150.00, wifi controlled thru app. 8.6"L x 6.0"W. BRS has them.

Admann · Feb 23, 2020

I will be using the E200, a little bigger to go over a triton 34

Admann · Feb 23, 2020

I will be using the E200, a little bigger to go over a triton 34

bcarl77 · Feb 23, 2020

Was trying to find a smaller form factor. This may be too big.

Admann · Feb 23, 2020

The tunze might work but I would think it would take 2 maybe? Can't speak from experience.

bcarl77 · Feb 23, 2020

I was considering making a jump to a Kessil 160. Not sure if it would be worth the extra $$

Admann · Feb 23, 2020

Someone might make a 3D printed light cone for the Kessil that might work. Round to oblong shape? Would help with the light spillover.

bcarl77 · Feb 23, 2020

Anyone tried this

Admann · Feb 23, 2020

Look up 3D in the forums,their are several people looking to build 3D printed lighting shields, cones, deflectors, etc.

Fishingandreefing · Mar 30, 2020

bcarl77 said:
Anyone tried this

Don’t get them! Looking for a light myself now too

19frank90 · Apr 6, 2020

Fishingandreefing said:
Don’t get them! Looking for a light myself now too

Are these garbage? I just ordered the Taotronics dual head LED grow light...

monstdog · Apr 6, 2020

I've been running one of these bulbs for 8 months now. It grows cheto pretty thick. It looks like there is an updated version. For the money you can't beat it and it works.