Will this Work as Refugium Light?

Reefer37 · May 30, 2020

Was looking into lights for a refugium and remembered I had this Aqueon Planted Aquarium Light:

It would be going on the back of a HOB refugium for my 45g AIO.

Will this thing work for a refugium and growing chaeto?
I'm new to refugiums so wasn't sure.

GaryE · May 30, 2020

Doubtful. Chaeto needs red light to grow well.

Look for a refugium light.

Jvalle · May 30, 2020

Hi u can use a PAR38 Home Depot bulb with a metal housing for 20 bucks total and it will work. I have been running my fuge this way and I have to trim chaeto every week. It’s not the prettiest but works great. I also have another tank with a fancy Kesil below as a light and the only difference is the look but not performance from my observations thx

Spare time · May 30, 2020

GaryE said:
Doubtful. Chaeto needs red light to grow well.

Look for a refugium light.

It does not need red light. Blue light only works well (and better in most cases since chlorophyll a and c are more sensitive to that wavelength)

Glauber · May 31, 2020

imo stronger light are better i never got good growth with weak lights

tautog83 · May 31, 2020

I use a full spectrum par 38 bulb
.sansi 15w from amazon works fine

jstncoffman · May 31, 2020

For years and years we used just regular incandescent bulbs, but over time tech has jumped up , white and red spectrum has been a proven growth increase but for budget yes that would work, i recommend looking at the BRS refugium video, they had a huge test and explained theory on this subject

jstncoffman · May 31, 2020

I use a fulval led i had and adjusted the spectrum, i will upgrade to the Kessel soon

jstncoffman · May 31, 2020

I just modified my sump to keep my chaeto in its area , i have alot of flow through my biocube 29 so the chateo became fish food lol ordering more from algae barn on friday

Jvalle · May 31, 2020

jstncoffman said:
I just modified my sump to keep my chaeto in its area , i have alot of flow through my biocube 29 so the chateo became fish food lol ordering more from algae barn on friday

I can send you some of mine lol....