Simple refugium lighting (1 Viewer)

[Guest]

I currently have a 24" 2x36w PC fixture over my refugium, which is really overkill. It's causing 2 problems - too much heat, and too little access to the sump for simple maintenance tasks.

I want to replace it with something simple. The standard lighting that comes with the Ecosystem sumps is a single 18w 6500K PC that sits right across the top of the sump. I'm thinking something like that, or maybe something mounted to the top of the cabinet so it's not covering up the sump. I've even thought about a simple desk lamp aimed over the sump with a CF bulb in it.

Just wanted to get some ideas of what you all are using for fuge lights, before I change things up this weekend.

 

[KarenB]

I went to the hardware store and got one of those metal fixtures for a couple of bucks that clamp on, like the mechanics use, and I put a plant light in it. It works great.

 

[robrog]

I started my fuge with this light bulb in the link below and so far it has worked well. I currently am growing cheato under it. There was also a small bit of grape caulerpa mixed in with my cheato and it has grown well under this light also. I don't have any experience with other lighting, but this one has worked well so far for me!

http://www.melevsreef.com/fuge_bulb.html

 

[ScubaMedic]

I did the same as the Karen's and I am using a daylight CF bulb.

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the info. I think I'll go with a clamp-on light and a daylight CF bulb.

 

[KarenHorn]

I did the same as the Karen's and I am using a daylight CF bulb.

Of course you are, where do you think we got the idea from?

 

[KAJeff]

refug light

I got this idea from a friend...

a simple porcelan fixture with a 60watt reveal flood light.
workd great, and have to thin out the caleurpa every 2 weeks, it grows that quick.
Spent about $5.00

 

[sultros]

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=313318

Check out this thread.

The second pic is of the bulb I use. Picked up at home depot. Its absolutely rocks. Just pick up a clip on light outlet there as well.

The bulb puts out little to no heat and is outdoor rated so you can clean it easily.

 

[Guest]

Wanted to say thanks to robrog.

I switched to this flood lamp.The growth of the macro
has increased in 1-2 weeks, what use to take a month.
Great light with little heat at all.

Robert

http://www.melevsreef.com/fuge_bulb.html

 

[Guest]

do u guys add any additive for your calarpa..i cant seem to keep calerpa for more than a wk they just simply wilt away please help

 

[Guest]

I was adding 1-2 teaspoon a week at first, but have stopped for
over a month. what kind of light are you using.

 

[robrog]

Glad to see that the light worked well for you too! I have had good growth with it and have never tried any additives. I really can't take credit since I just linked to someone elses site. It's inexpensive and easy to set up though, so if you are having problems with your setup yao, you might give this light a try.....

 

[Guest]

ive been using double strip light that come with a 20 gallons set up ...thought that would be enuff ...do calerpa need calcium? other? i keep my light on for about 6-7 hrs a day

 

[Guest]

There is the difference.
My stays on 24/7, until I get all the grape caulerpa out.
Then I will start cycling the opposite of the tank lighting.

 

[fins]

I started using the Home Depot bulb that the others are using about 4 months ago and my Chaeto doubled in size. I also have some mushroom frags under this light and they love it. They have really blossomed.

 

[Guest]

Went to Lowe cuz it's closer to me but they didnt have any..picked them up at home depot and used it for about 7 hrs last nite....how soon will i notice any changes?

 

[Guest]

I saw a change in 1-2 weeks, but I leave the light on
24 hours a day.