Budget Refugium Lighting Options

Instigate · Nov 26, 2017

I think I have narrowed down my options down to these:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011RBD6YW/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I1D80D8CON56YF&colid=3W3GOR8V1ZSEX

and

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07586GP6J/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I252KZSYVQK35A&colid=3W3GOR8V1ZSEX

I know I could use a clamp light like this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01E9IY6U...8eb9-3ddbd23effb5&ie=UTF8&qid=1511680619&sr=2
But I don't know if I trust it to not fall in the water.

or

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01F53LP46/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I2J7AFO17GQCD5&colid=3W3GOR8V1ZSEX

Unless anyone has a better suggestion under ~50, I'm thinking the 45w panel might be the better option but I'm not sure about build quality. The "80w" of the bulb is an equivalent wattage the actual wattage is 25-30W. Anyone have experience with any lights like these? Or think I should be going with a different product?

braappn · Nov 26, 2017

I have no experience with any of your options, but since you mentioned concern over build quality, I thought I'd throw this option out there from Sylvania.

https://www.amazon.com/SYLVANIA-Equivalent-Replacement-Halogen-Dimmable/dp/B01B0M9V2Y

It is a 26w flood lamp sold in Lowes and HD. I am using it with good results. The reason I ended up going with this was build quality. All the options seem very similar and I am more comfortable running this vs the Chinese internet alternatives.

Instigate · Nov 27, 2017

Would something like this be too much?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073RWCRBS/ref=sspa_dk_detail_8?th=1
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XC3LBI2/ref=psdc_14252941_t1_B073CNLVWF?th=1

Idoc · Nov 27, 2017

Can't beat the $15 price tag and it is working really well for me!

MarsHydro LED Par38 bulb

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01A...ar+38+led&dpPl=1&dpID=51-v8QR5b7L&ref=plSrch#

Instigate · Nov 27, 2017

Idoc said:
Can't beat the $15 price tag and it is working really well for me!

MarsHydro LED Par38 bulb

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01A...ar+38+led&dpPl=1&dpID=51-v8QR5b7L&ref=plSrch#

Ya I was just thinking I'm getting out of hand here. I should just grab a cheap bulb and cheap fixture and try it.

Instigate · Nov 27, 2017

Another option

https://www.amazon.com/ACKE-Fixture...rd_wg=qDVZE&psc=1&refRID=46RMSE31JMSRXW1RSX4F

OREGONIC · Nov 27, 2017

Instigate said:
Another option

https://www.amazon.com/ACKE-Fixture...rd_wg=qDVZE&psc=1&refRID=46RMSE31JMSRXW1RSX4F

I use one of these on one side of my ATS, going to order a second for other side. Seems to be woking great produces thicker algae then the led flood light i have on the other side.

stevepaynr84 · Nov 27, 2017

Instigate said:
Another option

https://www.amazon.com/ACKE-Fixture...rd_wg=qDVZE&psc=1&refRID=46RMSE31JMSRXW1RSX4F

Anyone know where I can get one of these in the UK? Seems good and at a great price point too

Idoc · Nov 27, 2017

Instigate said:
Ya I was just thinking I'm getting out of hand here. I should just grab a cheap bulb and cheap fixture and try it.

Exactly... you're only out $15 plus the clamp on fixture ($8). I'm using this setup and my chaeto went from a silver dollar size to a melon size in about 2-3 weeks... that's good enough growth for me! Place it so it's about 12-14" above the water. Plus, this bulb is used to grow plants, so you know the spectrum is correct. I can't justify $300 for a Kessil light just to grow chaeto, lol.