Budget teir refugium light?

[Jake_the_reefer]

I'm currently learning how to make a refugium from an aquaclear 70 just as a fun side project might not even use it but what would be a good nano refugium light to set up for under 100

 

[W1ngz]

I use one of these.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Feit-El...ant-Grow-Light-Bulb-BR30-GROW-LEDG2/302049327

 

[Amboss72]

Get a clip on shop light fixture from Home Depot and put a 6500k light bulb in it. Or you can get one of the more expensive socket bulbs specific to refugium. Either way has always worked just fine for me and the many other refugiums I maintain.

 

[DesertOasis]

I agree with the above comments. No need to go crazy with a high tech led setup.

 

[Jake_the_reefer]

I agree with the above comments. No need to go crazy with a high tech led setup.

Looking to keep it simple :) however I do need very low spread so the light doesn't shine into my display tank

 

[W1ngz]

The light I posted above has already pushed my chaeto from a fist sized ball to filling my 10x6 refugium compartment.

For an aquaclear 70, you might be happier with a slighly smaller bulb which you could just shroud in some aluminum foil.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Feit-El...lant-Grow-Light-Bulb-A19-GROW-LEDG2/302049324

 

[Jake_the_reefer]

The light I posted above has already pushed my chaeto from a fist sized ball to filling my 10x6 refugium compartment.

For an aquaclear 70, you might be happier with a slighly smaller bulb which you could just shroud in some aluminum foil.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Feit-El...lant-Grow-Light-Bulb-A19-GROW-LEDG2/302049324

That might be perfect.. I do have an extra clip desk lamp I can put that in (if it doesnt melt the lamp)

 

[W1ngz]

It's an LED, it doesn't get very hot. Warm at most. I have mine in an aluminium reflector that sits right on top of the acrylic splash shield. Honestly I've felt phones and laptops that get hotter to the touch.

 

[Jake_the_reefer]

It's an LED, it doesn't get very hot. Warm at most. I have mine in an aluminium reflector that sits right on top of the acrylic splash shield. Honestly I've felt phones and laptops that get hotter to the touch.

So this should be easy to grow chaeto with?

 

[W1ngz]

Your mileage may vary, but this is today, one month after installing my new sump. It started as a just barely fist sized ball.

 

[Jake_the_reefer]

How many oz of chaeto should I add?

 

[Shredder99]

I agree with the above comments. No need to go crazy with a high tech led setup.

Agreed, search Amazon for "refugium LED" and you will get great options. I got this one and velcroed it to the glass of my Biocube. I have it plugged into a timer and it runs for nine hours at night when my main lights are off. I checked it today during my water change and the chato had about doubled in size from three months ago.

Amazon product ASIN B01N47QRHV

 

[William Mumford]

I hate Amazon. Use ebay
https://www.ebay.com/itm/ACKE-LED-G...Growing-Lamps-12W-Indoor-Plants-/352625450873

 

[Jake_the_reefer]

I hate Amazon. Use ebay
https://www.ebay.com/itm/ACKE-LED-G...Growing-Lamps-12W-Indoor-Plants-/352625450873

Amazon prime I dont trust ebay lol

 

[William Mumford]

I use acke for growing phytoplankton and culturing copepods as well and it runs 24/7 no problems.

 

[William Mumford]

It's a 20$ light what can you trust? @Bulk Reef Supply for all items that need to be trusted.

 

[W1ngz]

How many oz of chaeto should I add?

I would add as much as you can up to about half full, so that the copepods and amphipods have a predator free playground to breed in. You can always pull some out when it overgrows.

 

[Jake_the_reefer]

I would add as much as you can up to about half full, so that the copepods and amphipods have a predator free playground to breed in. You can always pull some out when it overgrows.

Sounds good my lfs sells by the ounce so I'll have to eyeball it.

 

[Jake_the_reefer]

They had one about the size of a flood light but idk if I need that big

 

[W1ngz]

I think that'll be perfect once you shroud it and block the light from spilling into the tank.