Deciding on a refugium light

[0utworld]

I'm running an IM nuvo 20 and thinking of growing chaeto in one of the back chambers. I've come across two similarly-priced fuge light that are small enough to fit:

-Innovative Marine ChaetoMax 2-n-1 LED
-Tunze EcoChic Waterproof Refugium LED 8831

The Tunze light is submergible, which would really save me the effort of cutting up the black film behind the back chamber, but its light spectrum (Image 1) seems less specific than superior, expensive lights (e.g. Kessil H380).
On the other hand, the IM light specifically emits blue and red light (Image 2), and generally has less favourable reviews than the Tunze light.
Does anyone have experience with either lights and would like to throw in their two cents?

Much appreciated.

 

[Auquanut]

I've never run a nanofuge before, but I've seen a lot of positive feedback about the submersible lights. In my experience, intensity seems to be more of a factor for good macro growth than having the perfect spectrum. Don't get me wrong. Spectrum IS important. I'm sure you'll get more experienced responses soon.

And a belated welcome to R2R as well. It's great to have you with us.

 

[0utworld]

I've never run a nanofuge before, but I've seen a lot of positive feedback about the submersible lights. In my experience, intensity seems to be more of a factor for good macro growth than having the perfect spectrum. Don't get me wrong. Spectrum IS important. I'm sure you'll get more experienced responses soon.

And a belated welcome to R2R as well. It's great to have you with us.

Thanks Auquanut, I really appreciate it. I also really like the submersible feature.

 

[Ly78]

Never used either but i guess with submersible lights will be added heat and the light will need more frequent cleaning as algae will start growing on it.

 

[KenRexford]

Not one of your choices, but I have been loving the results of my AI Prime Fuge light.

 

[Admann]

Get the submersible, algae will grow on the glass and the Chaeto-Max will be a dim glow with dying chaeto

 

[S.K.]

Cheap growing light will do the same.

 

[Rollman]

I grow awesome chaeto and cyano lol with this

 

[Idoc]

The Tunze light was one I was going to buy during the Black Friday sales, but they were sold out immediately! But, I personally wouldn't put money into a chaeto light! There are so many posts on how awesome people are able to grow chaeto with any basic 6500K light you can get from Home Depot. There are also Par38 grow lights all over Amazon that are designed with a specific growth spectrum for plants around the $10-$20 bulb price. If I had a couple hundred dollars burning a hole in my pocket, I'd definitely be able to find something else for my tank, lol. Start with the cheap and then go with the expensive if it doesn't work for you.

 

[0utworld]

The Tunze light was one I was going to buy during the Black Friday sales, but they were sold out immediately! But, I personally wouldn't put money into a chaeto light! There are so many posts on how awesome people are able to grow chaeto with any basic 6500K light you can get from Home Depot. There are also Par38 grow lights all over Amazon that are designed with a specific growth spectrum for plants around the $10-$20 bulb price. If I had a couple hundred dollars burning a hole in my pocket, I'd definitely be able to find something else for my tank, lol. Start with the cheap and then go with the expensive if it doesn't work for you.

That's a very good point. However, since I'm growing chaeto in one of my AIO back chambers, space is definitely a limitation. So I probably couldn't fit a full sized bulb.

 

[piranhaman00]

Like others said, I wouldnt invest over 50$ in the light. The one I linked works well and although not submersable it is water proof. Mine is drenched in water and salt creep and works through it all. Very easy to clean as well.,

 

[tnw50cal]

I've got a IM nuvo 20 P and I use the IM CheatoMax on a Figicube HOB refugium(added 1.5 gallons to my overall water volume, that was a plus). The light grows cheato great, I'm completely happy with it.

 

[0utworld]

Like others said, I wouldnt invest over 50$ in the light. The one I linked works well and although not submersable it is water proof. Mine is drenched in water and salt creep and works through it all. Very easy to clean as well.,

I can't seem to see the link you posted. Do you mind posting again? Thanks.

 

[tnw50cal]

Like others said, I wouldnt invest over 50$ in the light. The one I linked works well and although not submersable it is water proof. Mine is drenched in water and salt creep and works through it all. Very easy to clean as well.,

I thought long and hard about using this light but I was limited on space and it wouldn't fit. There is a good video on youtube where someone makes a refugium out of a Aquaclear 70 and uses this light. It would be also be a very good choice. It's made in China by North Koreans that were imported from Japan if it matters.

 

[piranhaman00]

I can't seem to see the link you posted. Do you mind posting again? Thanks.

Ya not sure why I cant see it either, search this on Amazon.

ACKE LED Grow Lights Fixtures Plant Lights 24W for Plants' Seedlings Hydroponics Green House Aeroponics Herbs Veg. Flower (SMD with Switch)

 

[BeejReef]

The Tunze light was one I was going to buy during the Black Friday sales, but they were sold out immediately! But, I personally wouldn't put money into a chaeto light! There are so many posts on how awesome people are able to grow chaeto with any basic 6500K light you can get from Home Depot. There are also Par38 grow lights all over Amazon that are designed with a specific growth spectrum for plants around the $10-$20 bulb price. If I had a couple hundred dollars burning a hole in my pocket, I'd definitely be able to find something else for my tank, lol. Start with the cheap and then go with the expensive if it doesn't work for you.

Pretty much totally agree. One thing I do like about the submersible concept is the corrosion factor. I've had some heavy metal and aluminum issues in ICP tests that I believe were attributable to rust (internal and external) on a china ufo style light. It can also happen to an inexpensive clamp lamp, though there are certainly steps you can take to prevent or minimize.

 

[Fishtheatre]

I use the IM and though it’s only been running a month, so far so good on growing my chaeto. The reviews seemed to be mostly positive.

 

[Sdot]

I'm in the same boat.... I don't necessarily like the look of the pink lights, i understand they have better spectrum for algae. My solution although overkill , i will use Kessil h160 Tuna Flora (Pink light) and Kessil a160 Tuna sun (Daylight LED). Best of both worlds and hopefully growth for the various type of algae i plan on keeping.