Refugium light

[daryl213]

Hello I was curious to know if you guys think this light would be sufficient enough for a small refugium? Just going to be putting sea lettuce and maybe chaeto. Please let me know any advise!

hygger 30 Watts Aquarium LED Reef Light, Dimmable Full Spectrum Marine LED Fish Tank Light Saltwater Nano Aquarium LPS SPS Lighting https://a.co/d/iJJ2K98

 

[mizimmer90]

Probably not because the light spectrum looks mostly blue which is not ideal for growing algae (needs more red/yellow)

 

[daryl213]

Probably not because the light spectrum looks mostly blue which is not ideal for growing algae (needs more red/yellow)

dang okay do you have any light recommendations by chance?

 

[mizimmer90]

How big is your refugium area and whats your budget? I just bought the neptune GRO light but this is on the pricier side of things. I'm all for cheap Amazon lights but you gotta look for the right size (roughly wattage) and color spectrum for plants (mix of blues and reds/yellows)

 

[daryl213]

How big is your refugium area and whats your budget? I just bought the neptune GRO light but this is on the pricier side of things. I'm all for cheap Amazon lights but you gotta look for the right size (roughly wattage) and color spectrum for plants (mix of blues and reds/yellows)

My refugium is not big at all my sump is only a 20g so I am assuming the area where my chaeto and what not may only be about 7 in. L x 8 in. W x 11 in. Front to back so maybe a gallon or 2 of water

 

[CoralB]

Welcome !! :cool: Ai makes a lower cost option also check out kessil

 

[mizimmer90]

My refugium is not big at all my sump is only a 20g so I am assuming the area where my chaeto and what not may only be about 7 in. L x 8 in. W x 11 in. Front to back so maybe a gallon or 2 of water

Innovative marine also makes a smaller light that might work for you!

 

[Paleozoic_reefer]

Any full spectrum light (white) will do actually. I got this one at a clearance bin store for $6 and it works well, even has it’s own timer.

 

[mizimmer90]

Any full spectrum light (white) will do actually. I got this one at a clearance bin store for $6 and it works well, even has it’s own timer.

Full spectrum lights will work but be wary of full spectrum claims! The lights OP listed claim full spectrum but also report this light spectrum:

Plant photosynthetic pathways only absorb certain wavelengths, so you get more bang for your buck (on a wattage basis) with lights optimized for plants. These are the blues and reds; plants reflect green and dont use it which is why they look green and it's a waste of electricity to be outputting this spectrum.

 

[slingfox]

In a refugium you are essentially looking to grow macroalgae which is a photosynthetic plant. On Amazon you can pick up pretty ouch any plant grow light and it should work. It will the come down to shape of light, price, and wattage. You don't need the most efficient light. If for some reason it is underpowered just run the light for longer. I made the mistake of buying an AI Blade Refugium. Form factor and splash proof is nice but the par per dollar pales in comparison to the grow lights I have used to grow micro greens, seedlings, and tropical plants indoor during the winter.

 

[mfinn]

Reef Breeders makes a nice little refugium light.

 

[PetitReef]

i am using the Tunze 88 series for the refugium.
very small form factor, can be fully immerged.

I bought both of mine used, both are the white model but there is also a pink option.
https://www.tunze.com/AE/fr/details/8831.000-led-eco-chic-refugium.html