Refugium lighting help

Deezill · Apr 12, 2020

Ok folks so I am making my first compartment of my sump a refugium. I have a Bashsea Smart Series 48x18x16 Sump.
The first compartment size is 24x17.5. My plan is to grow Chaeto so I can stop dosing NoPox. What would be a great fuge light? So currently I have some rock that has been in there since day one from my build. I am adding 20 lbs of Miracle mud in a few days. The size of chaeto I am getting is that of a softball. Currently, my No3 is about 20ppm and my Po4 ranges from 0.5 to the highest I've seen at 1.0. I am trying to cut those nutrients in half which would be great. Any help would be great.
I am not sure if my size fuge is considered small or medium-sized. Let me know if you need any more details so I can grab the correct light. Thanks.

lpsouth1978 · Apr 12, 2020

I would go with a Kessil H380 . One of the best Fuge lights out there. If cost is an issue, you could get an AI Prime Fuge. Worked very well for me, just not as powerful as the H380.

Deezill · Apr 12, 2020

lpsouth1978 said:
I would go with a Kessil H380 . One of the best Fuge lights out there. If cost is an issue, you could get an AI Prime Fuge. Worked very well for me, just not as powerful as the H380.

Thanks for the suggestion. I think a local reefer has one for sale since he is shutting down his tank. That strong light won't be too much for a softball size of chaeto will it?

lpsouth1978 · Apr 12, 2020

It may, but it is dimmable so you can turn it down if needed.

Deezill · Apr 12, 2020

Anyone ever use the light below?
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/auqa...1-refugium-led-18-watt-innovative-marine.html

Deezill · Apr 13, 2020

what about this light
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/h160-tuna-flora-led-algae-grow-light-kessil.html

minus9 · Apr 13, 2020

I used to have the H380 on my 90g, but it was just to efficient at growing chaeto, so I downsized to the H160 and it's a perfect fit. Depending on the size of your tank and the amount of fish you have will determine which light to choose? I know some people will reduce the hours the H380 is on, but to me this reduces the other benefit of running the fuge opposite of the main tank, stable pH.
What size tank do you have?