Refugium Lighting

[Rubymoon286]

I've just started shopping around for a dedicated refugium light so I can take my AI Prime back for a new coral qt set up, and I wanted to see what folks are using.

I'm looking at the Tunze waterproof fixture, the ai blade, prime fuge, and the kessil fuge. Are there advantages to the fuge designed lights over just getting a nano full spectrum? I saw a few controlable full spectrums that looked interesting too.

One of the things I really liked about the Tunze waterproof fixture was how low I could get it in my sump without as much worry about it getting wet, and it would give better control over spillover light - the blade is also appealing for the slim profile since my plumbing has to go across my sump length wise due to the shape of the cabinet.

 

[exnisstech]

Cheap led grow light is all I ever used. Grew chaeto just fine.

 

[C_AWOL]

You don't "need" any fancy lighting to grow chaeto. A simple 20-30 dollar par38 bulb from the hardware store will work well.
If you want "fancy" then theres the freshwater noopsyches for under 100 with a mounting arm that works well

 

[MoshJosh]

LED grow light from Amazon, freshwater aquarium/planted light, specific refugium light. . . They all work.

I FEEL like planted lights work best but got a soft spot for the purple glow!

 

[mlivvy]

$15. Grows cheato like crazy. And anything else in there. :grinning-face-with-sweat: Amazon product ASIN B09FLQZT4F

 

[Solo McReefer]

Before light companies started making expensive dedicated fuge light

Reefers would use either grow light or even a regular bulb in a brooder fixture

 

[GARRIGA]

Here’s an option. IM ChaetoMax. Depending on size of area being lit.

 

[sfmacguy]

I have been able to grow cheato with almost any led light, but... I have a Kessil H380, and I have never grown cheato as fast as I have with this light. Its crazy the difference.

 

[Rubymoon286]

I've used amazon lights in the past with some mixed success - mostly I CAN grow chaeto with just about anything, it's just not always fast enough to keep up with the nutrients.

I also like the idea of a waterproof light or one I can mount on a shorter arm that I can mount below my plumbing. Here's an older photo of the plumbing, the manifold has bleached from the AI Prime which is where the want to mount it below the plumbing comes from.

 

[Minifoot77]

I use a 600w grow light off Amazon for 49.99

 

[wunderlong88]

I've just started shopping around for a dedicated refugium light so I can take my AI Prime back for a new coral qt set up, and I wanted to see what folks are using.

I'm looking at the Tunze waterproof fixture, the ai blade, prime fuge, and the kessil fuge. Are there advantages to the fuge designed lights over just getting a nano full spectrum? I saw a few controlable full spectrums that looked interesting too.

One of the things I really liked about the Tunze waterproof fixture was how low I could get it in my sump without as much worry about it getting wet, and it would give better control over spillover light - the blade is also appealing for the slim profile since my plumbing has to go across my sump length wise due to the shape of the cabinet.

What did you end up using and what was the result? I'm looking at the Ai Blade. I have a cheap Amazon led grow light and I was looking for something that would cause better/faster growth.

 

[bobnicaragua]

I’ve been using tunze refugium lights for years. I like the fact that they can get wet and there’s virtual no light spill. I have no algae growing in my skimmer or return tubing.

 

[mlivvy]

Originally I did recommend a $15 amazon light but I ended up buying a tunze light and wow. Grows chaeto like crazy.

 

[metro6775]

I have been using the light linked below since March 2024 with good results.

Amazon product ASIN B01LX1EO3W

 

[metro6775]

I have been using the light linked below since March 2024 with good results.

Amazon product ASIN B01LX1EO3W

Search for ACKE LED Grow Lights Full Spectrum,Plant Lights，Growing Lamps 12W for Indoor Plants,Hydropoincs

On Amazon.

 

[wunderlong88]

I’ve been using tunze refugium lights for years. I like the fact that they can get wet and there’s virtual no light spill. I have no algae growing in my skimmer or return tubing.

I was considering this or the AI blade refugium. I have about 24x24 area for refugium and can only go about 16" above it or lower.

 

[bobnicaragua]

I was considering this or the AI blade refugium. I have about 24x24 area for refugium and can only go about 16" above it or

Either will work. Just be sure to set it up so you’re not growing algae in your skimmer or return lines.

24 x 24 is a big fuge. Too much light and you’ll strip the nitrates out of the water. I tried to lower phosphates years ago by running 3 tunze lights. Nitrates got to 0 and my acros paled. Phosphates stayed high. I’ve run 1 light and GFO ever since.

 

[wunderlong88]

Either will work. Just be sure to set it up so you’re not growing algae in your skimmer or return lines.

24 x 24 is a big fuge. Too much light and you’ll strip the nitrates out of the water. I tried to lower phosphates years ago by running 3 tunze lights. Nitrates got to 0 and my acros paled. Phosphates stayed high. I’ve run 1 light and GFO ever since.

Good to know. I don't have to use all of the area. Was hoping to grow some macros for tangs to eat and possible a few to put in the top to see (if they get eaten I can replace them)