Running a refugium light in sump with fish?

vandy · Oct 26, 2024

I have a couple of clowns I'm fostering in my sump, will they be negatively affected running a refugium light on reverse hours of my tank lights?

I’ve seen conflicting advice whether fish need total darkness or if they can even see red light at all.

Thanks for any help!

ShakeyGizzard · Oct 26, 2024

they wont know time schedules, they will acclimate to the sump light schedule. Don't know about the red light, but a small amount of white light does not hurt macro algae if you have a way to set your spectrum on your sump

vandy · Oct 26, 2024

ShakeyGizzard said:
they wont know time schedules, they will acclimate to the sump light schedule. Don't know about the red light, but a small amount of white light does not hurt macro algae if you have a way to set your spectrum on your sump

It’s not an adjustable light unfortunately. I guess my main worry is my sump isn’t in a stand or anything, and there is a decent amount of natural light coming through the downstairs windows. So it would be light during the day and then the refug light on at 12-6am

ShakeyGizzard · Oct 26, 2024

vandy said:
It’s not an adjustable light unfortunately. I guess my main worry is my sump isn’t in a stand or anything, and there is a decent amount of natural light coming through the downstairs windows. So it would be light during the day and then the refug light on at 12-6am

I don't think the clowns will say to hell with it and roll over and die. Should be just fine. It may interfer with mating if the two are ready for that

ShakeyGizzard · Oct 26, 2024

vandy said:
It’s not an adjustable light unfortunately. I guess my main worry is my sump isn’t in a stand or anything, and there is a decent amount of natural light coming through the downstairs windows. So it would be light during the day and then the refug light on at 12-6am

But I hope they still have hiding spots for them in the sump. If not, add some rubble rock if you have it