Suggestions for DIY refugium grow lights

[ryecoon]

I've seen plenty of Aquarists using Flood lights as a Refugium plant growing light. Is that the best route? cost wise and quality? Would anyone give me some tips on effective ways to build? I was going to buy a LED kessil amazon sun light but im thinking it may be over kill for a cpr HOB Refugium. Im planning on adding more mangroves and Chaeto.

 

[Mike J.]

A simple 6500k CFL bulb grows plants very well.

 

[The Flying Turkey]

I got a PAR38 daylight 6500k CFL for $5 and a clamp on reflector for $6. Done.

 

[ryecoon]

Nice. Any preference on fixture?

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

Lowes has great clip on fixtures that are cheap.

 

[ryecoon]

Sweet!

 

[ReeferEric]

Yeah use the Lowes/Home Depot clip on fixture with reflector. That and the 5000k or 5500k spiral CFL bulb, grows chaeto like weed in my tank.

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

I picked up a led plant growth bulb on eBay for less than $10.

 

[KoleTang]

Melevsreef.com - Refugium Bulb

 

[ryecoon]

melevsreef.com - refugium bulb

awesome!

 

[mfinn]

I use to use the bulbs that melevsreef recommended for years, but recently switched to a Lowes led spot light bulb and the macro growth has really taken off.

 

[ryecoon]

Do any of you grow mangroves?

 

[-Logzor]

I have the reef breeders LED fuge light. Does a pretty good job I think. I stopped using the CFLs because they lose their intensity so quickly.

 

[ryecoon]

I have the reef breeders LED fuge light. Does a pretty good job I think. I stopped using the CFLs because they lose their intensity so quickly.

Thanks. how much do those run?

 

[-Logzor]

Thanks. how much do those run?

They were under $100. All you really need is one of them.

 

[ryecoon]

I found this Led light from my old fresh water aquarium. Doesnt specify the Kelvins but it has a white spectrum and red. Do you guys think this would be sufficient enough?

 

[ryecoon]

 

[KoleTang]

Give it a try. If it doesn't work it won't take much effort to switch.

 

[ryecoon]

ok Thanks. Also one more question. found someone selling a kessil H150 Hydroponic led. But it has a magenta spectrum will that be good for Chaeto, Mangroves etc? and also, is there a limit in how much Mangroves to fit in one refugium? or the more the better?

 

[ryecoon]

I picked up a led plant growth bulb on eBay for less than $10.

Will two 65 watt bulbs be just as effective as a 120 watt? 5000k