refugium lighting. whens enough enough?

[koyoteturtle]

Hey all I was just curious as to wether anyone could enlighten me as to what is the popular idea on what to use for a sump/refugium lighting? I have a 36watt light with attinics on it just to have some light, should I go mh? Could ya'll just shine some light on the subject for me? I only have macro algae and pods growing in it right now, eagerly awaiting..........

 

[Brenden]

I use this on mine. Works great. Burn temp is 6500 so algae loves it. I think I bought 4 on ebay for $100 shipped. Only needed one.
http://www.lightsofamerica.com/floods.htm

 

[trido]

I have a $7 flood fixture with a $9 65k 23W off the shelf home depot bulb over my fuge (30G 24" tall) and my macros are growing better than when I had a 96w PC over it . It all depends on what you are trying to grow in there.

 

[koyoteturtle]

cool ill check em both out!

 

[mmkeeper]

i second tridos'

 

[returnofsid]

I use a cheap clamp on, goose neck lamp I purchased at Walmart...it has a plastic clamp. It has a regular mogul base and I put one of those compact flourescent bulbs that are made for energy efficient house lighting in it. It works great. I probably should change the bulb to more of a daylight bulb or go with one of the coral life bulbs...but it's working great for me. Total cost for lamp and bulb at Walmart is under $10.00.

 

[matts125]

Dont mean to hijack but what about a 175 watt MH with a 6700k Bulb?? that would probably work even better than the flood lights right?

 

[returnofsid]

It'd sure would be overkill for a refugium. Not to mention the heat issues.

 

[Holygral]

Brenden

The fisture you got off of ebay is by Lightd of America and can be bought at Home Depo for $40. I just got one , thought you would want to know

 

[Brenden]

Yeah I saw them. I just wanted some other ones for later use. They were $25 shipped on ebay PS. I hate ebay