Refugium... what kind of lights?

[Jim Barry]

I am installing a 20 gallon refugium for my tank and I am not sure which kind of bulbs will maximize macro algae growth.

I was thinking of picking up a cheap 2' flourescent fixture from Rona.

Thanks


Jim

[Beermaster]

i have seen ppl using those work lights and just clip it on the side

I know over Dads Fuge we put 384w of power compacts over it

[Skimmerking]

Yes Barry any bulb that is lower then 5000K IMO. the 4300K and the 3400K bulbs from Rona or Home depot.


mike

[TRS]

I use 6700K or 7100K PC bulbs for good macroalgae growth.

[Beermaster]

So 20,000k bulbs are not a good thing?

[saltynuts]

lower k rateing is much better.6500k

[sumpfinfishe]

Hey Jim,

Why not pickup a Hagen Aqua Grow for freshwater, I think the K is around 6500 and for a 2 footer it's gotta be under $20

[Willow]

home depot sells a 23 and 27 watt 5700k "phillips daylight" screw in bulb. they are amazing for growing macros, i seriously trippled my growth in my fuge when i switched over.

[Skimmerking]

Oh ya I forgot about thse lights there Willow
good call on them I have heard really good things about them towards growing algae....

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

Yup, Chin Lee & I have also used them with very good results. i have 7 clip-on desk lights using the 27w Phillips Daylight bulbs ($12.99 for 2 @ HD right now) over my 160g fw planted tank & it works great, even for high light plants like red tiger lotus lilies.

Anthony