Refugium Lights

Discussion in 'Reef Lighting' started by NASAGeek, Dec 16, 2014.

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  1. NASAGeek

    NASAGeek Eyelash Blennie

    Joined:
    Nov 16, 2009
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    1,253
    Location:
    Houston, TX
    I read multiple threads on various refugium lighting options...

    Several folks referred to the PAR38 LED bulbs available at Lowe's and Home Depot. I had used a simple clamp on and CFL before and it worked fine... but decided to give the PAR38 LED's a go...

    Quick question... what Kelvin rating... I saw some at 2700 and some at 5000K.... I could see logic in both directions....

    2700... more to the red spectrum for growing algae...
    5000... closer to daylight and higher energy wavelength for penetrating water depth.

    Since my fuge is a 55 gallon tank, I chose the 5000K....

    Thoughts??? THe threads I read just said "PAR38 LED's".... they did not specify which temperature rating they were talking about.

    M


    PS -- BTW... I got two PAR38 5000K bulbs for my 55 gallon... I figure that'll be plenty... I can add more later if needed.
     
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  3. civiccars2003

    civiccars2003 Great Blue Whale

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    "Watching". I've been wanting to change my setup for quite some time.
     
  4. NASAGeek

    NASAGeek Eyelash Blennie

    Joined:
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    Location:
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    upload_2014-12-16_21-26-41.png

    There are the two PAR 38 5000K fixtures hooked up. I can easily fit two more if I need to. When I add chaeto, it will naturally flow from left to right.

    Inflow is the PVC along the top back, durso on the left. Small PVC in the middle is my two part dosing tubes coming from above (Ca/Alk/Mg). Outflow is on the right. Drains down into my sump below where my return pump tank is.
     
  5. stepho

    stepho Panda Puffer

    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2008
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    Nice lookin fuge.

    Are the reflectors required though? Maybe let the lights breathe a little easier since par 38s are already directional.
     
  6. ivanbosk

    ivanbosk Feather Duster

    Joined:
    Jun 3, 2011
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    Location:
    Savannah GA
    I have one of those cheapie chinese LED's on mine. When I upgraded my LED on my DP, i brought one of them down to the refugium. My chaeto/culerpula grow great