Fuge Light for Macro

I want to put a light in for a fuge so I'll be ready for some cheato. I hear everyone say just use a Home Depot clamp light fixture with screw in bulb which I have around. The problem is that the daylight bulb they have are 5500k. I thought that the daylight bulbs were supposed to be 6500k. They do have a cf bulb that is 6500k. should I use my extra ballast (way too powerful) to power the pc's, or is a 5500k incandescent bulb ok? People use the clamp lights with aluminum reflector, right?

2nd question. I'm getting different responses on whether to add cheato before the cycle is finished. What do you guys think. Won't it take out some of the nutrients before the bacteria can build up?

 

just use a spiral flourecent bulb

and i would leave the cheato out until the cycle is done

 

Thanks for the reply. 5500k is ok or have you seen a 6500k cf bulb? I see now that those spirals are actually cf buls that can go in incandescent fixtures.

 

I was in your shoes just a while back and it is difficult to find the correct lamp to use at Home Depot. If you look over their entire collection of bulbs, they sell Phillips brand "Plant Bulbs" that are good for growing chaeto.

As far as the cycling goes, I don't see a problem with introducing the chaeto before the cycle is over. Hardy algaes can grow in many environments where other types of life may not dare tread. Chaeto should be fine through the cycling process.

 

pc lighting is perfect also for a fuge light i personally use t5 ho for mine it was an extra fixture.

 

I just use a CF floodlight from HD. Don't even know what kelvin it is.

 

The K rating recommended for a refugium is between 5500k to 6500k. As far as adding any Macro before the cycle period, I would wait until your cycle is over. There really is no need for it before.


Luna

 

home depot only had the 5500K but Lowes did have the 6500K bulbs. just fyi

 

There is no need for anything in the fuge yet. It is a brand new tank, there will be no nutrient in there to feed the algea..it needs more then just light to grow. I my self would wait about 6 months before adding algae. Get the fuge up and running and set you flow but wait to add anything.

Just my $.02

 

dont use an incandescent. use a spiral fluorescent. Doesnt matter the kelvin. The highest wattage I was able to find was 26watts, and believe me its more than enough. My chaeto and macro is crazy! And yes you are right about the aluminum reflector (I think it was $6) clamp on fixture. It works great.