Fuge lighting

[shinobi9119]

Can I use any kind of light to light a small fuge? or is there a certain kind I have to use.

 

[texasmetal]

As long as it's strong enough to make the macro grow. I use an 18" T8 fluorescent strip light over mine.
I have used 75 watt flood light bulbs in the clamp on workshop lamps before but if your refugium is visible then that method is a bit unsightly.

 

[shinobi9119]

I cant light mine from the top, so I was planning to go from the side. Is there a bulb that will work, instead of a strip light?
is there a minimum wattage, that I shouldnt go under for flourescent bulbs?

 

[texasmetal]

I'd be afraid of the glass becoming coated in micro algae if lit from the side.
How big is your fuge and is it under the tank in the stand?

 

[shinobi9119]

its not really a fuge. In my sump I just have this one area not being used right under the bio ball chamber that gets good flow. I have LR rubble, some ls, and more lr rubble/mud in there now. I have some cheato, and I am going to home depot today since it is on my way. And I decided to pick up some sort of light for that part of my sump so I can move he cheato down there.

 

[shinobi9119]

my other option is to use my other HOB filter and make a "fuge" out of it and stick it on my QT because the water level is not high enough in my sump to do that

 

[mr_x]

one of these in 6500k will work perfectly-

 

[shinobi9119]

thank you

 

[kas2247]

All of the bulbs I've looked at just have the wattage... none of them list the k temp. Is there something I can buy just at like Walmart or somewhere even though it doesn't say the k?

 

[texasmetal]

Originally Posted by Mr_X
http:///forum/post/2729993
one of these in 6500k will work perfectly-

That would be the clamp-on workshop lamp I was referring to.

 

[grubsnaek]

same thing i got on both 10g fuge and my 55g fuge....and that bulb showing can be purchased in a 6500k level.....this is perfect k level spectrum for photosynthesis, hence perfect specturm for macro...

 

[grubsnaek]

haha didnt see it said 65k above the pic. sorry

 

[mr_x]

Originally Posted by kas2247
http:///forum/post/2730076
All of the bulbs I've looked at just have the wattage... none of them list the k temp. Is there something I can buy just at like Walmart or somewhere even though it doesn't say the k?
yes...i get my bulbs from home depot. read each bulb. you'll find some with k temperatures on them.

 

[scrombus2]

Originally Posted by Mr_X
http:///forum/post/2730169
yes...i get my bulbs from home depot. read each bulb. you'll find some with k temperatures on them.
+1..... The k rating is usually stated on the white plastic ballast housing at the base of the bulb.

 

[aztec reef]

Any light would do for macro algea, even a flood light. and if light is not strong enough then u can run it 24/7 to increase efficiency. (some people run light 24/7 in fuge regardless of type of light)...It keeps it active..

 

[kas2247]

I never thought to look on the bulb itself! What an ingenious idea
I'll have to pick something up the next time I'm in civilization... Thanks for the input!