Refugium lighting question

[serg141]

I have read several postings about light timing for refugiums. I read "light opposite to the main" I've read "light 24 x 7". Which is better? And why? I have 120 gal main tank and CPR 18" HOB refugium. :notsure:

 

[jjlittle]

I do opposite from main everyone I know that ran it 24/7 got major algea breakout (Bad algea not the good)

 

[bang guy]

What do you want the refugium to accomplish for you?

 

[serg141]

All the beneficial things it suppose to do, ie lower nitrates, better water quality, etc.....

 

[bang guy]

I think you're referring to an algae scrubber. In my opinion Lighting 24/7 will give more algae growth but not twice as much as 12 hour lighting. I did a few experiments and the amount of extra growth seems to depend a lot on the type of algae you have. Caulerpa grew about 15% more for me with 24/7 lighting vs reverse display lighting. Chaetomorpha did a lot better.
For me the double electric bill and reduced bulb life didn't make it worth it for the small amount of extra growth. Your situation may be different.

 

[serg141]

Could I get a red slime outbreak in my refugium and not my main tank....Cause that's what I think is starting to happen to my refugium.

 

[bang guy]

Cyanobacter does best in low oxygen/high lighting environments. If you're getting cyano in a refugium it usually because the waterflow is too low. Most new refugiums get a cyanobacter bloom because they are the first to colonize new surfaces. If your refugium is very new then it may just be time before beneficial bacteria crowd out the cyanobacter.

 

[jjlittle]

My refrug did get a break out of red slime algea only in the refrug and not in the main tank I boosted teh flow in there and did red slime remover a month later loaded with all the right algea and doing very well.