Refugium Lighting

[nikkoli110]

I just bought a 14" hang on refugium for my 29 gallon tank. I already have a little bit of macro algae that I placed in the tank for the meantime (I have high trates). I wanted to get a few more plants for in there. The fuge I bought does not have a light. Would the fuge get enought light from the aqualights I have on my tank now, or should I buy one? If I should buy one, should I just get a 12" flouresent strip, or do I need PC's? Also, would I be better off taking sand from my tank and placing it in there, or should I buy the biosediment? As I said, the main reason I want to get it is for nitrate reduction. Thanks!!

 

[dacia]

The fuge doesn't need PC lights. Photosynthesis of your macros can happen under NO flourescents (just think about plants growing in a freshwater tank).

 

[nikkoli110]

Ooh great! That means I dont have to spend a lot of money! haha Thanks alot!

 

[ohioreef]

Originally posted by Nikkoli110
...I dont have to spend a lot of money!...

A rariety in this hobby!! :joy:

 

[nikkoli110]

Yes it is! My parents and my boyfriend gets so mad when he sees all the stuff I buy. I really can't believe how much money I have put into it. And wasting all my money on trying to set up a 10 gallon. Auh. But hopefully now things will get better...

 

[squidd]

Proper "spectrum" is more important than "what kind" of lights they are...
Look for something in the spectrum that is conducive to plant growth...
Having enough "wattage" is important to accelerate macro growth...This is where "type" (PC, VHO, etc..) can give you more light in a more "compact" package for small fuge areas...