Refugium Lighting Formula

[Marcosreef]

Hello,

I have built a 12 x 13 x 12" refugium, and would like to know if 27 watts PC would be sufficient? (6700k)

I have read many use the LOA 65w, but:

A: Trying to keep heat down

B: Already have a PC ballast (Just need bulb).

C: Uh, there's no C.

Seems there's no real formula for refugium lighting (that I have found anyway...)

Marco

 

[fishfarmer]

The center section of my old 20 gal sump was about this size. I had no problem growing Caulerpa prolifera with a 6700k 27 watt quad PC.

 

[Marcosreef]

Fishfarmer,

Thanks, that's great news. Okay, Here's the scoop:

Went to HD to check out the LOA lights everyone's been using.

I found the Flourex 27w Quad bulb for $7.93 each! I bought 2 (54 watts total) and will be using them on my Fulham Workhorse 3 ballast to light the Fuge. This will get me close to the 65w the LOA fixture uses, without the heat and ballast issues.

I stripped the ends off a Magnetek 449-LR-WS-TC-P ballast to use with the bulbs. I can post pics if anyone is interested.

Marco

 

[mgk65]

Like anything else, the more light the better.

mgk

 

[Man-grove]

Fishfarmer,

Thanks, that's great news. Okay, Here's the scoop:

Went to HD to check out the LOA lights everyone's been using.

I found the Flourex 27w Quad bulb for $7.93 each! I bought 2 (54 watts total) and will be using them on my Fulham Workhorse 3 ballast to light the Fuge. This will get me close to the 65w the LOA fixture uses, without the heat and ballast issues.

I stripped the ends off a Magnetek 449-LR-WS-TC-P ballast to use with the bulbs. I can post pics if anyone is interested.

Marco

Count me interested!!!! Whats a LOA light? I need lighting for my refugium (soon to be made once I find a bulkhead ) and want to DIY....

 

[fishfarmer]

Lights Of America. They are a company that sells various PC fixtures for outdoor use VERY CHEAP that reefers have been butchering for their refugiums for the last few years. The one many people look for is a 65 watt model that is 6700 k and has a screw in base. I think this one is around $35. There are also other fixtures anywhere from 9 watts to 27 watts. Look in the outoor lighting area of Home Depot or other chain hardware stores.

 

[Man-grove]

Cool..can someone post a pic so I can have something to look at when I goto my local Lowes store? Of the LOA fixture and/or the bulbs? Also, what do I need to look for in a bulb? As in is there a "code" on the package that'll tell me the temp?

THese are PC fixtures I am guessing?

Thanks guys...!!

 

[sdgtivr6]

 

[Man-grove]

You DA MAN!!

Final (yeah, right) question: IF (BIG if) I cant find that exact fixture, what key thing must the package state so I am sure to get the right ballast/starter to power tank bulbs?

They also sell bulbs of the right temp also correct? What am I looking for on the bulb package so I get the right thing?

You guys are the greatest! I have learned TONS of reefkeeping info, DIY and cheaper solutions! Thanks!

 

[Marcosreef]

They also sell bulbs of the right temp also correct? What am I looking for on the bulb package so I get the right thing?

They call the bulb "Flourex". It's a 65 watt bulb. The bulb, fixture, and internal ballast are all included. You need a wire and male plug to connect it.

Regards, Marco

 

[dgin]

The pictures posted in the above posts are of the worklight which can also be purchased at Walmart, I believe. At Home Depot you can find this worklight or an outdoor light which has different packaging but is essentially the same light.

 

[Man-grove]

I went to my local WalMart on lunch and snagged one. Very nice! Much whiter light than I was expecting. Gonna be great for the refugium!!