schenktank February 8, 2012 Share February 8, 2012 what do most of you use for a light source on your refugiums to grow macroalgae. i have the stock NOFL from the 10 hex over it now but was using a little desk lamp. my algea was starting to look clear on some parts. not sure what kind of macro it is, it floats and is a stringy clump with little leaves and and bubbly lookin guys on it. ive always seen it in lfs's filling up there whole refugium. im not trying to buy anything expensive to keep a clump of grass alive tho Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coral Hind February 8, 2012 Share February 8, 2012 Many of use a clamp on light with a reflector and a CFL in it. It doesn't get much cheaper then that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Country February 8, 2012 Share February 8, 2012 That's what I use, a clamp on light reflector from home depot with a 60w CFL bulb. Works just fine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
schenktank February 8, 2012 Author Share February 8, 2012 any specific color temp for the cfl? do you think i can get growth with NoFl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Country February 8, 2012 Share February 8, 2012 I tried one of the 5100K cfl bulbs built inside a reflector, just grew red algae very well. Went back to the basic CFL, not sure of the color temp, and it does fine. The reflector for my CPR aquafuge uses a 7100K CF bulb and it always grew chaeto well. You could try a normal flourescent fixture, don't know of any reason it wouldn't work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
schenktank February 8, 2012 Author Share February 8, 2012 i think it was just clear from new growth. i just looked at it at 1:00 am and it looked all green again. but i am kinda a noob so i might be sorely mistaken. also a bit tipsy so it might still be clear. no work tomorrow.woohoo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steveoutlaw February 8, 2012 Share February 8, 2012 I always direct people here: http://www.melevsreef.com/fuge_bulb.html Marc Levinson did a very convincing test on the CFL bulbs. I've used the 5100K bulbs that he recommends and I have gotten fantastic growth. I just set up another fuge and ordered 2 of these bulbs and they are growing the chaeto like crazy. I've also used the PC bulbs that come with the CPR refugiums and they have grown it like crazy too. And, to confuse you even more, one of our members uses a MH light for his macro and has to trim it every week. Clear as mud now???? I think that if you stay aroung the 6500K spectrum you will do ok. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rioreef February 8, 2012 Share February 8, 2012 I agree on the CFL 5100k bulb. Never a problem growing Chaeto. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
schenktank February 8, 2012 Author Share February 8, 2012 clear as mud mr outlaw. much obliged Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Country February 8, 2012 Share February 8, 2012 I agree on the CFL 5100k bulb. Never a problem growing Chaeto. I must have bought the wrong bulb from Home Depot, I wrote down the numbers from Melevsreef to look for it. Do they sell that bulb at HD or Lowes? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steveoutlaw February 8, 2012 Share February 8, 2012 I must have bought the wrong bulb from Home Depot, I wrote down the numbers from Melevsreef to look for it. Do they sell that bulb at HD or Lowes? I looked at both places and could not find that particular bulb. I just went online and ordered it.....$17 shipped for 2 bulbs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Country February 8, 2012 Share February 8, 2012 I looked at both places and could not find that particular bulb. I just went online and ordered it.....$17 shipped for 2 bulbs. Where did you order them from? Cheapest I see is 8.99ea plus shipping Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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