DIY Sump and refugium...with black idea...

I’m using a 30 gal to build a sump for my 75 gal reef. I’m going to have a refugium in the middle chamber, between the protein skimmer and return pump. I got to thinking, I don’t want much light from the refugium to be on my skimmer or return pump. So I thought, wouldn’t black plexiglass work better than clean. My refugium light would almost all be in the refu part and not spreading much onto the skimmer and return pump.
Anyone ever try this?
Also, I’ve seen many people use compact fluorescent light bulbs from Home Depot for their refugium. If that works, great. I may use one myself. But, since we grow chaeto algae and such in a refugium, would red light be better? Or a mix of red and white, or red and blue, kind of like this http://www.ebay.com/itm/Blue-Red-225-LED-Grow-Light-Panel-Stimulate-Growth-Lamp-14W-Premium-version-/121026507135?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c2dbdf17f
Be better at growing algaes?

 

That's way too much money imo. Just stick to the light bulbs - they work great. I'm using florescent in mine and the algae loves it.

 

I dont think its way to much money its only $25. People that build Turf scrubber (not me) use red leds with white and have great results. The extra red spectrum does help. Thats why freshwater planted tanks have a pink light lot. I would give it a try if you want to. Plus its only $25 with free shipping so why not. Its cheaper then an expensive par 30 bulb to use for a fuge.

 

420 lumens isn't that much though. It's noticeable, but home bulbs already are on the warm side and work well. I'd at least try it out without the LEDs and add them if necessary. Just my opinion

 

I have an Eshopps refugium, which has black acrylic panels to separate the skimmer, 'fuge, and return compartments. I highly recommend this as my skimmer and return sections are algae free

As far as lighting, my Chaeto is growing just fine using a $2 Home Depot 5000k CFL and $8 clip on fixture. No reason to spend anymore to grow Chaeto IMO.

 

I agree on the clip on cone shaped reflector and the CFL bulbs.
I use a total of 200W on my Chaeto basket. (2 x 100W)

I also had made a 'wall' to shield my PS from the scatter of the lights, which in turn keeps my PS with much less corralline in the tube.

I think my set up is in my Sig below if you care to look at the sump one.

 

I like your black acrylic idea Saltyclown. I am currently dealing with the same issue. Look forward to seeing how you resolve it.