Light over Fuge

What kinda of light works over a fuge? I remember reading that store bought hanging light works, is this like a plant light? What is the recommended watt/type. Thanks!

 

I personally have a 24w PC over my fuge. It's only a few gallons though. About 4.

 

I use 2 of these TCP 2P381951K Floodlight Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb in some clap on trouble light fixtures I picked up at lowes. I have been having astounding growth in my algea.

 

Your best bet is power compacts or standard (full-spectrum) fluorescents!!! You don't need to overkill lighting for refugiums as you aren't housing corals...Macro algae will do just fine under 1-3 watts per gallon. Without macro, you can skip the lighting all together.
Also, if your refugium is under your main tank in the stand, you MUST be careful of the heat and fire issue.

 

I'd just go to Lowe's and get a 7.00 strip and a 3.00 growlux tube if its a deep tank then go with a 9.00 dual fixture and get two bulbs Hell I'd just get the dual and be done with it.. I use a old dual 24in light from the kitchen when I replaced the fixture with a T-6 , 8 tube lamp over the stove and sink LOL I like light the plants are happy and I'm happy..

 

Thanks for the quick replies! I'm heading out to see what i can find

 

As far as the heat/fire issue goes, I don't think that would be a problem if your using flourescent lights of any type. Any other thoughts on that specific issue?

 

compact flourescents can get quite hot if left on for awhile, which they will be. so i'd put any kind of fan blowing into your refugium if its in a cabinet. you can even use a standerd flourescent light like coral reefer said, you can get the "mini-aqualight" from DFS that has 2x 9watt compact flourescents for like $30, but like others said, you can find bascically the same lights at a hardware store for 1/5 the price.

 

I use one or two screw in PC's, the 50/50 by coralife, depending on the size of the fuge. For large fuges (100g and above), i use 65-96w pc units.

 

granted watts per gallon is the most minimum to establish lights. but, depending on your refugium size will depend on mh or pc, 1-3 watts per gallon is a good base. heat will always be an issue with lights or anything else that fires. what will be your refugium size?