Lighting Refugium Through Side Glass?

Can it be done?

 

Do not see why not - mine has been running through the side glass for a while and it's not a problem

 

I would think it would be okay, and if you could use a black glass/acrylic divider it should cut down on algae in the rest of the sump! That would be a bonus. You would want to ake sure to keep glass clean of algae so it doesn't block the light though.
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Sure, if you don't mind cleaning the glass every day or two. Film algae will grow very quickly.

 

More work?

 

I'm not sure if it would grow algae any faster than it would if it was above. I know you will lose some light due to having it shining through something. I believe light loss through glass is about 30%. Not 100% sure on the percentage though.

 

It won't grow algae any faster, but any that does grow will quickly choke out the light so you would need to keep that panel clean to keep the macro in the fuge happy.

 

Thanks guys, I'll throw a couple Astreas down there to keep the algae on the glass under control.

 

I've had an Ecoxotica Stunner Strip directly on my refugium for 2 years...no significant algae buildup. It worked better for my than a clip on because it provided light over a larger vertical area. Works great.