sump light question.

Discussion in 'Refugium' started by mabbus, Oct 3, 2011.

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  1. mabbus

    mabbus Bristle Worm

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    Aug 15, 2011
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    I have a 6500k energy saving bulb for my sump. How high above the water should it be for max algae growth , or does it not really matter? I currently have it about 14" above the waterline
     
    mabbus, Oct 3, 2011
    mabbus, Oct 3, 2011
    #1

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  2. Swisswiss

    Swisswiss Caribbean Reef Squid

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    from what iv read, most macro algaes (depending on what you have) used in sump/refugiums are not 2 demanding. I use caulerpa prolifera under an 18 "bulb" led light and it seems to be doing great. 6500k seems about right and unless your refugium is near a windown (in that case it would largly get enough light from there) it does not really matter the hight of the light.
     
    Swisswiss, Oct 3, 2011
    Swisswiss, Oct 3, 2011
    #2
  3. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    As long as it covers the area with light it should be OK.
     
    2in10, Oct 3, 2011
    2in10, Oct 3, 2011
    #3
  4. rainmkr07

    rainmkr07 Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    Sep 29, 2011
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    I had some other bulb, before I got the 6500k, what a difference! I LOVE the 6500k growth. I have it in a clip on metal clamp light thing.

    Anyway, mine is much closer than 14", I'd say more like 6". If you don't have any splashing, (it's a fuge so it shouldn't have high water movement like that anyway), it won't hurt to get it closer, like 6". Everything will grow even faster if you go that route. Melev has lights 2-3" from the surface in some of his sumps.
     
    rainmkr07, Oct 3, 2011
    rainmkr07, Oct 3, 2011
    #4