best DIY light for small refugium?...

thebigblue · 08-22-2002, 01:34 PM

my refugium that will gravity feed to my sump is only 12" X 12" X 16" tall...

i need to retro-fit a small light...(maybe a PC?)...the fuge is made out of 1/4" acrylic

ive heard that there are some lights that could be used at Home Depot or Menards?...

what should i look for?...model #s or names would be great...

thanks

brad

Frank · 08-22-2002, 02:04 PM

At home depot there is a one Lights of America model 926 flood light it is a small 36 watt pc that works great. I run one over mine and it wroks great.

OodleyBoodely · 08-22-2002, 04:13 PM

Look for the 65w LOA floodlight, (about $65) instead of the smaller one. With your deep tank, like mine, the extra wattage will be important for growing calurapa. I have used one on my 13" x 13" x 24"tall refugium for over 1 1/2 years now and have not even had to change the bulb, yet. I had a piece of 1/4" plexiglass cut at HomeDepot ($10) to fit the top of the tank and I just sit the whole unit on top. Originally, I had planned to cut out the center of the plexi top so that the lens of the yard light would fit into it giving the unit a more finished look, but....I'm too lazy to do the cutout so it sits on top instead.

thebigblue · 08-22-2002, 04:29 PM

oodely

so the light just sits on top of the 1/4"?...and the top of the fuge is completely covered by this acrylic piece?...

i have a bunch of spare acrylic layin around...i could make a top for mine with four sides to hold it in place (like a lid on a box)...then just sit the light on top of that?...

do you think you lose any light having to pass thru that 1/4"?...and is there a concern with gas exchange etc?...

thanks

brad

OodleyBoodely · 08-22-2002, 04:57 PM

The top of my tank came with a cover that sat inset around the rim. I had the plexi cut to fit that inner rim exactly. The back of the tank has a 2" opening for filters to fit through, so, the tank is not completely sealed. I think sitting the light on top does reduce the intensity of the lighting especially since the plexi is prone to frosting from salt spray. I believe cutting out the center to seat the fixture would reduce this problem considerably, however, I have had no problems growing algae under this setup even when the plexi goes weeks between cleanings. To add more air flow, you could just drill 1/2"-1" holes in the corners, or just cut the corners off to allow access to air as well as ph cords, airline, ect. HTH

biomekanic · 08-22-2002, 06:54 PM

I got the LOA light at home depot for $29.99, fairly sizeable. look in the home security lights section. sez right on the box: 6820 lumens: aka 6820K lights, 64w PC, pretty spiffy for only $30. this is the screw in model, not the standard "plug in pc" most reefers are used to. looks like the bulb is too big for a standard socket.
I can get the model number to you when I get home tonight. to bad the small quad's are only 2820K.

kestrel · 08-23-2002, 03:18 PM

How hot do these lights get? I'd love to get some light into my sump/refugium, but can't take much heat load.

Thanks
Daryl

thebigblue · 08-23-2002, 03:52 PM

i heard they get kinda hot...i think ill throw a fan near mine to help out...if youve ever used a shop light (which is basically what these are) they can get pretty hot...

OodleyBoodely · 08-23-2002, 06:21 PM

Mine does produce quite a lot of heat. I left mine intact as it was purchased, but, I have heard that some people remove the fixtures from the plastic housing and rig them into thier existing hoods. Also, some drill holes in the casing to vent the heat. Mine doesn't cause any heat problems because it is on top of the tank in the open air. If placed under a stand, the heat may become a problem, but, installing a fan should take care of that.

tdwyatt · 08-24-2002, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by biomekanic
I got the LOA light at home depot for $29.99, fairly sizeable. look in the home security lights section. sez right on the box: 6820 lumens: aka 6820K lights, 64w PC, pretty spiffy for only $30. .

I use two of these lights to propagate octocorals and mushrooms, great cheap light. I have mine suspended from a board over the tank at about 3 inches from the surface. Removed the plastic lens, and although they do get warm, a fan over the sump takes care of that. Thinking of putting 6 or 8 four foot VHO's over the same tank and moving the pc's to the sump and harvesting Hamimeda... Most pc bang for the buck...

Evergreen · 09-28-2002, 10:10 PM

I am refreshing this thread, as a had a few questions and this is relevent to me as i am setting up my refugium this week..

I read the Delbeek/Sprung book so i know about Kelvins, but i didnt know that this is the equivalent of lumens?? i thought lumens was intensity and kelvins was more of a wavelength thing? I am really confused now..

The 65W P-C LOA fixture from home depot is rated at 6820 lumens which equals K?? Anyhow, i got the light and i cant imagine it being insufficient for algae in a refugium it is SO bright! The packaging did not mention K, and the Delbeek&Sprung book did not mention lumens, so are they really just synonomous?

How are these lights doing for those of you who have had them for a few months or more now?

big t · 09-28-2002, 11:05 PM

I can help clear this one up 6820 lumins does not equil 6820k! Your right Evergreen, lumins is the measurement of light intensity. Kelvins is the measurement of color temperature. These two measurements are not related imho. I have not seen those lights at home depot so I can not even guess there color temperature but the highest color temp I have ever seen at a place like that is 6500k on a NO 24 inch tube. They seem to do the trick tho! I don't know if they would be a nice color for a display tank tho
laters
tom

BBReefkeeper · 09-29-2002, 02:50 PM

I have used one for over a year on my refugium and it works great. I'm always harvesting Macro algea. I recently put one on a mantis tank I set up next to my display tank. When the LOA is on by itself it apears nice and white/blue. When my 400w 10,000 come on next to it there is definately a yellow tint. Visually it looks like 6,500 K. Macro's and soft corals have grown great with these lights. I have a egg-crate for a lid on the refugium and the light sits on top of that. This allows heat to disipate.
Good Luck
Bryan

billc · 09-29-2002, 03:49 PM

6800 lumens for under $40.00 What a deal.. Checked at Menards here locally and no go. I think I am going to go up to Waterloo and check out H-D. Cedar Rapids does not have a Home Depot, yet. (under construction)
I am also setting up a fuge this weekend and that sounds great..Take the HD to Waterloo to go to H-D.. What the hell good day for a ride..

Mnemic · 09-30-2002, 10:17 AM

I picked one of these up at Wallyworld for 25 buckerazoids, and Its going over my Sump..

-Paul

best DIY light for small refugium?...

lumins and kelvins