Refugium Bulbs; Opinions, Experiences?

mjsandbe · 02-26-2008, 08:56 PM

I have three that I am looking at and I am hoping somebody here has an opinion, about bulbs that is

http://www.bulbs.com/eSpec.aspx?ID=1...scent+Screw-in

http://www.1000bulbs.com/30-Watts-R4...ht-Bulbs/6726/

http://www.lightbulbsdirect.com/page...ctors/1R402351

tlgreve · 02-26-2008, 09:03 PM

I've got one of those curly 13W CF cheapies from home depot on my fuge with a cheapy clamp lamp from the same place. I'm not sure which of the ones you've got there would be the best.

oyam123 · 02-27-2008, 08:10 AM

Best are as close to 65K as you can get and as much wattage as you can get.
I am going with 250w 65k iwasaki.

mjsandbe · 02-27-2008, 09:57 AM

I am pretty sure that a 250w 65k iwasaki for me would be massive overkill since I am trying to light 1/3 of a 29 gallon.

oyam123 · 02-27-2008, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjsandbe

I am pretty sure that a 250w 65k iwasaki for me would be massive overkill since I am trying to light 1/3 of a 29 gallon.

go 75w PC/VHO/MH its as close to the 65k that you want for plants.

mjsandbe · 02-27-2008, 10:46 AM

I can spend 10 on a 30 Watt 5000K Bulb and you suggest that I buy a PC/VHO/MH setup ($50 -$100?) to get 75 Watt 6500K to grow some algae in a cube foot?

b16drag · 02-27-2008, 12:38 PM

I'm using the 5500K 19watts curly fluorescent one from Homedepot. Its did great for 6 months and now I just changed it for another one. The old one is now lighting up another room...

oyam123 · 02-27-2008, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjsandbe

I can spend 10 on a 30 Watt 5000K Bulb and you suggest that I buy a PC/VHO/MH setup ($50 -$100?) to get 75 Watt 6500K to grow some algae in a cube foot?

the 5500K 19watts curly fluorescent one from Homedepot.
sounds like what you are looking for.

pogodzib · 02-27-2008, 02:01 PM

Hi Michael. I use the third bulb you posted over my fuge and get slightly more growth than I did with my old standard CF 2700k bulb. I'm not totally happy with the growth and when I update my bulb next time, I'll probably try to find something with a little more wattage. Maybe the reason for my slow growth is because of my ozone use and large skimmer so my water always reads zero nitrates and phosphates.

I'd be really interested to see how the second bulb posted would do. I think the added watts and lumens would be a really nice benefit.

mjsandbe · 02-27-2008, 03:05 PM

Well, I just ordered a couple of these http://www.1000bulbs.com/30-Watts-R4...ht-Bulbs/6726/ I like the fact that it is "U.L. Listed for wet locations - use indoors or outdoors" and that it is the brightest Compact Fluorescent Reflector Light Bulb I could find. This should be an improvement on the 27 watt 3700K Compact Fluorescent Reflector Light Bulb I am using now.

pogodzib · 02-27-2008, 03:13 PM

Let us know what you think once you have them installed.

mjsandbe · 03-11-2008, 11:19 AM

Well, I got two of the http://www.1000bulbs.com/30-Watts-R4...ht-Bulbs/6726/ I am happy with the color of the light, I am happy with the intensity, but I am not totally happy. The site says "U.L. Listed for wet locations - use indoors or outdoors" but it is not. While it is completely enclosed it does not appear to be completely sealed. I run my light inches over the sump. So far nothing seems to be rusting and there is no condensation inside the lamp, so overall I am pleased with the product but disappointed in the site for having incorrect information listed.