lighting for a refugium

[r3nem1]

What type of lights would I need for a 29 gallon refugium in order to grow the algae needed to help keep the water clean? Thanks in advance.

 

[mukymuk]

1 or 2 PC flood lights would work.

 

[mtraylor]

Some of the people here on the forum use a clip on light from Home Depot with a 6500K bulb.

 

[joelq]

Here's what I (and many people) use and just use one of those spiral 6500K compact fluorescent bulbs:

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It has worked well for me, but I've gotten tired of having to clean and polish the reflector of salt creep. I've since just removed the reflector and switched to compact fluorescent floodlights which comes with its own reflector. Wiping the salt off the glass is much simpler than cleaning and polishing the reflector.

Oh, and I use two lights as well. Removing the reflector has allowed me to fit two of the clip-ons over my refugium.

 

[ReefNut2010]

If i used 1 of these could I place it higher above the sump ( maybe an inch or 2) to avoid this problem, or do you just recommend something else?
Can you post a pic of what you use now?

 

[coralreefer]

@joelq wrote:

I am using the same light. I want to remove the reflector, but am having trouble finding a flood bulb with reflector that is daylight in color (not 2500K). I am GONNA find one this weekend! I also removed the clip, found a small metal bracket in my junk pile (that fits in the same wing-nut clamp on the light) and attached it to my stand. This puts the light a little higher above the water where there is not much spray at all. It keeps it nice and secure too.

 

[mtraylor]

The light I use already has the reflector built in, so I dont have to worry about cleaning anything. I got the bulb from Lowes. When I get a chance I will take a pic of it and post.