10 gal. refugium - ok to use 27W LOA?

[Enkidu]

I've got a refugium as a section of my sump. I estimate it to be 8-10 gallons (section is ~ 8" x 15" x 14" with 4" DSB). I was going to get the 65 watt LOA fixture but since its so small would the 27 watt LOA be enough?

Anybody who's running the 27W bulb please chime in. Thanks!

 

[fishfarmer]

That's the 27 watt quad right? I think the color temp is listed around 2700k some where in the box. I ran this bulb on my newly setup 20 gal long sump. I placed it over the middle partition which has a DSB. With the bed I'm guessing I'm lighting a 6 gal space. I had caulerpa and sargassum growing under this as well as lots of cyanobacteria. I switched to a 6700k bulb, cyano still grew well. Finally the DSB has matured to a point where caulerpa is starting to grow without being overtaken by cyano. I also have several frags under this light. Mushrooms, toadstool leather, sea mat, and anthelia. They are doing fine under this light but not growing fast.

I would like more light over my sump, but don't want to spend the money.

This bulb doesn't run too hot. I took the plastic shield off and mounted the fixture in a small hood.

[ August 31, 2001: Message edited by: fishfarmer ]

[ August 31, 2001: Message edited by: fishfarmer ]

 

[Enkidu]

Dang, this post sure got buried fast.

*bump*

 

[Enkidu]

Alright, I think I'm just going to get the 65W and do a reverse daylight cycle on it. Any thoughts?

 

[fishfarmer]

Go for it. The only reason I didn't get the 65w is my HD didn't have any. I would be concerned about the heat though. I hear they run hot.

 

[jdeets]

I use the 27W LOA on my 10 gallon refugium. I considered the 65W but didn't use it because it's so big and also for heat issues. I'm growing razor caulerpa in my refugium and it's lighted 24/7. It's literally growing like weeds!

 

[Demon]

Enkidu...With the measurments that you gave minus the 4" for the DSB then the refugium would not hold but about 5gal. water.. If you could find the 27watt bulb with the right color temp then it should be fine...On the other hand I would go with the 65watt version...
HTH
Ralph

 

[jdeets]

The fixture is installed inside the stand on the side wall. The plastic cover on the light is about 2" above the water. The caulerpa grows right up to the water surface.

 

[Enkidu]

I ended up getting the 27W and its awesome. I'm totally pleased with the color, but it remains to be seen if the macros like it. Thanks guys for all your input![/LIST][/LIST]

 

[fishfarmer]

jdeets, How close is your bulb to the water level/caulerpa?