Sump Lighting?

[SkiFletch]

So, as I finish up my sump here I have one last question left to ask. What lighting would be best for the sump in order to best grow macro algae? I would assume that because its a green plant, a more "standard" freshwater planted tank tube would be the way to go? A flourescent in the 6500k range? Or should I get some other type of lighting. Thanks to those of you with experience growing macros in your sumps

 

[Matthew5664]

I've used a Marine-white PC in mine and the MA going out of control, having to do the gardening twice a week

 

[Aquascaper]

Whack a Halide on there

Seriously though, any type of light wil suffice but the better the light, the better the MA will grow. I would look for 'daylight' bulbs or stick with Marine tubes.

 

[SkiFletch]

How small do halides come? I'm kinda restricted for space down there, and would love to toss in a real small tube (length wise I mean)

 

[Matthew5664]

think you can get down to 75w but don't know about 'marine grade' one prob 100 or so

 

[SkiFletch]

How long are they though?

 

[Matthew5664]

Oh...... size sorry....... me being a plonker again


L=602 W=326 H=183 (mm) is one of the smallest i could fine, ballest is in there as well.

If you DIY skills are up to in, hack the reflector and bulbe holder out mount it above the sump and put the ballest somwhere else ( saves heat and space)

might even be able to get a kit from RS Maplins of any electrical wholesaler

 

[SkiFletch]

23", eek was hopin for somethin more around the 18" range . Little space constrained under there

 

[Aquascaper]

Smallest Halide is a 75w and the best thing would be a remote ballast with reflector. Smallest relfector unit i've come across is about 10" x 5" x 3" (L x W x H), you would of course need cooling fans down there as well.

 

[crazyelece]

a good bulb in the range of 3300K-6500K works best. Around here the concensus (at least for the cheapest solution) is to use a power compact flood sold at Home Depot. It will either be 3300K or 5400K I believe. You can also find info on it at http/www.melevsreef.com

 

[Aquascaper]

Standard low energy lightbulbs come in 'daylight' range and these are 6500k, Philips are the most common ones in the UK.

 

[SkiFletch]

Home depot strip light here I come

 

[superman]

I have model 9045 on this page http/www.esplighting.com/outdoor.html I got it at Home depot. Works great! 6500k, and if you take the bulb out and paint the reflector with some chrome paint you can get even better light penetration. Obviously mount the light as close to the water surface as possible, within reason of course.