Refugiums

[ken6217]

One more thing. What wattage should I get for this, 18W, 24W, and 36W? I am using cheato only.
Ken

 

[daveh285]

I have the 24w with a 7100K bulb, the cheato grows like weeds. I just noticed some small mushrooms in there. I'm due for a new bulb I was thinking of a 50/50.

Since you have the bigger one, you might want to go 36W because it would be a longer bulb. The 24w bulb is only about 14" long.

http://www.cpraquatic.com/products/aquafugelighting.html

http://www.cpraquatic.com/pdf/aquafuge_info.pdf

 

[JRWOHLER]

Just a suggestion use eggcrate to partition off cheato if there is not something there.
Glad to see another fuge person.

 

[ken6217]

In what way should I use it specifically.
Ken

 

[daveh285]

With a HOB you shouldn't need eggcrate just float the cheato under the light the last baffle will keep the cheato in.

 

[JRWOHLER]

I don't really know what it looks like but if you can put some of it to act as a screen door it works well for me.

 

[ken6217]

made room, set it up, ans put in the cheato yesterday. How long do I leave the lights on though.... 12 hours, 24 hours/day? I left in on all day and night yesterday. Since the tank since this sits on the back rim of the tank lights does shine into the tank somewhat. Will this amount of light going back to the tank cause an issue at all?
Ken

 

[vangvace]

Opposite of the main display's lighting is optimal for limiting how much pH levels drop overnight. I've seen people paint the fuge sides that face the display.

 

[ken6217]

Actually the new CPR fuge comes now with the side facing the tank having black acrylic. I also thought about having the lights on at night but then figured 24 hrs might be more effective. PH isn't a problem in my tank.
Ken

 

[vangvace]

Well in that case... the latest research is that a 6 on, 6 off cycle is supposed to maximize macroalgae's nutrient uptake.

 

[ken6217]

The reason why i was asking was because the light on the fuge cats into the tank as well. I see the fish swimming around when normally they are out for the night. I didn't know if this screws them up.
Ken

 

[Hawkeye]

this is one of the down-sides in my opinion on the hob fuge. The only thing I can think of is (assuming you have a canopy) - you could just DIY and place some styrofoam or similar material to block the light from entering your tank.

 

[vangvace]

Something else you can try, though degree of difficultly may be higher, is to move the light so that it shines through the side of the fuge instead of from over the top.