What does it take to light a refugium effectively? | BRStv Investigates

Today on BRStv Investigates, Ryan is putting six of the most popular refugium lighting options through the tests of PAR and Spectrum to help determine just how effective they are at lighting your saltwater tank fuge!
Want a chance to WIN any one of the lights we tested in today's episode? Be sure to get signed up here:
www.bulkreefsu...
Today on BRStv, we have a brand new episode of our series, BRStv Investigates. In this series, we explore popular reefing theories, products, methods, and what the manuals are missing, with a focus on putting them to the test!
There are many questions on what light to use and how well it will work when lighting your refugium. Today, Ryan tries to help us figure out what plants need in terms of adequate lighting and investigates how multiple types of popular refugium lighting stack up to those requirements. Stick around to see how your refugium light may be working, or not working, as well as you want it to!
We release a new BRStv Investigates episode each Friday, so don't forget to hit that subscribe button to see what's coming up next!
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The purpose and content of this video is to provide general information regarding the products and their applications as presented in the video. Aquatic sales solutions, inc. And its officers, directors, employees and agents disclaim all express or implied warranties, in any way, related to the products and their application as presented in this video, make no representation or warranty regarding the products and the application as presented in this video and shall not be liable for any direct or indirect losses or damages of any type, including but not limited to punitive damages, or from personal injury or death resulting from or in any manner related to the video, and the products in and contents of the video. The viewer expressly agrees that aquatic sales solutions, inc. And its officers, directors, employees and agents shall not be liable for any damages or losses related to the products in and content of the video and hereby agrees to hold the foregoing harmless from any such losses or damages.

[@rc2300s2r]

Ok... I just learned more about lighting in 17 mins then I knew my whole 40 years of life. Thanks Ryan/BRS.

[@eddieray8240]

Once again.... you thought me soooo much in such a little time. I have watched all the BSR 160 vids! And am now going thru them all again!!!!! And of course second guessing everything I have done to my tank!!!! Thanks.... keep them coming.

[@eddieray8240]

Taught ??? Duh!

[@cameronjones8641]

You guys are amazing. I wish you were in the UK because I would repay your hard work with as much custom as I could.

[@TheFakeDadeMurphy]

Have a "Large Marina Breeder Box" hanging on my 29g reef. Started with a baseball sized ball of chaeto and a $10 clip on led book light. I rotate that light with the tanks main light. Main light on / refugium off, Refugium on / tank off. I seeded the fuge with a pack of copepods(1000+ count) one month ago. In 30 days the chaeto now fills the entire box and has multiplied in size by 4 times easily. Side note: I got a mandarin goby the day I added the chaeot & copepod pack. Everything has been running great for 1 month. levels down, chaeto is huge, copepod colony seeded and mandarin is now eating brozen brine as an added bonus. Tank has been up since July 4th. Only issue is the occasional algae scraping needed every couple days, if I upgrade the refugium light, it would probably keep it down even more so.

[@fraggingkickswrasse9203]

I use a Kessil a150 15K that I had left over from upgrading from a biocube. Seems to work great. Not ideal spectrums but had it already, so basically free!

[@blastyfish1393]

I would really loved to have seen the t5 units with the appropriate bulbs. Of course it's almost moot because like 99% of us are going to use the h380 after viewing this video. Keep up the good work guys, you're awesome.

[@blastyfish1393]

BulkReefSupplyCom For the sake of testing, I would suggest the PowerVeg lights from Eye Hortilux. I could see them being used by someone who after upgrading to a larger tank, decides to use their old t5 fixture to light their refugium. Thanks again for everything you guys do.

[@jim28fl]

Great info BRS team. It was nice to see some of the team at MACNA. Keep up the great work.

[@jm9490]

Love the series. Thank you! I'm curious why you didn't test Zetlight E200. You recently had it on sale but I got scared off because I couldn't find any reviews (including on your site.)

[@tonyblack7046]

Thank you for the quick reply...i won't know for another week. I'll definitely let you guy's know how it goes

[@ReefDudes]

So you noticed more growth at 12h photo-period over running it at 24h?

[@ReefDudes]

Good to know! I had mine at 16h then now trying 24h.. Ill try 12h and see if i find a difference

[@SuperDanTheShoeMan]

I only run my main display 7 hours a day and my ATS 17 hours. I wonder if going to 12x12 would improve things? I am happy with coral growth and nutrient levels as they are, so maybe I won't start testing.

[@ikillyomama]

I'm not entirely sure which photosynthesis set up algae use, but dark periods are 100% necessary in plant systems. Part of the photosynthetic process must occur without light and are known as the dark reactions.

[@terisullivan5697]

Answered all of my questions about refugium lighting! Thanks!

[@glenschmeisser6633]

These are excellent videos. Im setting up a refugium for 20,000 gallons. Its pretty big, 63'' x 69'' x 18'' deep. Still tryin to justify a $500 light. Lol.

[@twofish7939]

I want to add a refugium section in my red sea reefer 425xl sump because I'm having minor algae issues with barely detectable nitrates and phosphates. I have an 18 month established and encrusting acropora tank bare bottom following the WWC/BRS hybrid method which works very well and very simple. I only have a properly rated skimmer and about 10lb of live rock down there with a filter pad changed 3x/week and a small bag of carbon. My question is, will adding a refugium affect the stability of my system and will there be a benefit in adding a estimated 15g algae growing section? thanks

[@kenhahn6173]

Ryan, What is the update on these lights? I heard a rumor the H380 and 1200 are just too powerful long term for the typical space, mounting height and size of most refugiums, eventually burning everything on top and reaching a point of demished return on investment (crop has to be very valuable to invest in a 1200, unless its laying around unused). Maybe those other lights were designed for growing something other an “algae”... I also heard that BRS has some good results with the H80 despite its low PAR/PUR when mounted at the typical height in a typical size sump? Your thought are always well structured, fair and objective! BTW, H390 in eshopps ADV-300 12x 8 sump has produced near zero nitrates and no Tank based Algae, in my 90gal aggressive take that is overfed. Finally after 18 mo of trying everything else, except a $300+ light. That is just my, much less that scientific, more error and error, than trial approach to get the result, but it speaks for itself in this case. Tank lights, sump, skimmer, water changes “minimal”, Carbon, GFO, feeding, fish and everything thing else were the constants, until the refugium light was changed. Then doubling of the Algae growth every 45-60 days started when the light was upgrade. ****90Gal Tall Aggressive Tank - Fuge - H80, 6”off the water, 12x8 refugium in eshopps Adv-300, Oct Skimmer, 4” marine pure in the Fuge, Marine pure balls in the tower. 5-6x turn over, BRS GFO and ROX Carbon reactor, Kalk ATO, 2 x AI Hydra 26 $40%, Neptune Apex 2016 and old school wave maker. Can’t wait until tomorrow to see the sales!!! Given the amount I spend, a little bummed their are no more Mr Chili freebies. This is the easiest way my wife can tease me about my addiction to Mr Chili stuff.

[@jnava121]

Is it possible to have a tank that grows chaeto and pods with only a few fish? Seems like you need a big source of phos and nitrates to fuel chaeto growth.

[@erikbradley3050]

i love BRS and everything you guys share with us :D

[@knowen87]

"We are looking at the heart of the sun here!" Hahaha, that's great

[@caewalker9276]

Thanks guys for another great show. Before today spectrum really confused me. Brilliant channel.

[@zakdigital]

Just curious - wouldn't it make sense to run the fuge light during at least some of the display light cycle (eg until a bit after feeding time) in order to completely outcompete any display algae? For example, don't the nutrient levels slowly rise in the display thoughout the day until the fuge takes over again at night leading to an increased chance that algae could form outside the fuge? Sorry if you covered this already!!

[@ExopMan]

So this was all about PUR readings? No comparison regarding chaeto biomass??

[@ExopMan]

And the Kessil H380 would be your #1 pick (?)

[@helwrj28]

I'm curious how the Chaetomax would peform

[@davidgriffith1944]

Hi, what about LEC (metal halide ceramics) that are used in hydroponics? How do they compare with the Kessil a380? Love to hear experiences

[@Mike__B]

Here's a question with the chaeto ball, I'm sure they do absorb "stuff" from the water column but what about all the "stuff" they hold onto but don't absorb. When you showed flipping the chaeto there was a huge plume of grey/brown stuff that came out of them that was worse than any filter sock I've seen. So how does all that additional stuff pollute the tank versus the cleaning ability of a filter sock. Because it seems that chaeto is simply a large filtersock collecting all the detritus that flows through it but it also absorbs nitrates and phosphates.

[@whateverlouie6987]

@ Mike B: I usually ring the chaeto out in the sump and rinse it with ro water. Just make sure the return is off so the dirty water stays in place. Then remove all the dirty water and replace. You’ll lose some pods but the ones left will repopulate quickly.

[@marcusaurelius8488]

Just got the kessil H380. What is the best timing on that light.

[@AcuaTV]

While it is awesome and very cool that you can use the H1200, it would have been nicer to have used a light source that most reefers would use to see if they are really capable of maintaining a fuge for a tank that size and see if the Triton method really worked for most people. I doubt the vast majority of reefers would use that light.

[@72jmunoz]

AcuaTV youre right i use a cheap grow light used to grow vegies and it does wonders why pay hundreds when you can get a 30 doller 165 watt grow light for cheap

[@tonyblack7046]

Hey guy's..can a refugium light be too strong? And if so what would the outcome be? I just purchased a black box fuge light that claims its 1000watt led but actual power consumption aka true watt is 175watt. Will this work? 13g fuge

[@davidbatzos9416]

I have a Kessel A360WE that I'm not using would it be ok to use that for lighting chato?

[@sebastiangereau4186]

What do you think of the Kessil A360WE Tuna Sun for chaeto growth? I have one that I just hooked up to my refugium, but I cannot find any info on spectrum or par/pur. Your website's description of the 360 Tuna Sun states that it can be used for refugiums, so any help with specs and recommended light settings for optimal chaeto growth would be incredibly helpful. Thanks!!

[@Bronx19]

Would the XR15 produce roughly the same results as the H380?

[@DeIicateFynn]

Hmm. Would an H80 be enough for a 10 gallon sump and 55 gallon tank?

[@stalaly]

With my tap wide open I see 90PSI. I have to back it down. I've always known we have high pressure in this house (never measured) but is 90PSI possible?

[@xachillestangx8374]

How do you guys keep the Chaeto in the first section of the sump without it breaking apart and getting all over the sump and in to the display? I placed a tennis ball size amount in my sump but now it's a golf ball size and is EVERYWHERE in the sump. I'm trying to prepare for the Triton method.

[@xachillestangx8374]

BulkReefSupplyCom what are the chances I could get a picture?

[@whateverlouie6987]

Thoughts on the kessil KSH150R?

[@stephanfreitag9387]

Great video, have any one of you ever tried the maxspect celestial refugium lamp. I would like to see a BRSTV investigates on this bulb ;)

[@Trebor_I]

I have an extra Aquaillumination HD Prime I want to use for my new refugium, but even if I try to dial it in I'm wondering if the AI Refuge light or Kessil would be more effective.

[@BRStv]

A purpose built refugium light will be more effective than a light designed for coral growth, so this might be an upgrade worth making.

[@robborges2160]

Thanks for this video...exactly where I am in setting up my new refugium.... right now I'm actually using the regular radion xr15, on my apex I turned up every color other than green 100%. I am only using this light because I had it around after upgrading to xr30's. Do you think i would see a measurable improvement running 2 x Kessil h380's? I have a 40" x 20" fuge and planning on running triton.

[@robborges2160]

Ps: wish I was eligible to win free stuff but I'm up in Canada :p

[@hediki]

Would be nice to see off brands

[@anonanon7509]

Hey guy, love the videos! I have a home made chaeto reactor, that works amazing but I would love to hear how stand alone reactors compare to refugium chateo setups. Any pros/cons and your experiences with them (positive or negative) would be awesome to hear about! keep up the great work!

[@12332i]

Loved this series!! Is there anything in the pipeline for algae reactors and ATS

[@eattix]

Nice work!!!

[@home-of-everything3035]

I run my lights on 24hr a day due to the fact I have caulerpa growing in there as well. I’m worried about it turning A sexual. Do you think 12 hour would be okay for caulerpa or stick to the 24?? Thank you 😊

[@home-of-everything3035]

BulkReefSupplyCom thank you for the quick reply 👍 think this weekend I will change the cycle to 12 on 12 off and just keep an eye on everything to make sure I have no problems 👍

[@dangappa]

I won the H80 at MACNA but the H1200 would be amazing for my refugium.

[@1975JJD]

Why don’t you sell the Kessil h150?

[@slipperywumbo2977]

So what would grow if u turn the h1200 all the way up

[@BRStv]

On the common refugium sizes, my guess would be just about nothing. That light puts out a ton of par, way too high of an intensity for any of the common macro algae that we use in this hobby. You'd have to have a really large refugium for the H1200 to make sense to use on full blast.

[@BBoyHannibal]

Great stuff!

[@MannyDer]

It looks like a sniper is lining up a shot on Ryan... Anybody else see the red pixel on his hat? Must be in the camera? 6:28 for ref

[@Yugureame]

I love you guys!!!

[@richardsevere5219]

you should test the diy led lights systems and see if we can make a cheaper version!!!!

[@brandonreidy6989]

So....if i am hearing you right? Since Dragons Breathe macro is red, it is reflecting(not using) the red spectrum? I should stop using my red fuge light to grow it?

[@brandonreidy6989]

Back to the drawing board i go....in search of the spectrum my DB needs. Can i return those kessils i just bought since it wont help me grow my dragons beathe? Jk!

[@brandonreidy6989]

Hmmm....The Google is not behaving for me on this topic.

[@1975JJD]

I would like to see an ai prime and a radion with just the blues and red on and see how they compare.

[@StephenOlner]

Walmart have 24inch grow out lights for about $20. Would have been nice to have seen that instead of the CFL

[@eegernades]

Have that link? I find it stupid spending $200 in refugium light when theres already proven methods for under $50.

[@TheErtsj]

Great video but I'd like to see you compare theses more expensive lights to simple cheaper Chinese horticulture LEDs.

[@YoutubeRubio]

I need help man but with words I can understand.. please

[@PSCThrillSeeker]

In my humble opinion and personal experience! Go Kessil H380 best value and growth value, I have mine set @ 15 inches above my fug for 12 hours on.

[@_Kai__]

I have a Trigger systems sapphire 34 sump. I use an outdoor LED floodlight (6500k) which runs 24/7. The fuge has really taken off and is flourishing! This is the light I use: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DIO7J26/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@jamiesonvolk]

Feit electric makes an a19 led grow bulb for 25 bucks or so.

[@TheCheapReefer]

Or u could buy a 100w SMD LED Chip in the 6500K or BLUE/RED grow chip on amazon 10-20$ , a 155mm pinned heat sink 12$ alibaba , 36v/1400ma driver 15$ and get the same results as the expensive choices here add a optional 90 degree lens for 15$ more and really get results for your cash want the same power as kessil go with a 2100ma driver and use a PC fan on the heat sink

[@madrox4132]

I want the H1200 because I'm mildly insane

[@whateverlouie6987]

The only problem you need to consider is that when they go dark (no light) they will consume oxygen. If you have a lot in there, expect your oxygen levels to drop at night. Look it up.

[@CriticalErA]

adding a fan and keeping the light on will suffice.

[@UnfilteredJustice]

Ok.... Love the vid, but let's move on to algae reactors and then the best reactor vs the best fuge light.

[@Cherub72]

the fuge light is one of the most important things about a tank set up as it removes nutrients and keeps the reef healthy. Reactors aren't even necessary. They help some like calcium but you have many ways of adding including water changes and kalk drip systems. You cant get by with out reactors just fine. I appreciate this series

[@UnfilteredJustice]

Cherub I was meaning algae reactors. I thought that was a given, given the topic. Most people that have set up an algae reactor have had way better macro algae growth than with the refugium they used to have, exporting many times more nutrients. But I get their into this whole Triton method thing and having a fuge the size of a football field for it to work. But I could've sworn we've already been down this same road with these lights before and the H80 light didn't work so well then in actual use.

[@muffemod]

LOL Kelvin Not Kelvin

[@jimmygreenspan8832]

What more can I say?! If you wanna know more you're gonna have to get a degree in botany!! xD

[@vleis7226]

Mmmmmm that 24hrs vs 12hrs lit........

[@CreepyMonkeyHeadGame]

Bought a lot of stuff for my new 65-gallon build though it's my first time ever Plumbing a tank I decided for my first time I'm going to go with hard Plumbing cuz might as well just do that instead of upgrading to it later and just get it over with I made a Blog about it on fish Keepers Amino aminoapps.com/p/ybcdgl it's my first time Plumbing the tank use as much knowledge that I could get from bulkreefsupply videos and that's what I came up with

[@pjfreak99]

No more PAR meter readings!! Something else!!!!

[@PhyuckYu619]

Chlorophyll??? More like borophyll