Lights of America Over Refugium?

[ChrisRD]

Several people here have mentioned using the Lights of America work lights from Home Depot as refugium lighting. I'm setting up a 50 gallon with a 29 gallon sump/refugium. Wondering what wattage unit would be good to light the refugium area with. It will be approximately a 7-8 gallon (about 1 square foot area) section of the 29 gallon tank. I swung by Home Depot tonight and they had 9, 27 and 65 Watt fixtures (all PC bulbs). Thoughts/opinions? Thanks.

 

[pcmankey]

I originally had the 18W and although the caulerpa didn't die it didn't really grow either. I just switched it out for the 65W and it looks 10 times brighter and much whiter. I would go with that one. Also, the 65W is long enough to fit right on top of the tank (I have a 20 long--I think it's the same width as the 29) whereas the smaller ones don't.

 

[fishfarmer]

Definately go with the 27 or 65 watt. I tried the 9 watt over the middle of a 20 gal long with a deep sand bed and I could barely get the caulerpa to start. I have the 27 Because I couldn't find the 65. It works well.

 

[clk2609]

home depot used to sell that lights of america 65W light but no more.

I found one at maintenance warehouse(subsidiary of home depot) for $40 and comes with a bulb. this is an outdoor fixture(so it is waterproof) and has a photo sensor, can be used when main lights go off, this one turns on.

i bought this for my refugium(15g) and it totally rocks!! i literally have to prune the macroalgae every 2 weeks, that's how fast it grows. definitely go with the 65W. suppose to be equivalent to metal halide 175W

the web address is: www.mwh.com
part# 324558
1800-431-3000

you can also get a free catalog online...alot of good items for DIY!

hope this helps,
chris

 

[pcmankey]

I just bought a 65W LOA at Home Depot last week.

 

[Anonymous]

Walmart also sells the same fixture (65 watt 6500K single bulb) as a work light. It is actually ceaper than the HD flood light and already has the plug, so no wiring is needed. At least that is where I got mine from.

 

[ChrisRD]

Thanks for the responses guys. Looks like I'll be going with the 65 Watt version. I'll check Walmart to see if I can save myself the wiring.

 

[pcmankey]

I don't know about the WalMart light but the LOA from Home Depot is an outdoor light so it is perfect for being over water--the wiring is minimal, all you do is wire a plug cord.

 

[ChrisRD]

OK - I thought SKBok was saying they were the same thing. Yeah, wiring a plug should be a snap. I would rather have the outdoor (water resistant) fixture. Thanks for the clarification.

 

[Anonymous]

Sorry about that. The Walmart version is a shop light, but uses the same 6500K 65 watt bulb.

 

[SPC]

Wolfman, you may want to drill some holes in the housing to allow heat to escape. I know alot of people have had success with these fixtures, but I went through three and gave up due to various mechanical problems.
Steve

 

[reefsRcool]

i got a 65 watter from home depot a little while ago and am very happy with it so far. i just removed the clear bulb shield to allow air to vent freely so far no problems with heat

 

[eddie]

I have one over a 2.5 gal that just died 2 days ago but was used awhile 24/7 to start .May just be the bulb but it lasted about a year
its the walmart one I hung it by small black chains

 

[ChrisRD]

Thanks for all the responses.

I went through three and gave up due to various mechanical problems.

Steve, what are you using now?

 

[SPC]

Posted by Wolfman:

Steve, what are you using now?

-VHO , but I have used regular NO and they worked fine also. I had an extra Ice Cap Ballast sitting around and decided to use it.
Steve

 

[ChrisRD]

Thanks Steve.