Refugium Lighting

[DianaKay]

I've read a few articles on-line here & there but I'd like some "been there, done it" advice for a new refugium set up.
All I have in my fuge so far is: a big wad of Cheato, a little bit of red dragons breath, snails, a baby emerald crab, some pods that stay out all the time on the acrylic, micro brittle stars, & a bristle worm or two. And a few spots of red cyano that seems to be going away now that I added a tiny powerhead for more water circulation.

As far as lighting goes:
Should getting it started be different than after it's well established?
Would I be trying to rush it's maturity by running my lights 24 hours?
Is there anything wrong with trying to rush it's maturing process?

I have been running lights on reverse cycle of my DT so far.

I just ordered 1,000 Amphipods/Copepods....should be here this week.
I have no idea if my refugium is ready for them or if I should just put most of them in my tank & not the refugium? I
guess I better get to building some rubble piles for them to live in & hope I didn't screw up getting that many. :bugout:

Suggestion on what I should be doing are appreciated! I feel somewhat clueless

 

[TripTheTrigger]

:fingerx: I need to keep an eye on you! I've been saying a while now that we need to build our refugium, but been stressed over that. I'm sure being here will be very educational & cut down on mistakes. :snowski: I wish you lots of luck!

 

[DianaKay]

My refugium light is a Current Satellite Freshwater LED 7.5w (6500K White--445nm Blue)
Would there be any harm in running it 24 hours daily to speed up macro algae growth?

 

[mcmullenmark]

I ran my fuge light 24hr/day for little over a year. Recently began alternating lights on/off opposite of the DT. I have not seen a decline in macro algae growth with the change. My personal opinion is to not run 24hrs/day…it's just not natural. I too am curious to here from others with more experience in this department, as well as thoughts on pH swings.

 

[DianaKay]

I kinda feel like everything needs a "rest time" so I'm with you on that.
Maybe I am just trying to rush the maturing of my refugium which might be a
Like about everything in this hobby, slow is the way to go & we want instant "the best" without waiting.
It's only a month old refugium running on an 11 month old tank.

My nitrates are very low but my phosphate always stays around .16 to .25 and from what I understand (which might be wrong!) phosphate is best at around .05.
My plan for adding the refugium & growing macro was to bring that down & see less film algae in the DT.
Also to grow pods for my fish....which might someday include a Mandarin Goby.

 

[mcmullenmark]

Check out www.reefbuilders.com if you haven't already. There is a recent (last couple days) article on refugiums that was informative and interesting.

 

[whippetguy]

If you're not happy with your light, buildmyled out of Texas makes refugium lights catered to what type of macroalgae you want to grow, ie red, green or both.

 

[Mike Johnson]

Diana, I have my refugium light on a timer to run 18 hours a day. It's turned off during the high light period.

 

[DianaKay]

Diana, I have my refugium light on a timer to run 18 hours a day. It's turned off during the high light period.

That's a great compromise suggestion Mike, THANKS!
I do have mine on a timer & that's what I think I'll do :snshne: