Refugium Lighting

[Achilles]

I can't remember the exact cost of the bulb, but I do recall a figure of $55 or $60. I think I even told them I purchased the light at the border but they didn't make me pay anything for it. A person coming across the border has a limit of $50 Canadian without having to pay anything, so I think they let it slide.

Now, as great as these little units are, there are a few things to keep in mind. Apparently you can't just get a new bulb for these units when they blow, something about their ballasts, so you will have to get a new unit each time they go. They are bright, but very localized because of the units reflector and small size. What I mean is that if your refugium is 2 feet long, go with one unit, but in my 3 foot 50 gallon refugium the unit only lights right below it effectively. I mean it lights VERY well for the area that it covers.

I have thought about going to 2x55 watt compacts in the future with a reflector from JL. I still plan on that when this bulb dies.

As Mac said... how large is your refugium going to be?