Refugium lighting advice from AI?

Salt_ee · Sep 17, 2024

Hi all! I have a Landen 26g AIO and I recently added IM custom media caddy fuge in the middle chamber which almost fits perfectly. I have a copepod hotel/motel/holiday inn

on the bottom rack and above it have a ball of chaeto powered for 12 hours by a JBJ 4W white light. It was growing some chaeto for a week, however was not really dropping my nutrients much and due to the fact that I had to use the magnet and have it hang on the back tinted panel I was barely getting par levels of 50. I decided to go with a submersible full spectrum hygger 6W so I can stick it inside the chamber/in front of the caddy facing the back. It is on a 12hr wifi plug on alternate from my main display. I believe there are 5-6 intensity levels on full spectrum and I am starting it somewhat easy to see how it goes - par ~ 150 mid caddy. I am seeing all kinds of mixed opinions on this topic and all reef related topics really. I will probably be hung for what I am about to say. I am leaving for the FL keys tomorrow for 13 days and due to my nutrients running somewhat on the higher side and climbing I am somewhat desperate to remedy the situation so my wifey doesn't have to go through a reefing bootcamp FaceTime session with me. I just installed and set schedules and smart plugs/strips/battery UPS (live in FL) plus EcoFlow Delta 2 2700W on standby if all hell breaks loose. Back to the point.. I turned to GPT-4 for answers and here is what I asked and it's response. Don't laugh, I use on the regular and seems like the nicer I am, the better responses I get. LOL.
Seems legit - thoughts?

Me: Howdy! Hope you are in the mood to provide me with some much needed advice and thanks in advance! I have a Landen 26g AIO saltwater reef tank and running a refugium in the middle chamber. I have a full spectrum hygger 6w LED light which is submersible and I can adjust the par levels from 50-600. In your opinion what color should I be running in my refugium, at what par level and what schedule to grow healthy chaeto and reduce nutrients, increase Ph and prevent nuisance algae etc

GPT-4:
Howdy! For growing healthy Chaetomorpha (chaeto) in your refugium and achieving your goals of nutrient reduction, pH increase, and preventing nuisance algae, here are some recommendations:

1. **Lighting Color:**
- Use a full spectrum that is heavy in the red and blue wavelengths. A combination of these will promote healthy plant growth. Look for around 6500K to 7000K if you have control over the color temperature.

2. **PAR Levels:**
- Aim for a PAR level between 100-200. This is generally sufficient for chaeto growth without being excessive.

3. **Lighting Schedule:**
- Run the refugium light on a reverse light cycle from your main tank lights, usually 12 hours on, 12 hours off. This helps stabilize pH levels by providing oxygen and consuming CO2 at night.
- If you're experiencing high nutrient levels, you might extend the light cycle slightly to 14 hours.

4. **Additional Tips:**
- Ensure good water flow in the refugium to prevent detritus buildup and improve nutrient uptake.
- Regularly harvest the chaeto to encourage new growth and maximize nutrient export.

Adjust these parameters based on how your specific setup responds. Every tank is different, so monitoring and tweaking will help you find the perfect balance.

dangles · Sep 17, 2024

Leaving tomorrow… yikes! Lol

Bad timing to be making a change tbh. How high are your nutrients exactly? Are you experiencing any problems you suspect are related to the nutrient levels? If not, you might be better off leaving it alone until you get back. I’ve done a refugium twice. Both times I had to make adjustments to the light cycle/intensity somewhat frequently until I got them dialed in.

I’d personally suggest leaving it until you get back since you have no way to track the effect it will have while you’re gone. Jumping intensity like that could tank your nutrients, or cook your chaeto, or do nothing at all. And in any scenario, you won’t know for 2 weeks. I’d just do a big water change before you go, and don’t make any other changes. Would your wife be able/willing to do a 5 gallon wc while you’re gone? Maybe at the midway point?

As for the stuff GPT told you, it was pretty spot on - if generic. It’s a good starting point. Refugiums are highly variable. For example, I run mine at 100% intensity using an AI Blade Refugium light, 23 hours a day (I don’t use a skimmer). Many others do use the suggested opposite schedule. It will depend a LOT on your specific system. All refugiums will need dialed in to some extent.

Good luck!

dangles · Sep 17, 2024

Alternatively, you could have your wife feed 75% (or something) of what you normally feed instead of doing a water change. Two weeks of reduced feeding shouldn’t cause too much of an issue with your fish, and it will help with nutrient input while you’re gone.

VintageReefer · Sep 17, 2024

I would suggest full spectrum, all leds, for 12 hours a day, reverse schedule, on intensity 5/6

When you get back see what the growth is like. Or have your wife text some pics after a few days. I don’t suspect your going to be in danger of burning algae with that light

Salt_ee · Sep 17, 2024

dangles said:
Leaving tomorrow… yikes! Lol

Bad timing to be making a change tbh. How high are your nutrients exactly? Are you experiencing any problems you suspect are related to the nutrient levels? If not, you might be better off leaving it alone until you get back. I’ve done a refugium twice. Both times I had to make adjustments to the light cycle/intensity somewhat frequently until I got them dialed in.

I’d personally suggest leaving it until you get back since you have no way to track the effect it will have while you’re gone. Jumping intensity like that could tank your nutrients, or cook your chaeto, or do nothing at all. And in any scenario, you won’t know for 2 weeks. I’d just do a big water change before you go, and don’t make any other changes. Would your wife be able/willing to do a 5 gallon wc while you’re gone? Maybe at the midway point?

As for the stuff GPT told you, it was pretty spot on - if generic. It’s a good starting point. Refugiums are highly variable. For example, I run mine at 100% intensity using an AI Blade Refugium light, 23 hours a day (I don’t use a skimmer). Many others do use the suggested opposite schedule. It will depend a LOT on your specific system. All refugiums will need dialed in to some extent.

Good luck!

Tank looks to be in great shape although I am running high on nutrients other members on here assured me it is totally ok and not to freak out...which I am of course as they keep climbing somewhat fast. Took measures, increased flow, added refugium, even a small GFO/Carbon reactor which is sitting plugged in and ready but not running - I can turn on remotely if needed. A week ago I was at .19 N and .52 P. Two days ago I was at .14 N and .29 P. I have prepared 5g of salt water and another 2g of RODI for the ATO so she can do a water change or two and top off the ATO tank as it gets low. I have a Nest camera setup so I can also monitor activity live. I am going to do a 5g water change right now along with cleaning chambers/glass/substrate etc. I will run another test tonight and see where I'm at.