Refugium lighting

[MasterBlaster]

Are two 20 watt RO flourescent lamps too much for a 20 gal 'fuge? I would not think so, but there is a buildup of red algae attaching itself to the caulpera despite reducing the photoperiod from 24/7 to 18/6.

Should I decrease the photoperiod further, say 16/8? I do not want to spur the caulpera into going sexual.

I don't think one 20 watt lamp will be enough. What is the normal watts per gal range for 'fuge lighting?

[tendar]

You will grow all kinds of different algeas in the refugium and red is no big deal let it go.
I wont run calurpa in my refugiums anymore after having go sexual 2 different time.

[MasterBlaster]

I wont run calurpa in my refugiums anymore after having go sexual 2 different time.

What is a better macro to deal with?

[jeff967]

sorry for my spelling "cheata morpheia" works great

[the_blue_tuna]

What I have found to work best for me is 12on-12off in a reverse lighting period. My refugium lights come on when the main tank lights go off. The actinics are still burning for another hour or so . There is alittle overlap in the morning also . Two watts per gallon is OK for a refugium and I have found that my Caulerpa does not give me any problem if I keep it pruned well.

[MasterBlaster]

What I have found to work best for me is 12on-12off in a reverse lighting period. My refugium lights come on when the main tank lights go off. The actinics are still burning for another hour or so . There is alittle overlap in the morning also . Two watts per gallon is OK for a refugium and I have found that my Caulerpa does not give me any problem if I keep it pruned well.

How do you know when to prune the caulerpa?

[tendar]

What is a better macro to deal with?

You could try turtle grass or red or green Gracillaria, since turtle grass wont go sexual and I dont believe Gracellaria will either but maybe wrong that one.
Inland Aquatics carries alot of this stuff.

[MasterBlaster]

Thanks, tendar!!!

[the_blue_tuna]

How do you know when to prune the caulerpa?

I dont have a formula for it , just when it starts getting fairly thick I yank some ( about 1/2 of it ) out.