- In this video we're gonna look
at the brand new Aqua Illumination Prime Fuge LED light,
and show you guys how to give your refugium a boost.
(upbeat music)
Hello folks, Robert from Marine Depot here,
and thanks for joining us.
Using algae as a means to fix nitrate and phosphate
in aquarium is a very effective way to control nutrients.
As the algae grows, nitrate and phosphate
are consumed, the algae is then harvested
and removed from the system, taking
nitrate and phosphate along with it.
Science has taught us that light spectrum
plays a key role in the rate at which
algae will grow, and the faster it grows,
the more nutrients it consumes.
With this knowledge, Aqua Illumination
recently revamped their very popular
Prime LED light with a different array
of LED diodes to provide the optimal spectrum of light
for algae growth in a refugium.
It becomes a bit complicated to understand
exactly how it all works, but in a nutshell,
different plants and algae contain
different pigments that prefer different
colors of light for maximum photosynthesis.
Macroalgae, such as chaetomorpha and caulerpa,
prefer a red color spectrum of light,
so it only makes sense to see that
the new Prime Fuge LED light is
dominated by red colored LEDs.
The new LED array includes 10 red colored diodes,
along with two cool whites, and a UV diode.
This helps fill in the gaps and create
a full spectrum output that is dominated
by the 600 nanometer range, or red colored light.
The 80 degree optics will evenly blend the light
and provide you with a 24 inch
by 24 inch spread of usable light.
Best of all, the light is very efficient,
and will draw a maximum of only 46 watts from the wall.
This efficient operation combined with
an improved light spectrum means you will get
faster and more robust macroalgae growth
for less cost compared to competing light fixtures.
Within this category of refugium lights,
Kessil has long been dominating
with their Tuna Flora lights that were
originally created for horticulture.
Hobbyists reported substantial improvements
in growth rate and the health of macroalgae
when switching from a full spectrum
white daylight to the Kessil Tuna Flora.
Up until now, nobody could really come close
to providing that optimal spectrum
and efficient operation that Kessil
was offering with their Tuna Flora lights.
The new Prime Fuge is going to be a tough competitor
for Kessil, filling this refugium niche
and taking it a step further with
built in wireless control via an app.
Coming in at 30 dollars less than the Kessil H160
with very similar output and light spectrums.
Wireless control is made possible
with the same myAI app that works
with the latest line up of Aqua Illumination products.
You can now control your water flow
with the Nero five pump, your main display lights
with the Hydra or Prime HD lights,
and your refugium, all from a single app
without any additional modules or wires under the tank.
No more bulky wall timers or using up
precious sockets on your controller.
Simply connect to the light from
your smartphone or tablet, set your spectrum,
and put your operating times and forget it.
The best way to get started with the app control
is to select the quick start schedule,
which gives you a baseline that can
then be modified to suit your needs.
I would not recommend adjusting the color,
because you can really do some damage
by messing with the color sliders.
Instead, start with only adjusting
the time at which the light operates.
If you are worried about too much light, don't be.
Algae in general is quite hardy
and will thrive in a wide range of conditions.
You could always turn on the acclimation feature
in the app to slowly ramp up the intensity
of the light if you so desire.
Some folks run the refugium light
24 hours a day seven days a week.
Others will run their refugium opposite of the display tank
to combat the natural PH swing.
Personally, I run the refugium lights
for 18 hours per day, which has always worked out
great for me in terms of nutrient reduction and growth.
I schedule the light to turn on
around sunset time in the display.
The refugium light will then run through the evening hours
to combat the PH swings, but also continue
for a few extra hours through sunrise
to ensure optimum growth and nutrient removal.
Typically, I am harvesting macroalgae
on a biweekly basis from the refugium.
A clever way is to start with a 24/7 light schedule
to sort of jump start your refugium.
After a few weeks you should have a nice
healthy clump of chaetomorpha or caulerpa.
You can then test your water parameters
and adjust the photo period to maintain
the nutrient levels you desire.
Less light will equal less growth,
will equal less nutrient uptake, and vice versa.
All of the original Prime mounting options
will work with the Prime Fuge,
so no matter your situation, you should find
a mounting solution that works for you.
Optimal spectrum, easy control, flexible mounting,
and efficient operation put the Prime Fuge LED
at the top of the list for refugium lighting.
Trust me when I say that when compared
to inexpensive DIY fuge lights,
the results will be quite noticeable
and well worth the extra expense.
I know for some of you it might be hard
to swallow the idea of a 200 dollar refugium light.
But considering this light has the potential
to reduce the frequency of water changes
and eliminate the need for a constant application
of chemical filter media, such as carbon and GFO,
the light can really pay for itself within a short time.
Please leave us a comment below,
like this video, and share it with your friends
if you found it useful, I appreciate
all of you for watching, and until next time,
take care and happy reef keeping.
(upbeat music)