Some of the most successful reef aquariums employ the use of a macroalgae-filled growth area or refugium for the purpose of nutrient control. The GRO is a specialized, 20W LED light designed to grow many types of common macroalgaes (i.e. Chaetomorpha) using a specialized light spectrum which maximizes photosynthesis. It plugs directly into any available DC24 port in your Apex ecosystem, or alternatively, it can also be run completely standalone.
REDUCE YOUR NUTRIENTS, THE NATURAL WAY, WITH A REFUGIUM
It’s easy! Growing and harvesting macroalgae in a compartment in your sump, or in a full-blown refugium, is the natural way to reduce unwanted nutrients in your reef aquarium. It also creates a home and reproductive area for beneficial micro-fauna that consume waste and provide a food source for corals and fish. Growing macroalgae opposite your normal light cycle (called reverse daylight photosynthesis or RDP) also helps raise and stabilize your aquarium pH.
Only three things are necessary to get started:
1. A sequestered place in your sump or filtration area that has adequate water flow.
2. A “start” of macroalgae such as chaetomorpha – get it online, from a LFS, or from a reefkeeping buddy.
3. A proper light source, like the GRO.
OPTIMAL LIGHT SPECTRUM, JUST WHERE YOU WANT IT
The GRO uses all its power to emit light in two specific wavelengths that are optimized for macroalgae growth – 455-460nm and 620-670nm. This combined with its rectangular shape (have you ever seen a round refugium?) mean that the right light goes right where you need it – and minimizes nuisance algae growth in other areas of your sump due to light spillage.
EASY PLUG AND PLAY SET UP
Remove the GRO from the box, plug it into one of your available DC24 connections on an Energy Bar 832 or 1LINK module, select GRO from the tasks menu, and in just a couple of minutes a step by step wizard will have it set up and scheduled.
BETTER MACROALGAE GROWTH USING LESS POWER
It may seem counterintuitive – and possibly even fly in the face of some “experts” – but with far less power than its competitors, the GRO promotes thick, healthy, and abundant macroalgae growth. The GRO does this by using 84 low-powered LED, selected for optimal macro algae growth, and spreads them evenly across a wide, rectangular area. This enables the GRO to be placed very close to the macroalgae and increase its efficiency while minimizing wasteful light spillage.
SHAPE MATTERS!
Nearly all other refugium lights cast light in a round, conical pattern. This is not optimal since a refugium is rarely round, but more importantly light from a round, single source, creates uneven distribution of light – in other words, hot spots that stunt growth or even burn the macroalgae. The pictures here really tell this story. These photos were taken of a large area of macroalgae in a refugium that was lit for 10 months with the GRO on the right side, and one of the most popular and praised refugium lights on the left – notice how the round light stunted growth in the center and created a burned ring of algae.
FLEXIBLE MOUNTING OPTIONS – LITERALLY!
The GRO has two available two different mounting options. Both utilize an 12″ long, flexible gooseneck attached to one of two mounting brackets. One mounting option clamps to a flat edge such as the edge of your sump or support on your stand. The other mount cleverly clamps to a section of your hard plumbing that is 1″-1.5″ in outer diameter (3/4″ to 1″ PVC pipe). You get to choose which mount best fits your aquarium or refugium set up – or DIY your own!
WATER RESISTANT, IP64 DESIGN
The GRO is rated IP64 so that you can place it very close to the water surface for optimal light effectiveness and water splashes or salt spray will not affect it.
NO APEX OR DC24 PORT NECESSARY
Maybe you don’t have a free DC24 port, or even have an Apex at all yet – no worries – with the optionally available 24v power supply, the GRO can be used on any aquarium.
