Reducing lights to control algae

[albatross666]

Hi

 

I have 4 65 watt bulbs on a 55 gallon tank. I have green hair algae that has stopped spreading, but still is there, and greed diatom algae (due to low ph?)

 

The photo period is 10 hours and I am considering reducing down to only 2 65 watt bulbs.

 

Any thoughts?

 

Thanks

[Amuze]

Have you considered adding a UV sterilizer to your tank? I added a 25watt which helped my 55g out tremendously. Lowering the amount of time you run your lights will help. I would leave the number of lights you have running on and just shorten the day cycle for a few weeks until you can get the algae under control. Then increase lighting slowly until back up to your normal time cycle.

Edited July 16, 2008 by audible

[albatross666]

Hi

 

I do have a UV running on it and just changed bulbs 1 month ago jut to be sure. When you say day cycle, should I keep the atinics on for the same periods and reduce the time the daylight lights run? There seems to be a lot of discussion on the high noon photoperiod where people use metal halides for only a 3-4 hour period, is this the path you suggest?

 

Thanks

[Amuze]

I believe more frequent water changes and tank maintenance would help more in this area due to the algae flourishing so well in your tank. That is from poor water conditions if anything. Reducing lighting would only help if you were changing to a different/more intense light set up and wanted to prevent an algae bloom which is not what you're experiencing going by your description. What are your water parameters? I would start and go from there.

Edited July 16, 2008 by audible

[Jon Lazar]

I believe more frequent water changes and tank maintenance would help more in this area due to the algae flourishing so well in your tank. That is from poor water conditions if anything. Reducing lighting would only help if you were changing to a different/more intense light set up and wanted to prevent an algae bloom which is not what you're experiencing going by your description. What are your water parameters? I would start and go from there.

 

There are some lengthly threads on RC where aquarists describe a process of turning all their lights off for 72 hours as part of their battle with nusiance algae. If you decide to do this, it should be part of a larger strategy that includes water changes, reduced feeding, increased grazing, and other proven nutrient control techniques.

 

Years ago I inherited a huge hair algae battle and turned my lights off for over a week with no losses. I did a lot of other things too to combat the HA, and eventually beat it.

[jason the filter freak]

Just cut you photo periods way down for a week, get a handful of good hermits to help out, and INCREASE YOUR FLOW (I don't know if you have adequate, most people usually don't). Don't reduce the number of bulbs though.