Is lighting the ultimate algae control? - Algae

Laith · 10-30-2005, 01:59 AM

Curious to know what people think...

Given that all your other plant nutrients (including CO2) are available to your plants in adequate (or more than adequate) amounts for your level of lighting, what lighting changes will have a positive impact on the reduction of algae?

Assume that you have let's say 3-4wpg.

niko · 10-30-2005, 04:23 AM

To me the control of nutrients in the water is the ultimate approach in algae control.

But I chooze the "noon light burst" as most efficient if we talk about the light.

--Nikolay

Edward · 10-30-2005, 05:50 AM

The answer would be Reduce lighting period.
In my sunroom some aquariums are receiving strong direct sunlight. Interestingly, only the aquariums with additional artificial lighting increasing the lighting period are developing GW green water.

Extra long lighting periods makes plants weak and less resistant to algae. The old saying that plants need sleep time is true.

Edward

RTR · 10-30-2005, 05:56 AM

False premise? Lighting, nutrients (including bioavailable carbon), and plant mass must all balance. Changing one requires sampensating changes in the others.

trenac · 10-30-2005, 06:53 AM

I voted for reduction of lighting period and intensity. But I also agree with RTR, change one aspect you have to change another.

ja__ · 10-30-2005, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trenac

I voted for reduction of lighting period and intensity. But I also agree with RTR, change one aspect you have to change another.

reduction will also promote algea off you are not talking about massive reduction

Laith · 10-30-2005, 10:49 AM

I can understand the comments re balance.

However, are your tanks *that* delicately balanced that a "fine tuning" of the lights will throw everything off? I don't think so. If so, then you're constantly walking a tightrope and that can't be too much fun!

Remember, I'm talking about fine tuning here; not massive changes...

RTR · 10-30-2005, 03:07 PM

That is exactly why I quit running high light fast growth tanks. I had more algae issues. Lower and slower has a wider safety zone.

Avalon · 10-31-2005, 05:40 PM

I've been on both sides--low light and high light. Light is a critical factor in algae issues. High light can create some spiffy plants. I would recommend it for smaller stem plant tanks. Low light can still create nice plants, if you've got the time. I maintained a heavily planted 100g tank for over 2 years with very low light (1.6w NO). Best algae free tank I've ever had; by far the easiest tank to care for by far--moreso than a 20g high light tank.

Overall observations I've made: You need only enough light to grow what you are trying to grow. Adequate light spread is more important than sheer intensity alone. Also, the bigger the tank, the bigger the headache of high light systems. Algae in a 100g? There goes your Sunday.

So I will vote for a reduction in lighting intensity. 10 hours per day at one intensity will provide the best results. I'm trying the "sunburst" method now to see if it works.

Laith · 11-01-2005, 09:38 AM

Ok, out of 26 votes so far, 8 votes, or 31%, voted the noon burst of light, followed by 7 votes, or 27%, for reduction of light period. Next comes 6 votes for reduction of light period and intensity.

Interesting that the most votes so far go for the noon burst of light; I didn't realize that so many people were using this method. I'm trying it out and so far I like it. I might even reduce the noon burst further.

More votes/opinions welcome!

And I still want to hear the magic recipe of the person who never has algae!