Algae Reactor lighting schedule

[Reef Stallion]

I have been running my Tunze algae reactor light 24/7 and recently wondered if I should cycle it. 2 considerations for this:
1. I am having trouble getting nitrates and phosphates to move beyond 0.
2. pH will not move above 7.9.

So, if I run the light 24/7, I have more support for pH but I also drive down nutrient levels.

I am interested in feedback on this.

Thanks!

 

[blaxsun]

1. What are your alkalinity (etc.) levels?
2. Your pH level may have less to do with the algae reactor and more to do with your Co2 levels. A friend of mine recently bumped his pH by +0.3 just with a Co2 scrubber.

 

[Mr Fishface]

I would be curious to see what your alk is showing as well. If it were me, I would run the scrubber opposite of my tank lights. Try to keep the pH level during night time. Sometimes scrubbers are so effective that even only being on for 12 hours will still tank your nitrate/phosphate. IMO, scrubbers and other algae based systems should only run 24/7 if you have very high numbers or are feeding a ridiculous amount of food.

 

[Reef Stallion]

1. What are your alkalinity (etc.) levels?
2. Your pH level may have less to do with the algae reactor and more to do with your Co2 levels. A friend of mine recently bumped his pH by +0.3 just with a Co2 scrubber.

Alk 10.2
CO2 in the house 450. CO2 scrubber installed on skimmer.

 

[00W]

I only run mine 12 hours or I'm down to zeros-no thanks there.
I also run mine same schedule as lights. It's in a bedroom and it lights up the whole room.
PH runs 8.5 summer, 8.1 winter.
Alk is 9.