Algae scrubber lighting

[merfury1989]

Hi all,

I use Algae scrubber at 18hrs (18:00 to 12:00) from 12:00 to 18:00 its closed.
Bubbles (low intensity 24hr)

My tank lights are On from 12:00 to 20:00

Is this how the scrubber lights to be On? Meaning at times when tank lights are off? Or should be open when tank lights are also On.

Benefits and negatives for either approaches?

 

[CasperOe]

Yeah, ideally you'd want to run your scrupper, reactor or refugium on opposite schedule to the one of the lights in your display mainly to limit the PH swings. There's no right or wrong as long as you get the results you look for.

So what are you trying to achieve? What is your desired outcome?

If you have the opportunity to track the PH on your tank over 24 hours, it is a great tool to dial in the light and be all nerdy with it- but if it is doing what you want it to do, then I wouldn't worry too much.

 

[merfury1989]

Initially I had my tank display lights at 12hr and scrubber was at 18.

Though I wasn't getting desired results, as along with my scrubber the display was also attracting algae.

So I though maybe it was my tank lighting competing with scrubber, so I reduced it to 8hr. So let's see what happens now

 

[CasperOe]

Initially I had my tank display lights at 12hr and scrubber was at 18.

Though I wasn't getting desired results, as along with my scrubber the display was also attracting algae.

So I though maybe it was my tank lighting competing with scrubber, so I reduced it to 8hr. So let's see what happens now

If it is a new tank, you will most likely go through a stage with nuisance algae no matter what you do.. It is very hard to avoid even with a scrubber.

I have no visibility on what lights you have, what intensity you run- and which scrubber you are using but chances are that it is more 'attractive' for the algae to grow in your display because you have better lights up there- more suitable for algae grow if you like. Running time is only one of many factors to consider.

If you can, you can try and dim down the lights on your display tank.

Test your water as well and share your parameters. Pay special attention to nitrate and phosphates.

 

[merfury1989]

Tank is like 8 months old.

Light I am using is Saxby setting on Ai Prime (8hr) 1:40min Ramp up/down

At peak the intensity is 110% max for blues etc. Green is at 6% and red at 3%

Nitrate is showing as less than 5ppm (Salifret Kit)
Phos showing as 0.03ppm (Hanah)