Do I have to much light?

[Slyler]

I switched lights a few months ago to 3 gen 5 XR 15’s blue and one XR gen 6 15 blue ( I got a sweet deal). I have a typical 120 gallon 2x4x2. I currently have them set to 55% but am noticing that algae grows quickly at the top of the tank and not so much at the bottom of the tank. Could this be because there is to much light over it?

My lighting schedule is long, starts at 645 and goes till 1030. It has a long ramp up and long but not as long as the ramp up ramp down time. I can’t overly change the time, as the GF wants the lights to wake her up (we are in a condo and the den where the tank is is right beside the bedroom) and I would like to see the tank after work.

Should I change the intensity down to 45%? Or 50%? Any suggestions to not get as much algae?

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Algae will grow if there is sufficient light, and will not grow if not enough light, so to me it means good light up top and not enough light down low. The thing is if you can't grow algae in the lower part of your tank, then you can't grow corals either, they have the same lighting requirements. Turn up your lights and don't be afraid of algae.

EDIT: Algae grows because of excessive nutrients and not enough algae grazers, its not the light that causes the algae.

 

[Oldreefer44]

IMO, your photoperiod is too long. Should be 10 to 12 hours not 14.

 

[Slyler]

IMO, your photoperiod is too long. Should be 10 to 12 hours not 14.

That’s what I was scared of. I do have the white light, or high intensity only on for 4 hours from 1230-430