T-5 lighting and algae

[Gargamell]

So this is not very scientific but was curious if anyone else has had this issue before. I have been fighting some algae issues in my red sea 170. I would have a bunch of hair algae growing in my overflow box. and on the sand bed. I had a radion I bought a while ago and decided to try it out again. I set it up and it has been running for two weeks now and my algae issue has gone away, Nothing has changed with the tank except the lighting I haven't even done a water change since changing the lights. The t-5 unit is an ati 6 bulb and the bulbs are about 4 months old. Anyone else heard of something like this happening, algae growing because of having a t-5 fixture?

 

[skiergd011013]

Nope. I use and love t5s and have no problems. I actually hate leds for reefs and will never use them.

 

[Bpb]

It would SEEM the lights were a factor if that’s the only thing you changed. But...I’ve used LEDs, t5ho, metal halides, and just about every combination of the 3, and I’ve never observed light method to have any impact on algae growth for me personally

 

[A. grandis]

You need to tell us what bulbs do you have and the photoperiod.
Grandis.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

It's common. Depending on the tube and spectrum. And the algae.

 

[Gargamell]

I have 4 blue plus and 2 coral plus, same photo-period was the same on both 9 hours , 1 hour blue only on both lights.

 

[A. grandis]

Just keep that combo and regular maintenance. It will be a matter of time.
You can drop the hours to 7 and then 8 after 2 weeks, then go to 9 hours in a month.
That will help the process.
The T5s have a better distribution then LEDs and if you were using a bluer spectrum with the LEDs some algae will grow at first.
Just keep a regular schedule and forget about it. This is just an adaptation period.
Your corals should grow more with the T5s too! ;)
Grandis.

 

[Dogtown]

If you want, you can whipe out your GHA with Fluconazole. It’s safe and effective. I recently treated my own tank with it and the GHA withered away in about 7 days. It’s a miracle drug.

 

[A. grandis]

If you want, you can whipe out your GHA with Fluconazole. It’s safe and effective. I recently treated my own tank with it and the GHA withered away in about 7 days. It’s a miracle drug.

Not a good idea if you/he keeps tangs.
Snails will help control too.
Grandis.

 

[Dogtown]

Not a good idea if you/he keeps tangs.

With respect, what evidence is there for that?