will atinic light give you more algea?

[jerl77]

will atinic lights cause algea? running 6 atinic bulbs and 2 10k bulbs seem like i am get more algea will the bulbs cause this?

 

[afboundguy]

When I upgraded my lights I went with more actinic and a higher K rating overall and noticed a huge drop off in algae growth...

 

[Azurel]

Very few algae use the blue spectrum for photosynthesis....That's why the deeper you go in the ocean the less algae you find...I have found that old bulbs as they fall off in proper spectrum have the habitit in helping some algae grow, but that is just my opinion or it seems like it to me.....When did you change to that light combo? What was it before? The way you typed it, it sounds like you had a differant combo on the tank before this.

 

[jerl77]

yes went from 20k mh to 8 bulb t5 now i have algae about 3 weeks ago bulbs are all brand new too

 

[Azurel]

It could be the fact that the 8 bulb T-5 wither actinic or daylight spectrum is giving you way more par then what the MH was giving you. I am sure the new fixture is putting out more light and par which is the cause of the increase in algae. It will probably taper off over time and as it uses up nutrients...

 

[jerl77]

just the waiting game again?

 

[Azurel]

I would have to say so, you could get some blue leg hermits to help out keeping it under control.....What kind of algea is it that is growing?