Lights out 3 days and algae disappeared

Mikro · 12/02/2011, 06:41 PM

I had a lot of algae, maybe bryopsis. So all the algae is now gone after 3 days in the dark.
Does this mean the bulbs need to be replaced? The fixture is a 6 bulb ATI Powermodule
which has T5 bulbs. The bulbs are 10 months old.

Thanks,

Mikro

davocean · 12/02/2011, 06:46 PM

Well at 10 mo old those bulbs are about ready for replacement, but can't say that is your only issue.
If you have excessive nutrient issues algae may still come back.
The 3 day time out just robbed the algae of one of the things it needs to grow.
I doubt it was bryopsis if it disappeared that quickly.

syrinx · 12/02/2011, 06:49 PM

Agreed with above. The algae would perhaps not come back if it were a hair alge or such from a recently set up tank that was getting balanced. But if it is a cronic issue- do it again when needed and add a chaeto ball to your sump. Nutrient problem solved.

NanoReefWanabe · 12/02/2011, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by syrinx

Agreed with above. The algae would perhaps not come back if it were a hair alge or such from a recently set up tank that was getting balanced. But if it is a cronic issue- do it again when needed and add a chaeto ball to your sump. Nutrient problem solved.

the nutrient problem is hardly solved by putting a bandaid on it...

first and foremost figure out what caused the outbreak...i doubt ten month old t5 bulbs are the cause, lots of people run 12-16 months without issue..

what is the TDS of your water? are you using RO/DI?
what fish are in the tank? what do you feed them, and how often?

where did you get your live rock from?

are you using a skimmer, is it "rated" for your system size?

there are tonnes of things that can lead to an algae outbreak finding the problem should be the first thing done...

W8lifts · 12/02/2011, 10:58 PM

it will come back

12/02/2011, 06:41 PM	#1
Mikro Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Omaha,NE U.S.A. Posts: 1,093	Lights out 3 days and algae disappeared I had a lot of algae, maybe bryopsis. So all the algae is now gone after 3 days in the dark. Does this mean the bulbs need to be replaced? The fixture is a 6 bulb ATI Powermodule which has T5 bulbs. The bulbs are 10 months old. Thanks, Mikro __________________ Mikro Current Tank Info: On 12/18/04 Started 75gal. reef tank

12/02/2011, 06:46 PM	#2
davocean Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 14,655	Well at 10 mo old those bulbs are about ready for replacement, but can't say that is your only issue. If you have excessive nutrient issues algae may still come back. The 3 day time out just robbed the algae of one of the things it needs to grow. I doubt it was bryopsis if it disappeared that quickly. __________________ There's a fine line between owning your tank and your tank owning you! Current Tank Info: SCA 120g RR Starfire, Tunze silence 1073.02 return, 40g sump w/ fuge, SWC Extreme 160 cone skimmer,Geismann reflexx 4xT5, 2x Panorama Pro LED strips, Vortech MP40QD

12/02/2011, 10:58 PM	#5
W8lifts Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: DFW area Posts: 276	it will come back __________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 75 gallon Display, 30 Gallon Sump,12 gallon Nano, ATS, Vortex MP40, Coralife Skimmer, UV Twist, Oceanic Chiller,250 watt MH's,ATO, Apex Cont, RO/DI four stage, Kalk Mixer, Phosban Reactor, and the addiction keeps going....

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Use of Lasers in Controlling Pest Algae and Corals	CalmSeasQuest	Advanced Topics	316	11/02/2015 08:31 PM
Make the Season Bright: Holiday Lighting Specials	MarineDepot	Marine Depot	0	12/02/2011 04:35 PM
Cut off tank lights for days to remove nuisance algaes?	gsxunv04	Advanced Topics	27	10/25/2008 06:49 AM
coraline algae disappearing	rocket7653	New to the Hobby	1	08/27/2006 04:02 PM
Coralline algae disappearing?	PinCave	New to the Hobby	9	03/19/2006 07:07 PM

12/02/2011, 06:49 PM	#3
syrinx Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: champaign Posts: 3,160	Agreed with above. The algae would perhaps not come back if it were a hair alge or such from a recently set up tank that was getting balanced. But if it is a cronic issue- do it again when needed and add a chaeto ball to your sump. Nutrient problem solved.