Algae - is my new lighting too strong?

bmackcw · 08/24/2015, 06:04 PM

I upgraded (I think) from a 6-bulb T5 to a Maxspect 330W Razor LED a few weeks ago. Got it for $500 - 6 months used.

I've been running it from 6:30am to 10:30pm, gradually building up to about 70% strength between 12-5, then winding down, using 100% of the blue lights until 10:30.

Lately I've had that thin, dusty coating of algae on the display every day. I used to only have to clean that once a week with the T5. Now, if I don't wipe it (with a magnet brush) every day, it quickly grows.

My coral and fish have never looked this good. No sign of burning, and I have some candy canes pretty close to the top.

Should I turn the lights back a bit, or just keep up on the cleaning?

Thanks in advance!

3drockz · 08/24/2015, 10:18 PM

How long did you take to build up to 70%? When switching to a different kind of light, you'll have to acclimate it over several weeks or even months so you don't shock the system.

Algae might like a specific spectrum in this new light that might have not existed or was very low in your old fixture, and from my experience its the reds that really promote algae. I guess you can control individual colors on the razor? If so, bring down the reds & greens to minimal or even 0 and you'll see improvement.

Also check your nitrates & phosphates and slowly bring it down. Do you dose additives? Additives like Fuel or AcroPower or other coral foods are amazing for coral growth but equally amazing for algae growth so cut down on those if you can.

Good luck

stingeragent · 08/24/2015, 10:46 PM

I'm no expert but that seems like a long light cycle to me. LED's, can definately be overpowered. I was running 4 t5's on my 40B temporarily waiting for my kessil's to come in. Had minimal algae problems. Put the kessils on and had an explosion of algae. Had to drop it down to an 8hr photo period.

Ron Reefman · 08/25/2015, 06:02 AM

I think the new light may well have added enough energy to your tank that you now have some new growth you didn't expect. It's my belief that if you just keep everything else in line parameter wise, in time the new growth will use up enough of the extra 'fuel' that is feeding your new growth. And things will get back to 'normal' in a month or three.

I use a long day sunrise/midday/sunset as well. I think if your setting are only a little off the full midday settings just before and just after midday, you could either cut midday down by an hour or even two, or do a bigger drop off before and after midday. In other words, you are supplying your tank with a longer PUR cycle than your corals need or can even use.

MD Aquatic · 08/25/2015, 06:52 AM

It does seem like a very long light cycle. I had mine on for quite a long time because I don't sleep too many hours and I like to look at it, but I started dealing with algae in a big way so I dialed back to 12 hours and haven't had any problems since

08/25/2015, 06:02 AM	#4
Ron Reefman Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Cape Coral, FL Posts: 10,431	I think the new light may well have added enough energy to your tank that you now have some new growth you didn't expect. It's my belief that if you just keep everything else in line parameter wise, in time the new growth will use up enough of the extra 'fuel' that is feeding your new growth. And things will get back to 'normal' in a month or three. I use a long day sunrise/midday/sunset as well. I think if your setting are only a little off the full midday settings just before and just after midday, you could either cut midday down by an hour or even two, or do a bigger drop off before and after midday. In other words, you are supplying your tank with a longer PUR cycle than your corals need or can even use. __________________ The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it. (Neil deGrasse Tyson) Visit my build thread http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2593017

08/25/2015, 06:52 AM	#5
MD Aquatic Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Wilmington, NY Posts: 49	It does seem like a very long light cycle. I had mine on for quite a long time because I don't sleep too many hours and I like to look at it, but I started dealing with algae in a big way so I dialed back to 12 hours and haven't had any problems since __________________ JBJ 45 Rimless - running Matrix, ChemiPure Elite. Tunze 9004 IM Minimax Reactor - running biopellets, Tunze Osmolator, Ocean Revive Arctic T247. Current Tank Info: JBJ 45 Rimless

08/24/2015, 10:18 PM	#2
3drockz Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Posts: 220	How long did you take to build up to 70%? When switching to a different kind of light, you'll have to acclimate it over several weeks or even months so you don't shock the system. Algae might like a specific spectrum in this new light that might have not existed or was very low in your old fixture, and from my experience its the reds that really promote algae. I guess you can control individual colors on the razor? If so, bring down the reds & greens to minimal or even 0 and you'll see improvement. Also check your nitrates & phosphates and slowly bring it down. Do you dose additives? Additives like Fuel or AcroPower or other coral foods are amazing for coral growth but equally amazing for algae growth so cut down on those if you can. Good luck

08/24/2015, 10:46 PM	#3
stingeragent Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Posts: 1,032	I'm no expert but that seems like a long light cycle to me. LED's, can definately be overpowered. I was running 4 t5's on my 40B temporarily waiting for my kessil's to come in. Had minimal algae problems. Put the kessils on and had an explosion of algae. Had to drop it down to an 8hr photo period.