allternating light?

[plastrman]

hey guys,

I know you need 8 or 10 hrs. of light in your tank. My lights are like, really causing some algea to grow. They are also causing the water temp to climb. Would it make any difference to the residents if I alternated lights, say 3-4 hrs. on and then cut a light for 3-4 hrs. and have it come back on for 3-5 hrs? Also, would this affect photosynthesis or other natural effects of the sun for corals and clams. The MH,s are currently lighting 1/2hr. apart and then randomly go off 8-9 hrs. later. new turbos are grazing like mad. they are stripping the live rock and glass clean. good custodians.

mike

[ardo_ski]

Normally lights are not the only cause for algae growth. Give some more information on your tank that will help with giving you correct information back. I would not recommend running a alternating schedule on your lights as I would think it would have negative affects o your coral. This is just my opinion so maybe someone else can add more truth that. If you are running MH I only run mine 8 hours a day and actinic for 10 hours. If you could give us some water test results, size of tank and how ling it has been running that will help.

[nemo1991]

i think it would greatly affect the corals and clams since their main source of nutrition is through photosynthesis (sp?) i also think its not the lights, check your nitrates they might be too high

[plastrman]

ardo & nemo thanks for the advise . my tank has only been runnung 2 wks. water chem seems fine
nitrite0
ammonia0
nitrates was 5 now 0
phosphates0.5
KH 9
cal 560
salt 1.026
phosphates were .75 on 4/6 has been .5 since
again,thanks for your input

mike

[lunatik_69]

2 WEEKS, your still cycling!!!! I wouldnt have the lights on while your cycling b/c of the same thing thats happening to you right now. Your Cal is a little high( 400-450ppm). Po4 and No3 will creat algae blooms in a tank. I hope that you dont have any livestock inside the tank as we speak!! Luna