Enough light?

[giopimentel]

Hey guys I just got some macroalgae for my fuge and I was wondering if the light that i have shining on them now is enough. The macro's that I got were chaetomorpha and caulerpa prolifera. I was intending to keep the lights running 24/7. For lighting I have 12,000k 13 watt PC, and a normal output 8 watt. I know that 6,500k is optimal, is the 12,000k helping at all? Any suggestions will be great. The sump is a 20Gallon High tank with the fuge space being about8 gallons or so.

[Covey]

Those marco are not real picky but the better the light the faster it grows and the better the algae acts as a filter. High kelvin ratings are bluer and the plants can still use it. I got my best growth off a 10000K.

[giopimentel]

So, are both lights needed?

[rickzter]

Why not keep both. It'll do.

[giopimentel]

Should i add any additives at all?

[Covey]

Only fish poop that what it is there for.

[amcarrig]

Originally Posted by giopimentel

I was intending to keep the lights running 24/7.

You'd be better off setting the fuge lights on a reverse cycle from your main tank. In other words, when the tank lights are on, the fuge lights should be off and vice versa.

[Covey]

I prefer 24/7.

[Jason McKenzie]

I belive caulerpa prolifera needs 24/7 in order to not "go sexual"
I could be wrong. either way you are getting the benifit of 02 generation during lights off for the main tank

J

[giopimentel]

I was worried about the sexual activity for a few reasons. 1) The tank is in my room, and Im a light sleeper. 2) I didnt want the caulerpa to make a mess of my tank.



P.S. Now if I could only find some fish poop.