Algae after Lighting Upgrade

[acemart]

I'm in week 3 of acclimating my 72 bow to new lighting (from 230 w of PC to almost 700 w of MH/PCs. Noticed a few spots of brown stringy algae in some low flow areas. Its the first algae I've had in 8-10 months. Showing no detectable nitrates or phosphorus. Could the lighting have kicked this off a bit?

 

[Krish]

I've heard that new lighting as well as old lighting that needs to be changed, do cause an algae outbreak, but don't quote me on that as I may be wrong. Atleast I know it is true for old lights, but not positive for new...I figured I'd add my two cents and bump the thread for you...Good luck!

 

[MikeS]

Yeah, a change of lighting can help cause algae outbreaks....but the other componants have to be there first, ie excess nutrients....

MikeS

 

[Rock-N-Ruin]

definately, 400 to 500watts of new light, with a little extra Po4, D.o.c's etc.
try reducing the photoperiod. (depending on how bad of an outbreak) and then bring it up slowly over the next 4 weeks.....Jeff

 

[Maxx]

Algea requires 3 things in order to exist....

Water
Light
Food, (IE nutrients)

Ya kinda need the first 2 in order to have a reef tank...

If ya take care of the nutrients (reduce them as much as possible..you're not gonna get them all...), the algae should be pretty minimal.

Nick

 

[Rock-N-Ruin]

kings X.. I'll give ya that one!!! I have added alot of new light at times before and had minor outbreaks, nothing too bad Jeff

 

[acemart]

Thanks all. I am probably quilty of overfeeding and I've been experimenting with new concoctions of homemade food. Therefore, I reap the results of too many nutrients and more intense lighting...so, its time to cut back the food and do a few more water changes. Thanks gain.