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Old Bulbs Cause Algae - Fact or Fiction??
- Thread starter Dave
- Start date
So what if the algae doesn't improve....or what if it gets worse. Then should we conclude that new bulbs cause nuisance algae.
It has been my experience that we are quick to hold up "proof" for the theories that we have already concluded are true, and similarly dismiss evidence when it contradicts our pre-conceived conclusions.
It has been my experience that we are quick to hold up "proof" for the theories that we have already concluded are true, and similarly dismiss evidence when it contradicts our pre-conceived conclusions.
Dave said:
If this happens then I would first look into my water parameters to see if they have deteriorated. If they haven't changed at all, then I guess it would safe to assume that the bulbs caused the algae growth.
Without getting into a real scientific experiment, which I cannot do myself, there really is no way to tell.
I was given this link....it's a very interesting read regarding lighting:
http://www.reef-eden.net/lighting.htm
Thank you for the link. Much appreciated.
Here is a link from RC discussing this topic in 2005 that I just came across.
http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=599123&page=4
Seems there was varied input at that time as well.
Here is a link from RC discussing this topic in 2005 that I just came across.
http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=599123&page=4
Seems there was varied input at that time as well.
9supratt4 said:
So if we are to assume that the data in this link is accurate, the spectral shift that has been talked about would be limited to flourescent lighting.
While all bulbs lose PAR (which of course presents a different problem), nuisance algae relating to old bulbs should not occur with MH bulbs if we assume spectral shift is the cause.
Of course, I am not stating the link is accurate, but paraphrasing its content.
I am in agreeance after much reading and research that Flourescent lights (PC, T8, T5) have the spectral shift to red and that Metal Halide lights over time lose their PAR rating.
So do old lights cause algae growth....the jury is still out. I can see why the flourescent bulbs would make it ideal for nusiance algae growth, but now with this other info I do not see anywhere that MH bulbs would make it ideal since there is no spectral shift in wavelengths.
So do old lights cause algae growth....the jury is still out. I can see why the flourescent bulbs would make it ideal for nusiance algae growth, but now with this other info I do not see anywhere that MH bulbs would make it ideal since there is no spectral shift in wavelengths.
9supratt4 said:
But of course, there are few that run JUST MH's without a T5 supplement, correct?
I've been following this curious topic since you posted and have something to throw in there. Although I have no algae, I have had cyano for about7 months or so. And as I post this I just realized my bulbs are much older than I thought they were! OOPS. Anyway, I was battling it for a long time until recently, For the last two months my goal has pretty much to keep it under control not eradicate it. The only reason for this was planning, gathering materials for a BIG water change and time. I do not think this has been mentioned or if it is even helpful, but shaded areas in my tank have/get no cyano?
Coincidence or not, I had a medium sized monti-cap fall the other night onto the sandbed. It landed upright and due to it's size no direct light shined around the perimeter of the base(shadow). This was in an area of heavy cyano the day before and now that area in the shadow has none.
Also interesting and worth noting, I did a lights out for 2 days in my reef where the cyano was and left the light on in my FOWLR directly across the room, but tied together in the basement sump, and low an behold the cyano jumped tanks! There had not been a visible trace in there for months until it was attracted to the light source!
I can't wait for the bulb buy so I can change out the bulbs and rid myself of this crap.
Taz
Coincidence or not, I had a medium sized monti-cap fall the other night onto the sandbed. It landed upright and due to it's size no direct light shined around the perimeter of the base(shadow). This was in an area of heavy cyano the day before and now that area in the shadow has none.
Also interesting and worth noting, I did a lights out for 2 days in my reef where the cyano was and left the light on in my FOWLR directly across the room, but tied together in the basement sump, and low an behold the cyano jumped tanks! There had not been a visible trace in there for months until it was attracted to the light source!
I can't wait for the bulb buy so I can change out the bulbs and rid myself of this crap.
Taz
Very interesting topic indeed.
Dave...in regards to your question about zooanthellae. I believe zooanthellae uses a different light spectrum than nusiance algae.
In Taz's post....that is very interested. It is believed that Cyano feeds off of light, but I don't think new bulbs will cause the cyano to disappear....there are many other underlying issues with cyano.
Dave...in regards to your question about zooanthellae. I believe zooanthellae uses a different light spectrum than nusiance algae.
In Taz's post....that is very interested. It is believed that Cyano feeds off of light, but I don't think new bulbs will cause the cyano to disappear....there are many other underlying issues with cyano.
Sorry I wasn't clear enough Dave. What I meant is that it is one step in the right direction and I am curious to see what is going to happen. Again because of the age of my bulbs and the fact that I have been battling it for months, I do believe it plays a big role. My phosphates tested .04 last week and seem to stay there. I may even forgo the huge waterchange that I had planned and do regular one to see if the new bulbs would have any impact. As long as my phos stays the same and my coral or fish are not in danger, I'll leave it alone to simply change bulbs and see what happens. Just a test for curiosity, although I know I will need to siphon out the crap and do a big WC to be rid of it.
Taz
Taz