T-5 lighting and algae

Gargamell · Dec 10, 2017

So this is not very scientific but was curious if anyone else has had this issue before. I have been fighting some algae issues in my red sea 170. I would have a bunch of hair algae growing in my overflow box. and on the sand bed. I had a radion I bought a while ago and decided to try it out again. I set it up and it has been running for two weeks now and my algae issue has gone away, Nothing has changed with the tank except the lighting I haven't even done a water change since changing the lights. The t-5 unit is an ati 6 bulb and the bulbs are about 4 months old. Anyone else heard of something like this happening, algae growing because of having a t-5 fixture?

skiergd011013 · Dec 10, 2017

Nope. I use and love t5s and have no problems. I actually hate leds for reefs and will never use them.

Bpb · Dec 10, 2017

It would SEEM the lights were a factor if that’s the only thing you changed. But...I’ve used LEDs, t5ho, metal halides, and just about every combination of the 3, and I’ve never observed light method to have any impact on algae growth for me personally

A. grandis · Dec 10, 2017

You need to tell us what bulbs do you have and the photoperiod.
Grandis.

saltyfilmfolks · Dec 10, 2017

It's common. Depending on the tube and spectrum. And the algae.

Gargamell · Dec 10, 2017

I have 4 blue plus and 2 coral plus, same photo-period was the same on both 9 hours , 1 hour blue only on both lights.

A. grandis · Dec 11, 2017

Just keep that combo and regular maintenance. It will be a matter of time.
You can drop the hours to 7 and then 8 after 2 weeks, then go to 9 hours in a month.
That will help the process.
The T5s have a better distribution then LEDs and if you were using a bluer spectrum with the LEDs some algae will grow at first.
Just keep a regular schedule and forget about it. This is just an adaptation period.
Your corals should grow more with the T5s too!

Grandis.

Dogtown · Dec 11, 2017

If you want, you can whipe out your GHA with Fluconazole. It’s safe and effective. I recently treated my own tank with it and the GHA withered away in about 7 days. It’s a miracle drug.

A. grandis · Dec 11, 2017

Dogtown said:
If you want, you can whipe out your GHA with Fluconazole. It’s safe and effective. I recently treated my own tank with it and the GHA withered away in about 7 days. It’s a miracle drug.

Not a good idea if you/he keeps tangs.
Snails will help control too.
Grandis.