algee issue
 

my water keeps turnin green algee bloom i was told if i turn the lights of for 2 days tank clears up i run about 14 hrs light with a hagan double t5 ho 108 watts on a 45 gal saving up for a uv sterilizer but i was wonder in if cutin the light to 10 hrs will help thanks for any info

14 hours is a long photo period. 10 or 12 would be more like it. Do you run a skimmer. A good skimmer should take care of green water pretty quick.

How often do you do water changes? How much live rock? Skimmer? sump? bioload? How long has the tank been set up? I think there would be more to this equation than just your photo period.

Reply
 

I think your nitrate/nitrite levels and propably even more important is your phosphate levels. Have you tested your phosphates? I would try and keep them undetectable (<0.015ppm).

for a quick solution run a skimmer and cut out the lights completely for two-three days. If the tank gets sunlight, then use drapes. the only light i allow is faint sunlight (through the drapes) and ambient lighting. I do this on a monthly basis for 3 days.

here's where that idea comes from...
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...readid=1078532

but that's no guarantee the bloom will stay away. you need to find the root of the problem. a certain kind of algae in the tank? nutrient problem (nitrate, phosphate, w/e)? too long a photoperiod (i leave mine at 10hours a day)?