Lotsa Green Film Algae. From New Lights?

OCDP · #1 07-12-2006, 01:30 AM

I'm getting a lot of green film algae on the tank walls. Is this from the switch in lights? Went from 150w HQI, to 250w HQI.

I can't think of anything else that would cause the bloom...

TIA
Scott

Johnny Reefer · #2 07-12-2006, 05:29 AM

I'd say yes.
Try incorporating an "overcast" day or two per week into your lighting sched.
Not all days are sunny. "Overcast" simulates a cloudy day and will help keep algae in check.
Edit: To simulate this...leave the lights off.

Cheers

,

OCDP · #3 07-12-2006, 02:35 PM

Thanks Mark. I figured it should be from the lights otherwise I would be clueless as to why I got the algae bloom.

I will cut back my lighting period tomorrow.

Cheers,
Scott

muck · #4 07-12-2006, 02:39 PM

By adding more intense lighting you just threw your tank balance off. The result is increased algae growth. Give it time and it should stabilize again.

OCDP · #5 07-12-2006, 02:49 PM

Awesome. Thanks, Ryan.

Funny thing is .. the 250w HQI doesn't really seem all that much brighter comapred to 150w HQI. I mean, there is a noiticable difference but I for sure would have thought it would have been a lot brighter.

Quick DE bulb question. When you place the bulb in your pendant, there is that little metal part inside. Does this metal part face up towards the reflector or facing downwards , facing the water surface. I am just curious if it makes a difference in intensity or anything? Would anyone know anything about this?? I'm a bulb newbie.

muck · #6 07-12-2006, 03:10 PM

There is only one way to put the bulbs into the socket. At least from the bulbs I have seen..

OCDP · #7 07-12-2006, 03:15 PM

lol then I guess that answers my question... I could have sworn there was two ways. Was I clear in my post? If not I'll try to get a pic and show you what I am talking about .

muck · #8 07-12-2006, 03:26 PM

It only lets you put it in one way as it has ceramic on the top of the ends.
*Note this is a side view. The top faces towards the Upper Left corner of the pic.

On a side note: With DE bulbs never ever touch the glass with your fingers!!

OCDP · #9 07-12-2006, 03:30 PM

Yeah I think I am confusing myself now. I can't even describe what I am talking about really. Inside the bulb is like a metal strip, and when the way the bulb is in my pendant, the metal strip is facing down towards the water surface, I thought it should be facing up towards the reflector so it reflects better? I am probably way out to lunch here.

muck · #10 07-12-2006, 04:04 PM

Did a google search for Hamilton DE bulbs but can't confirm this is what yours looks like. Maybe you can though.