Algae is dying

[jkst06]

I have to red algae in my fuge and it seems to be losing its color. The tips are turning white and the ends are breaking off. My water parameters are normal.

I have a compact fluorescent bulb about 4 inches from the water. The bulb is on for about 12 hours per day.

Here is a pic of the algae in its present state

Here is a pic of the whole fuge from a few weeks ago

What can I do to fix this problem?

 

[Aquarist007]

switch to a 25 watt energy saver bulb--it should have about 1700 lumens or more

 

[Agu]

Do you have nuisance algae in the display ? If not it may be because there aren't enough nutrients in the water.

I've collected a similar looking species of macro algae from the gulf and have the same results you're experiencing.Replaced it with chaeto and chaeto grows like a weed. I suspect some macros just won't grow in our tanks.

 

[jkst06]

the bulb i am using is a 16 watt daylight bulb, 600 lumens, 6500K

I don't have any nuisance algae, other than a little green algae on the glass. The tank load is very light.

Thanks for the advice...I'll look into getting a different bulb and try to get ahold of some chaeto. Is 6500k alright or should I try to find something more along the line of 5500?

 

[gulfstream]

if your algae is dying as you have mention
there is one problem..not enough nutrients in water...
however, the algae you have mainly survives with
high levels of phosphates.......keep in mind Lights are only a fraction of what you need in your system.
nutrients and minerals also play part on survival of your system.

 

[smalls383]

Ideally you want to have a bulb that is close to 5100K....they are hard to find but I found a 5500K 23W (100 actual) at home depot....I would say that it would be better then the 6500K bulb

 

[newyorkstyles]

what are the calcium levels on your tank? Do you regularly add iodine to your water? What are the levels on ntrate in your tank? Do keep in mind that algae need nutrients to survive but also need a contant source of calcium and iodine to grow. I noticed your refugium seems very clean as if it was just recently set up. If so, then lack of excess nutrients could be the cause.