sfsuphysics
Active member
Well like most algae blooms its nutrients which are going to be the KEY factor more so than the actual sunlight, while it is true that a nutrient heavy tank will see far less in the way of algae if you have 20kK bulbs and actinics the fact is nutrients are still there.
I have an semi-outdoor prop tank connected to my main tank, and while yes I do notice diatoms galore, something else I notice is polyp extension like a MOTHER on the corals in there. My lucious pink cap which I thought I lost due to alk being uber low, looks like it's actually growing back, still need to see what it does. Natural light really does a wonder if can keep up on any algae growths, not to mention people rave about "shimmer lines" with MH bulbs (IMHO overrated
), with natural sunlight you can get rainbow shimmer lines
I have an semi-outdoor prop tank connected to my main tank, and while yes I do notice diatoms galore, something else I notice is polyp extension like a MOTHER on the corals in there. My lucious pink cap which I thought I lost due to alk being uber low, looks like it's actually growing back, still need to see what it does. Natural light really does a wonder if can keep up on any algae growths, not to mention people rave about "shimmer lines" with MH bulbs (IMHO overrated
), with natural sunlight you can get rainbow shimmer lines 
