Diatoms and Lighting

[sinkingbeach]

Is it normal to get a algae bloom after switching lights? I recently(3days ago) switched from 10 month old Phoenix 14k 250W halides to new Ushio 14k 250W halides. I also changed out my 10month old 2 24w pcs actintic with new ones.

thanks

 

[zoomfish1]

That is really a pretty common thing to have happen. Any change in the color spectrum is going to have an effect of the nutrients in the tank. As they increase, the available bacteria to consume those nutrients aren't of a adequate amount. So the algea forms. If nitrates or phosphates were any where near high, the outbreak would have occured.

Just follow good husbandy guidelines, reduce feeding and reduce the light cycle some. Add a phos sponge to help, and do a few extra water changes.