My T5 Lighting Schedule

[Aquageek450]

I currently have a 4 bulb ATI Dimmable sunpower over my 29 gallon tank. Its been on the tank for over a year. Im just curious if my current lighting schedule could be contributing to some algae growth ive had for a while now due to having the lights on too long. If anyone could let me know what they think of my schedule below it would be appreciated!

Channel 1: (1) Coral +, (1) Purple Plus
Channel 2: (2) Blue +

Channel 1:

Channel 1:
01) 11:59 ON
02) 12:00 50%
03) 13:00 100%
04) 21:00 100%
05) 21:01 OFF

Channel 2:
01) 08:59 ON
02) 09:00 10%
03) 10:00 30%
04) 11:00 50%
05) 12:00 70%
06) 13:00 100%
07) 20:30 100%
08) 21:00 50%
09) 22:00 20%
10) 23:00 OFF

So basically both channels are at 100% from 1pm- 9pm. and then the blues come on and dim down for the remainder of the night.

Is this too much light where it would cause algae?

 

[Aquageek450]

anyone have any input?

 

[Bill Nye]

anyone have any input?

Seems like most people run their T5's full on for 8 hours I believe there is an old thread with a poll in it on the subject.

I dont have a dimmable fixture but I run my sunpower 8 hours full on with an hour before and after with just 2 bulbs.

If you are getting algae I would check nutrients or replace the bulbs if theyre old.

 

[jda]

Nope.

Just turn them on all at once and turn them off eight or ten hours later. The bulbs will be driven better at 100% - dimmable T5s are a joke, IMO.

The algae is from high nutrients or a new tank and not a T5 issue.