T5 Help

[ponydesigns]

I have a 46gal bowfront.
I have a 6 light 3 white and 3 3 actinic, the original ones.
What would you suggest and what ones to keep down algae.
I have a green slimy algae on my glass. Waters changes help, but comes back.

 

[james3370]

i think it more depends on your light cycle (duration light are on)

another option is to add one of these:
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/Carbo...gle--GFO-and-Carbon-Reactor/product_info.html

reactor, bag of carbon & bag of gfo should only set ya back about $50-75 & on that size tank, a pound of carbon & pound of gfo would probably last 4-6 months if changed every 3-4 weeks

 

[redfishsc]

Light isn't what's going to stop your algae.

You really need to take James' advice and do something about the nutrients. Usually in my experience the phosphate is the one you need to focus on, but nitrates can also contribute.


First things first though when changing your lights, DO NOT CHANGE THEM ALL AT ONCE. Sounds like you have a Nova Extreme Pro, which comes with sub-quality Slimpaq lights (I have one too) and they don't put out what a good UVL or ATI bulb would.

Change one a week, or else you risk frying your corals with light shock.


Here is what I suggest, based on what I've used, what I've read, and what I like (which is a bluer color)

Front:
ATI Blue+ (very blue color)
UVL Aquasun 10,000K
ATI AquaBlue (blue/white color)
UVL Super Actinic (decent PAR and a beautiful coral color POP)
ATI Blue+
ATI AquaBlue

 

[divewsharks]

i would swap placement of the aquasun and aquablue, the aquasun can be an overpowering lamp (a good lamp, just overpowering) with the aquablue and blue+ in front of it, it should help blend the color.

but also agree with redfishsc, its not the lights causing the algae.