Actinics and algae

[Fish-guy]

About a month ago I changed my bulb layout in my fixtures. I used to have 2 power glo and 2 actinics. I changed them to 3 actinics and one purple/white bulb. I like the look of it but I notice an increase in algae. Especially hair algae and some green on my sand. My phosphates an nitrates seem fine but could it be the lights?

 

[ccCapt]

I doubt the lights are causing in increase in algae since generally, actinics put out less PAR than a "white" bulb. I would think it's a water quality issue.

 

[Fish-guy]

I use rodi water, bi-weekly water changes, parameters seem fine and I use a good skimmer. Don't get it.

 

[boardsurfer]

You know what they say- your parameters could be fine (especially phosphates) during testing because the algae is using it all up. I would think it's something other than the lights. Did you change up food in the last couple months?

 

[Fish-guy]

I've been feeding more frozen foods to my eel. But only feed every 2 or 3 days. I Feed him with feeding sticks so what he doesn't eat comes right back out. No leftover foods.

 

[MBliss81]

Are you rinsing the frozen food? The ice water they are frozen in can be full of nasty junk you don't want in your tank.