Recommended length of daylight cycle?

[Scoot]

Having some hair algae problems (I know, nutrients, feeding habits, phosphate, regular PWC's, etc, don't need the lecture, I'm already there).

I've never considered the length of my daylight cycle in the mix. I've been running almost 12 hours with full MH's (2x250, 2x175 on a 180G). Running bulbs less than 6 month old bulbs, 14K's.

What's the typical daylight cycle length most people run with?

[roka64]

I only run 8 hours. Most folks like 8-10.

[lando]

If you are battling algae, then cutting back on the lighting is part of your defense. As Scott mentioned, most folks run daylights 8-10hrs. I run mine for 8hrs...noon to 8. You can safely cut back to 2-4hrs if you want until the algae is under control. I would cut back maybe one hour every couple of days until you are where you want it. IME, the best way to tx GHA is manual removal of the algae (even scrubbing affected LR in SW), cutting back on feedings and photo, and doing LOTS of water changes using a high quality source water that is free of PO4 and NO3. It will a few weeks to get things under control. Good luck.

[Scoot]

Thanks for the intelligent replies (was expecting "do more PWCs!" )

I was at 12 or 13 hrs a day. Never considered it until today.

Cutting back to 8.

Am doing manual removal. It's a chore, but I'm getting quite good at it Some of the hair algae though is slowly getting replaced with the brush stuff - very dense, very, very hard to remove. I'm going to pull those rocks and scrub/brush them under SW.

Feeding every other day, as sparsely as I can without putting my triggers in a bad mood (they will attack me when hungry). Using RO/DI of course, and doing bi-weekly 20% PWC's. Still investigating the source, but I'm trying to attack all possible fronts here (hence, the lighting cycle question).

[austinsdad]

Yep. That light was killing you IMO.

Tooth brush in one hand and siphon in the other can get a lot of it out. Better yet, have a helper do the siphoning while you scrub.

Hey! how ya like that skimmer? I have the same on my 155g reef. Love mine. Running it w/the Mag 7.

Also, the lawnmower blenny is one that'll eat that stuff, but might starve when it's gone. Others have had luck with them learning to eat prepared foods though.

[melosu58]

Have you tested your PWC water? I would test for nitrates and phosphates to make sure you are not adding it. Here is a good battle plan. OH and BTW I run mine from 9A to 9P

http://www.fantasyreef.com/database....id=11&itemid=5

[roka64]

Man, I totally missed the algae part! What kind of salt are you using? I had problems with IO and switched to reef crystals, without any problems.

[PC]

How long have you been using these lights and running this cycle? It would be odd that changing your lighting cycle for an older tank would have much bearing on the root cause. IMO cutting back on the light cycle only punishes the corals. Not some theory I made up, comes from 2 very lengthy battles with H.A. I suffered through.

[Scoot]

Using RO / DI - fed from a house-wide dechlorinator/filter/softener. Phosphates are undectable in the makeup water and in the tank. Using RO/DI for top-off.

The bulbs are about 6 months old now. 14K's - XM brand, and pair of 10K's (unknown brand).

Using Reef Crystals.

Feeding sparingly (every other day, anemone's weekly). Got a big protein skimmer (EuroReef), which is going constantly.

Aeration is good. Water flow is strong (4x Koralia 4's, plus 2X PCX-40 return pumps from the sump).

Water quality seems good - (seems good) - anemone's (curlicue, 3 BTA's, and haitian condy are all doing very well). Fish are all doing well.

Regular PWC's - about 25% a shot, every 3 weeks or so.

[fijiwigi]

25% water change on a 180g is about 45 gallons(sounds like fun) I would think weekly would be better maybe if you did 25gallons a week 15% it would equal 75gallons changed and not be as much work yet more water changed in your tank battling any impuritites that the algae may be feeding on. I also use a toothbrush for scrubbing Algae it works great I usually scrub the algae every 3days from my rocks and glass front. I am hoping when my sump arrives and I get some MacroAlgae growing it will also help to reduce the annoying algae scrubbing. Does your sump have a refugium section for Macroalgae if so what are you housing inside it(just curious)