Algae bloom in a planted tank?

[SeverumGuy]

Well, I just developed green water in my tank. I've been fertilizing the water and leaving the lights on for 12 hours a day. I'm going out of town for 8 days so I'm not going to be able to tend to it right now. I cut the light back to 6 hours a day to try to prevent the bloom from getting really bad. Is this going to be enough light for my plants?

 

[maxst2]

Yup... IMO 6-8 is ideal time. 12 hours of light is ALOT.

 

[briggsy43]

Ya I have my lights on from 430 till 1140, so 7 hours and my plants are doing great

 

[fort384]

agree with both of the above... 12 hours can cause a lot of problems, especially in newer tanks. It also could be a sign of a nutrient imbalance as well... you said you are fertilizing. What are you adding to the tank? Are you testing for N/P/K or using EI or what? Algae, being simpler forms of plants, can capitalize on nutrient excesses or deficiencies.

Bottom line, I would cut the light in half (as you did), and look closely at my fert regiment.

 

[mudraker]

A+ on Fort. What are your parameters and maintenance routine? Also, what type of light and plants do you have?