Lighting And Photo Period?

[ebrcknrdg]

Having just read this months PFK magazine i have learnt that tanks with low co2 could benefit from a siesta break in the middle of the photo period. While i dont have low co2 it could be unstable as it is two co2 bottles with a DIY mix. Would i also benefit from this siesta? I have been experiencing thread algae on plants and green algae on the sand bed where there are no plants.

Currently i run
4 hours 2 tubes (38w, 1.2WPG)
2 hours 4 tubes (74w, 2.2WPG)
4 hours 2 tubes (38w, 1.2WPG)

Could i run
4 hours 4 tubes (74w, 2.2WPG)
2 hour siesta
4 hours 4 tubes (74w, 2.2WPG)

Or would it work to stagger the amount of light?
2 hours 2 tubes (38w, 1.2WPG)
2 hours 4 tubes (74w, 2.2WPG)
2 hours siesta
2 hours 4 tubes (74w, 2.2WPG)
2 hours 2 tubes (38w, 1.2WPG)

 

[George Farmer]

Well, addressing CO2 would be better... Especially if you are running EI.

I'd probably try 9 hours 38w if you are getting algae issues.

Changing more water and Flourish Excel will help too.

But good CO2 is the long-term solution.

 

[ebrcknrdg]

Well, addressing CO2 would be better... Especially if you are running EI.

I'd probably try 9 hours 38w if you are getting algae issues.

Changing more water and Flourish Excel will help too.

But good CO2 is the long-term solution.

Im not running EI just yet as im not 75% substrate covered. I wish i could go pressurised but its not an option at the moment for financial reasons.

Ill try the 9 hours on a lower lighting then but would a siesta not benefit me algae wise? Furthermore, doesnt excel kill some plants? Im quite wary

 

[George Farmer]

Excel is risky with vallis and egeria at normal dose. Some riccia and moss are knowm to affected too. Most other plants are fine - do better with it.

You could try a siesta. Unstable CO2 is different to low CO2 though...