Lighting

[andyboy!!]

Hi

I have a 2 foot tank with flourescent tube as lighting. I usually have this on for around 12 hours a day but have recently upped it to 13 and 14.

recently I have been getting brown 'algae' covering most things in the tank. This is like a layer of film and easily rubs off. I have had the bulb for just over a year. I have just read in a book that the tubes should be replaced every 12 months

Would the cause of the 'algae' be the bulb and should I replace. I've spoken to a few pet shop owners and some say they should last for around 3 years if not more.

All water stats are fine and the tank is not overstocked.

Thanks very much.
Andy.

 

[Million]

I've been told not to have the lights on for more than about 10 hours a day. This will help with algae. Also, getting algae eaters (plecs, snails etc.) and having floating plants to use up excess nutrients in the water should help.

Why did you up the photoperiod?

 

[aaronnorth]

brown algae usually occurs in new setups and when there isn't enough light. The bulb will continue working for up to 3yrs but it wont be giving as much output in 3yrs as if it were new - if that makes sense, so you are wasting money.

can you answer these please to help

1) how long has it been setup
2) why did you up the photoperiod
3) your levels of lighting

remember the saying: IF IT AIN'T BROKE, DON'T FIX IT!

 

[andyboy!!]

Cheers for the replies. In answer to the above questions:

1) Can't remember exact amount of time but anywhere between 8 and 10 months.
2) In my infinate wisom I reasoned that brown algae is caused by low levels of light (green by high) so I upped it to give more hours of 'daylight'. This was only a test to see if would make any difference - it didn't .
3) Not sure what you mean by this - The tank is 2x2x1 (58 litres) and I think the bulb is 15 watts (would need to check this to make sure).

Hope this helps!
Andy.

 

[SuperColey1]

Cheers for the replies. In answer to the above questions:

1) Can't remember exact amount of time but anywhere between 8 and 10 months.
2) In my infinate wisom I reasoned that brown algae is caused by low levels of light (green by high) so I upped it to give more hours of 'daylight'. This was only a test to see if would make any difference - it didn't .
3) Not sure what you mean by this - The tank is 2x2x1 (58 litres) and I think the bulb is 15 watts (would need to check this to make sure).

Hope this helps!
Andy.

1- A flourescent bulb will last indefinately, meaning until it burns out. The problem is it's output will diminish slowly from the moment it is first used therefore you should replace yearly. Would you still ise rechargeable batteries when they are only giving 1 minute of power which used to be a lot more?

2- Algae is caused by defficiencies within the tank (nutrients) and therefore if there is a defficiency it will grow. The more light available the fasster it will grow. Plants will use the light until they have done their day's growing. In super high light tanks this may be as little as 4-5 hours of light!!! Therefore most planted people use betwee 8 and 12 hours of light no more!!!. I use 10 myself. And it did make a difference!! That is why you are asking the question. lol

The poster is asking how much light you have and the tank dimesions because 15W over a 15-20 USG is the bare minimum to grow plants really. 15W over a 55USG would not grow anything (apart from algae of course as per answer 1)

So you have approx 1WPG or just under. This should grow easy plants but you may struggle with the swords.

I assume you have a polished metal reflector above the light? If not get one. It is mandatory especially at your lighting level

Andy

 

[andyboy!!]

Thanks again.

No I don't have a reflector.

When purchasing a new tube can I not get one with higher wattage?

If so, any ideas on what I should buy. Would I still need a reflector?

Ta
Andy.

 

[Million]

being simple, I think you want to get the highest wattage bulb that will fit in the light fittings you have - unless you want to replace it and up the lighting

 

[Egmel]

When purchasing a new tube can I not get one with higher wattage?

You're limited by how much power the ballast (the thing which powers the light) can supply. The ballast in commercial tanks is usually hidden in the hood. On a 2 foot tank you probably have an 18" bulb and a 15w rated ballast. (but do check as you may have something different)

To improve the lighting you have without adding extra bulbs you can get a clip on reflector for about £5 (jewel and arcadia are both good) and change the bulb you have for one which is more suited to growing plants. Current top recommendation for reasonable price and availability seems to be the arcadia freshwater bulb.

If you want to go down the route of adding an extra bulb then you'll also need to start thinking about CO2 and fertilising.

Hope this helps