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T5 HO/ NO bulb change
#1
Guest_Elijah_*
Posted 07 November 2011 - 08:40 PM
I use the Walstad method.
I am having some intense algae issues in some of my tanks.
I have removed one bulb from my fixtures, so they only have one bulb. The plants seem to be doing fine and the algae is decreased. The reflectors are individual for each bulb, so I would prefer to have two bulbs to have broader light coverage.
I intend to convert these to LED eventually, but it will be gradual and take some time.
#2
Guest_EricaWieser_*
Posted 08 November 2011 - 07:39 AM
Edit: I realized it might be hard to answer that question. Here is a photo ID guide, scroll down on this page: http://www.aquahobby...water_algae.php
Edited by EricaWieser, 08 November 2011 - 07:42 AM.
#3
Guest_Elijah_*
Posted 08 November 2011 - 06:34 PM
Well it could be hair, thread or cladophora algae. It seems to be an issue in tanks that I used clay in the substrate and that clay was dug up by burrowing fish. I believe excess iron combined with bright light is causing the issue. I cannot keep up with the removal of it.What kind of algae?
Edit: I realized it might be hard to answer that question. Here is a photo ID guide, scroll down on this page: http://www.aquahobby...water_algae.php
How about NO lights in a HO fixture, know anything about that?
Thanks!
#4
Guest_EricaWieser_*
Posted 08 November 2011 - 06:44 PM
I don't think it's your lights. I think it's because cladophora is just a very effective algae. It grows well in aquariums. I tried everything, and ended up just not taking my plants with me when I moved. I bought all new trimmings, and put them in fresh substrate when I set up the tank in the new location. That's what finally cured the tank of its cladophora infestation.
Edit:
I figured I should add a photo of the amount of cladophora that a low level of light can grow. http://img.photobuck.../018cropped.jpg
Video: youtube.com/watch?v=8y8b9lxctMc
That's with those cheesy stupid lights that come with the tank, and the fact that the tank was in front of a window. Normal plants died, but once they were gone the cladophora grew five inches thick.
If you can find any photos of Lake Akan underwater, you can see that cladophora can grow in conditions no plant can.
Edited by EricaWieser, 08 November 2011 - 06:57 PM.
#5
Guest_stuber2_*
Posted 08 November 2011 - 11:42 PM
#6
Guest_Elijah_*
Posted 09 November 2011 - 10:55 PM
That's what I thought. Have had no luck finding T5 ballasts locally. Guess I'll have to order if I decide to go that route.I have researched this question myself, since I have a T5 HO fixture. Surprisingly, I haven't found a whole lot of conclusive info on the subject. But, based on what I have read, it would be safer to replace the ballasts with standard T5 ballasts if you want to run standard T5 bulbs, because the T5 HO ballasts will be overdriving the standard bulbs.
#7
Guest_gerald_*
Posted 10 November 2011 - 02:34 PM
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