Old bulbs = Algae problems?

[Son Of Skyline]

My 250w Iwasakis are getting pretty old. Both are over a year old, and I think one is closer to 2+ years old. Would this have anything to do with my algae problems or no? Thanks in advance.

[Delphinus]

Perhaps not a completely certainty, but it's a reasonably safe bet. I have no experience with Iwasaki's that old, so take that into account when I speak -- I've also used 10000K bulbs for over 2 years without algae problems but I would expect that to be an exception rather than the rule. Other bulbs I have used in the past (used several different ones over 5+ years in the hobby!), I could tell you exactly when they had hit "six months plus a day" because the difference was that apparent. Changing out the old bulbs caused the blooms to wither within days. So yes, I'd call it a "solid possibility." (How's that for a non-wishy-washy reply?)

[christyf5]

What kind of algae problems are you having? How big is your tank? Skimmer? How much LR? Alkalinity?

The reason I ask all these questions is when I was having algae problems it was suggested to change my bulbs. After spending the $200 on bulbs I saw decline in the algae growth and had to turn to other ideas.

Christy

[Delphinus]

Christy, I assume you mean you saw NO decline in algae growth?

PS. I didn't mean to suggest that old lighting was the only cause, just ONE potential cause. Definitely for "due diligence" all those other possibilities should be explored as well. However, that said, two years on a halide IS pushing it. Although I am as guilty as anyone for doing that, there's no doubt that after two years of solid use (espescially assuming something like a 10-12 hour daily photoperiod), it's not gonna hurt ANYthing (except maybe the wallet) to replace those bulbs.

[christyf5]

Oops, yes. NO decline in algae growth. Jeez I think I had too many cups of coffee this am.

Yes, I totally agree with you Tony about maybe replacing the bulbs. But if there is a cheaper way to go first I'd try it. See first thing I did was spend $200 on bulbs, then when that didn't work I had no money left to try other things. Then I had to wait it out until I could get the money to try other approaches. It ended up being a combination of things (I was using natural seawater at the time that had phosphates in it, had a crappy skimmer and low alk). Changing these things did eventually get rid of the brown goo type algae but I didn't have any success with eliminating hair algae. If I had the patience after each and every algae attack I probably could have beaten it (or at least slapped it around a little) but I didn't. I moved, got my tax return and bought new rock


Christy

[Son Of Skyline]

Thanks for the quick replies everyone. I know that lighting isn't the only thing contributing to my algae, but I'm just attacking all possibilities. I just bought a nice big RO unit, foxface, lawnmower blenny, dropped my lighting down to 7 hours a day, cranked up my skimmer, doing more water changes, pulling it manually, brought my alk up to 4.5meq/L. The only thing left I can think of is replacing my old bulbs. I don't want to give this algae a chance to win! Am I missing anything?

The tank is a 120gal with a 27gal sump.
Canreef skimmer on a Mag18.

Tank's been setup for less than a year so I'm not surprised about the algae outbreaks, but I still want to attack it as hard as I can.

Thanks all.

[CHEAPREEF]

I found pretty much any time i have had a hair alge outbreak it's due to low alk. I think your on the right track bumping your alk up, should see a change in the next couple of weeks. Hope it gets better, i hate hair alge.

Clinton

[BCOrchidGuy]

How does your light look? if it has a yellow cast to it, it may be in need of replacement. If it still has a white/blue look to it, keep it, it is probably still kicking butt.

But like Christy says, don't replace the bulbs first, unless you make your own money.

[Son Of Skyline]

The lighting is painfully yellow, even with 4x48" actinics on an Icecap 660. I guess I should replace them then. I bought the bulbs used so I've never actually seen fresh Iwasakis over my tank. Should they really appear white? I thought Iwasakis have a reputation for yellowish light. Would the yellow light contribute to algae more so than whitish light?

Thanks again.

Originally Posted by BCOrchidGuy

How does your light look? if it has a yellow cast to it, it may be in need of replacement. If it still has a white/blue look to it, keep it, it is probably still kicking butt.

But like Christy says, don't replace the bulbs first, unless you make your own money.

[Canadian Man]

Originally Posted by Son Of Skyline

The lighting is painfully yellow, even with 4x48" actinics on an Icecap 660. I guess I should replace them then. I bought the bulbs used so I've never actually seen fresh Iwasakis over my tank. Should they really appear white? I thought Iwasakis have a reputation for yellowish light. Would the yellow light contribute to algae more so than whitish light?

Thanks again.

Iwasaki's actually shift more toward the blue spectrum as they get older.
Do you run carbon in your tank? I find once my carbon get's old, I can notice my tank becoming more yellow. Once the carbon is replaced than the water is crystal clear.

ciao