Oh-Oh New Algae!

[goodgreef]

I'm hoping to get some assistance with a new issue I now have. I just purchased my first MH light and am in the first week of using it. It's a 250W and my tank is 41G. I've been advised to run it 5 hours a day for the first week or two. My clam likes it and has turned to directly face the light.

My issue is, I am now seeing algae forming on my glass. I did not have this problem with the two t5's. Is it a good thing????

Thanks,


goodgreef

[Kenbow]

Some algae growth is normal, weekly cleanings/scrapings are not uncommon, more than that could be early signs of excess nutrients, more frequent water changes or upgrades to filtration will also help.

[ReeferRob]

Some algae growth is normal, weekly cleanings/scrapings are not uncommon, more than that could be early signs of excess nutrients, more frequent water changes or upgrades to filtration will also help.

Plus one to Kenbo!!

250 for 40 some odd gallons seems like a ton of light. Not surprised your seeing algea growth. I would keep it permanently at 5 hours and run some T5 for supplemental color a few hours before during and after.

[Bella127]

Is this setup new. Is the 250w a new or used bulb? If it is used it may need to be replaced. This is a first sign in my tank that I need to change my bulb in my tank.

[goodgreef]

What would be a good recommendation for better filtering? I'm running a uv, skimmer and a Fluval 205 canister with rock frags....oh yea, and one mean gobey!!

Tanks a bunch,


goodgreef

[Kenbow]

There are ALWAYS better skimmers to be had.;) IMO, a Phosphate reactor will help reduce the dusty algae that grows on the glass.

[goodgreef]

Does it make any sense to decrease the light by removing the 250w MH and put in a 150W bulb?

Thanks,

goodgreef

[Crow]

Simple, you added more of what algae loves..

If you lower the light the algae should also go down, but then again, your light loving corals won't like it, a 150w on a 40g is a good size if you ask me. but with more light your going to have more algae..:propellerhead:

[goodgreef]

Thank you for the good responses. I think I'll do 25% water changes weekly instead of every other week and if the algae gets real bad I'll change the 250w mh to 150.

[Skyhigh]

? for ya how many snails do you have in the tank?

[goodgreef]

I probably have 12-15 snails but my hermit crabs are taking them out. I'm going to attemp to catch the hermits and give them (all two of them) back to the store.

A new issue has surfaced....mushrooms are looking quite wilted. Again I suspect the light is the cause of the changes. My chemistry is good.

Thanks again for all of the support,




goodgreef

[Skyhigh]

i would think more snails and move the mushrooms to the bottom and to the right or left of the tank.