Lighting question

[Aquaculture]

We usually on our lights for 8 - 10hrs straight. Recently I had an outbreak of BBA. While shopping at Y618, I chatted with the owner about it and he suggested having the lights on for 4hrs, off for 4hrs, then on again for 4hrs. Off my canister CO2 and apply Seachem Excel dosage over a period of a week. Even after the BBA is gone, continue executing the 4hr on-off-on process, with CO2 on and there will be less algae and won't affect the plants.

Well, the BBA kindda cleared up a little. What puzzles me is his suggestion of the 4hr on-off-on process. Seems logical but won't it affect the growth of plants? Secondly, if the plants are receiving light, won't the algae be receiving it too... how would it not affect the plants growth but retard algae?

Very confused to which method to follow....

[Shadow]

I thing there some discussion about this before.

If I'm not mistake something to do with the plant growth momentum, maybe plats switch on their photosynthesis process faster than algae. I'm not sure if this method work for BBA though. Your BBA diminished probably due to the excell rather than light. You can inject excell directly or close to BBA, it will kill BBA faster.

You better of trying to improve your CO2 and water circulation.

[Quixotic]

having the lights on for 4hrs, off for 4hrs, then on again for 4hrs.

Siesta is the word. Do a search in the forum, there are discussions on this. The jury is still out on the actual effectiveness.

[Aquaculture]

Guess its one for the X-files...heehee

[bhargavs]

Just to pitch in something here, from my experience I can say that Seachem Excel really helps in controlling the algae bloom. I've never tried the break period in lighting, but have reduced it. Also another thing I noticed is the circulation of water in the aquarium. A good circulation helps reduce the algae.

Regards
Bhargav

[Aquaculture]

Agree with having good circulation to prevent dead spots. The Excel doesn't wonders but it'll be kindda expensive in the long run.

An update of the 4hr on-off-on period. The day before, I swing by the shop beside C328 (C328 was packed with people) and asked the same question. This young chap also told me that his home tanks is using the 4hrs on-off-on process and algae doesn't pop out.

Upon learning from him and getting the same answers from different lfs. I've decided to embark on this 4hrs on-off-on journey.

I'll give it some time and update you guys on my findings and experience. Maybe it works, maybe it doesn't... let's see.

[PeterGwee]

If you have an undersized CO2 system, the siesta might help to allow CO2 to buildup more before the light comes on again. That is the only benefit and otherwise serve no purpose.

Regards,
Peter Gwee

[Aquaculture]

Hi Peter,

May I know what you mean by an undersized CO2 system? I'm injecting via canister CO2 and using a Taiwan brand reactor to breakdown the CO2.

[StanChung]

I think the problem is inconsistent CO2, CO2 and fert supply not proportionate with lighting intensity, lack of filter maintenance and organic debris overload and food choices.

The siesta thing I've tried but back when i first started years ago but never have to resort to this nowadays. Just watch the plants. When they're not growing well or your tank water is not crystal clear, BBA is bound to show up.

[bhargavs]

I agree with Stan. I had the similar problem and all I need to was to clean up filter and clean up the debris, reduce the feeding quantity. And frequent water change (once every week) really helped the environment in the tank.