A question on the lighting and replacing the bulbs..

[Vinman75]

Nova Extreme SLR T-5 Fixtures
48" x 5-1/2" Saltwater; 108 watt

I have this lighting system on my 55 gallon tank FOWLR. It is the 10000K light and the 460 actinic (blueish light). The question I have is that I have been battling brown alagae and saw an article which said among other things that having old lights and them needing to be replaced could be a factor in causing the algae growth. Has anyone heard this? Nothing with the people who sold it says anything about when to change the bulbs but is there a rule of thumb as far as when to change them? and can it cause problems with algae or stuff due to the lights? any info is appreciated as always.

 

[MrCote]

You are supposed to replace T5 bulbs at least once a year. If you can replace them every 6 months that is best but they will be okay for up to a year. And once the bulbs get a little older the spectrum can change a little and some algaes favor this spectrum created. This is what I have been told

 

[MikeG]

Old bulbs can contribute to an increase in algae growth but it will generally be fueled by excess nutrients. Can you describe your tank setup, maintenance and any known parameters especially nitrate and phosphate? Do you use a skimmer, RO/DI?

 

[Vinman75]

Yeah it is a 55 gallon FOWLR. I have only 2 blue/green Chromis fish (think). I do have an RO/DI filter and have been using for the last year or so. I really think the issue is something which gets talked alot on thsi site which is getting equipment and then realizing soon after that you should have gotten more or different. I do not have a sump. I have a protein skimmer. It is a Seaclone 100 hang on the back of the tank (I think this is one of the main issues, it doesn't really collect that much). I also think the issue is I need to do more water changes. Right now I am evaluating getting a sump and upgrading to a more poewerful and $ skimmer to keep underneath. Any reccomendations? Am thinking of getting the overflow box and then having it go down to the sump below housing the skimmer. How are water changes done if you have a sump? Do you turn everything off and take the water out of the tank and then replace in the tank?

 

[Vinman75]

What do people you for the sump? Can I use a 10 gallon glass aquarim and sote it in the base of the 55 gallon tank stand? What is exactly put in the sump? The protein skimmer, the heater, and what else? I am still baffled by thsi sump thing and been reading that melvin tank link i got!

 

[jamesdong009]

A 10 galling would be fine. Although a 15g high would be better for the extra height.

Sumps are used to increase water volume which leads to better stability. They also hide your equipment from the display tank. IMO/IME in sump skimmers are also better than HOB skimmers.

If there is enough room, you can also section off a refugium, which slightly helps nutrient export and provides a safe haven for your pods.