5 On 2off 5 On?

[VidVid]

Hey, i was just wandering if turning your lights on for 5 hours, then off for 2 than back on for another 5 hours is used to reduce algae or is it just another old method (before Co2 systems came out) to increase the Co2 levels for the planted aquaiums that did not have enough Co2 in their planted tanks???

 

[nry]

Used to reduce algae, it has nothing to do with CO2. Doesn't always work though.

 

[Graeme Edwards]

Personaly I wouldn't bother. Providing you have good healthy plants, good C02 , water changes etc, there should be no real need. So many variables to think about its hard to say if it really does make any difference.

 

[JamesC]

Hey, i was just wandering if turning your lights on for 5 hours, then off for 2 than back on for another 5 hours is used to reduce algae or is it just another old method (before Co2 systems came out) to increase the Co2 levels for the planted aquaiums that did not have enough Co2 in their planted tanks???

Both reasons really. The first theory of a siesta was to let CO2 levels build back up so as not to let levels drop too low letting algae get the advantage. Second theory was that algae needed longer light periods than plants so breaking up the light period would affect the algae and give plants the advantage.

Do they work? Try it yourself and see if it makes even the slighteset difference. Going by the number of posts on here where people have algae issues and do the siesta then you can probably guess from this if it works or not.

James

 

[SNAIL]

Hey, i was just wandering if turning your lights on for 5 hours, then off for 2 than back on for another 5 hours is used to reduce algae or is it just another old method (before Co2 systems came out) to increase the Co2 levels for the planted aquaiums that did not have enough Co2 in their planted tanks???

Speaking from experience, yes it does work.

 

[Underwurlde]

Probably more likely the 2x5hrs = 10hrs of lighting per day will have the biggest effect. Knock it back to 8 or below!

Andy

 

[George Farmer]

James is spot on, no surprise there.

Siestas can help against algae in tanks with poor CO2, because of the darkness allowing a CO2 increase.