Changed My Lights To T5

[wolfwolf]

I've upgraded my lamps in both of my tanks from T-8 to T-5. I also went from .8wpg to 1.6wpg. What effect will more light have on BBA algae? The articles that I have read would seem to indicate that there would be little affect other than it should help the plants to outcompete for nutrients. But I also read that BBA is caused by CO2 fluxuations or phosphate being too high. So I am confused. I added some stem plants (wisteria) since it is fast growing. And it is doing very well.

So what do I do?

Shorten my 8 hour light period? Reducing feedings? Stop changing my water 1 a week?

I've always had BBA but it is getting worse over the last month.

 

[aaronnorth]

more light = more algae growth i'm afraid unless you sort the problem, which will be because of low/ fluctuating CO2. PO4 doesnt have an affect on BBA.

1.6wpg of T5 is a fair amount of light, seen as it was based on T12, so it becomes more leanient, is the tank the 20g? I think you may have get a CO2 system, otherwise with the high light driving the plants, they require more nutrients & CO2.

it will help to shorten your photo period, no need to reduce feedings, changing the water once a week is good, 50% is ideal if you can, but it doesnt matter to much (depending on the dosing regime you use)

try gettins some easy carbo, then dose 3x the reccomended amount to kill it. If it is just in various places, then it might be easier/ more effective to spot dose. Get the 3x dosage in a pippette or a syringe, then squirt it dorectly onto the affected areas, turn of any filters or powerheads for a few minutes so it gives it chance to work. Dont do this on plants out of the water otherwise you will burn the plants