Cutting Down On My Photoperiod

[lyotim88]

i know my algae problem is due to lack of co2(i'm only running the nutrafin unit right now) and i'm going to have to deal with it until i can afford a pressurized co2 system. but will cutting my lights down to 10 hours make a good difference from 12 hours? or even 8? Any other tips/ suggestions are welcomed. Thanks--Tim

 

[Truck]

i know my algae problem is due to lack of co2(i'm only running the nutrafin unit right now) and i'm going to have to deal with it until i can afford a pressurized co2 system. but will cutting my lights down to 10 hours make a good difference from 12 hours? or even 8? Any other tips/ suggestions are welcomed. Thanks--Tim

what plants do you have? ideally you should half it

 

[aaronnorth]

10hrs should be max anyway IMO. 6-8hrs will help further.

 

[lyotim88]

i'm going to butcher the spelling and i don't know all of them but i know i have crypt. spiralis, microswords, sagittaria subulata and idk what the other guys are but they are somewhat short with small round leaves

 

[jonnyf84]

yeh i agree with aaron and truck, in a fully planted tank then you want 9 hours max, 6-8 hours is the norm.

 

[BenPursglove]

I think the problem is too much light. Try cutting to 8 hours as already stated.

Also try sticking a "siesta" period in the middle of your lights on period of 2 hours. Lots of planters on the web reckon that algae can't cope with the break and plants can.

My lights go - On: 12 noon, Off: 4pm, On: 6pm, Off: 10pm. Seems to do the trick.

 

[aaronnorth]

Lots of planters on the web reckon that algae can't cope with the break and plants can.

other way round. Algae can adapt and plants can not. Algae is one of the most adaptle micro organisms in our tanks.

 

[RadaR]

Aye.
The light "siesta" was only used in the past when folks didn't have the equipment to dose high/constant CO2.
The belief that algae "hates" a light siesta in the middle of the day is an illusion.

 

[SuperColey1]

A lot of people misunderstand the 'siesta' reasonings.

As said above if there is a change Algae will adapt to it much much quicker than the plants!!!

The correct theory behind the 'siesta' is that in poor CO2 tanks the break gives CO2 time to build up again before the second period. It is the plants that are fighting the algae by growing and the siesta meaning they don't run defficient of CO2.

This of course assumes that there is enough CO2 in the first place and that the plants are using it up meaning the siesta replenishes the supply.

This all sounds well and good but if the plants are using the CO2 up add a second bottle then they won't be using it up. The siesta is one of those things that some say work and others say it doesn't.


AC