Does Colour Temperature Affect Algae?

[Super Dude]

i currently got an 18 000k fluoro bulb in my aquarium. i've heard that high k ratings (bluish) can cause algae. is this true, cuz the brown stuff is starting to invade. ö

what would be a good, slightly reddish temp?

 

[aaronnorth]

according to some places yes.

IME no. I have had/ run 2 different tanks with 18 000k tubes and everything was fine.

I think you are getting mixed up with actnic tubes though (blue tubes) for marine/ reef tanks.

 

[Super Dude]

i know 4 sure that it is freshwater. idk if it is both fw and sw.

also would a red, blue or no hue make a red fish (serpae tetra to be exact) stand out more colourfully?

 

[aaronnorth]

a red tube would be best, such as a 2000-4500k

 

[Super Dude]

thanks. ur really awesome.

ps-2700k would be kool with live plants, right?

 

[aaronnorth]

yes,
Do you have 2 tubes? Because otherwise your tank will look pink! If you have another get an 8000k to balance it out,

otherwise, go a bit higher, say, 4500k.

here are a few examples from
arcadia tropical:

arcadia freshwater

You can see the difference in K ratings.

 

[Super Dude]

ok. what would be a neutral point for light? like 7 is neutral ph.

cuz i really don't want a pink tank. ö

 

[aaronnorth]

6500k

 

[Super Dude]

thanks. i'll go slightly under that.