W/cs With Lights Out? Why?

[This Old Spouse]

I've been seeing a lot on this subject lately, but I don't understand why I should have the lights out when doing water changes. I wouldn't be able to see what I'm sucking up with the lights out! What's the advantage?

 

[greenmumma141]

From what I understand, it's "lights out" when adding water to the tank, bc having the lights on and that much agitation can cause an algae bloom.

 

[This Old Spouse]

I've always had the lights on with water changes and never had an algae "bloom." Still confused.

 

[greenmumma141]

I always forget to turn my lights off lol. never had a bloom either. I could be wrong, but that was my understanding for keeping the lights off... ?

 

[ian]

It's due to the unstable c02 levels, the algae you'll normally see is bba. This on really happens in low tech thanks that aren't dosing any source of c02. It's normally large water changes too.

 

[greenmumma141]

It's due to the unstable c02 levels, the algae you'll normally see is bba. This on really happens in low tech thanks that aren't dosing any source of c02. It's normally large water changes too.

 
WELL... I have a low tech planted tank and Ive been doing pretty big water changes lately due to a horrible mix of a diatom outbreak and an ick infection, and have noticed i have some new forming BBA on my vallis!  I will make sure to turn my lights off when i due my water changes from now.
 
Thank you ian for the info