Algae problem. Old t5 bulbs?

[kylebolch]

Everyday when I get home from work I have
New green algae on the glass. All the parameters are fine
Including phosphate. I just got the t5 lighting
System used. I have no idea how old the bulbs are.
Could it be the bulbs doing this?

 

[project1004]

I noticed that is always first thing people recommends. And if you dont know how old the bulb is, I think it's good idea to replace them.

And using a UV helps clearing the water cristal clear and GFO and carbon also helps (for quick fix). I had same problem when I started the hobby and it goes away as tank ages. I only run UV and but no GFO or Carbon atm.

 

[myreefclub0070]

if you have room for a refugium with macro algae that will help the DT big time, at least it does for me and yes old bulbs do have a big part when it comes to algae.

 

[kylebolch]

Thanx. I do have a fuge but with no macro yet.
I just want to make sure it's the bulbs before
I go out and buy new ones. I'll try gfo, carbon, and Chaeto first

 

[ringo®]

If you buy new bulbs, don't switch them all at once.

 

[project1004]

Hey kyle, thinking back, I was using both gfo and carbon when I had that green stuff keep covering the glasses. I think it was uv that helped. Its been so long ago I cant really remember. lol

 

[kylebolch]

Thanks ringo, I didn't know that.
And Tae, you're right. I need a sterilizer

 

[kilralpine]

I doubt you "NEED" a sterilizer, thats just one of many remedies. Its also not a guarantee to get rid of your algae problem. Most t5 are good for 6 months to about 8 or 9 depending on brand. I would replace them as they have probably been used. Usually lights aren't the root of the problem unless they are well past their service life.

 

[kylebolch]

That makes sense. Perhaps I'm over feeding as well...

 

[project1004]

If you are over feeding you most likely be getting hair algae as well. instead juat green films on the glass. Do you test mag? I use to not. I didnt know how inportant it was. Lol

 

[kylebolch]

No hair algae and I don't test for mag.
I'll take a sample of water this Saturday to
Your house

 

[project1004]

Yay, Definitely. Test your water for Cal,Alk with your test kit and we can test it against mine. I use salifert for cal,kh, and mag. But I think it's more important for your testing done for Phos and Nitrates. I don't have test kits for those. I need to get one. lol

 

[kylebolch]

I'll bring my nitrate and phospate kit as well