Stopping some algae

I've heard that giving your lighting a 2-3 hour break during the day can stop some nuisance algae from growing. Any truth to this? I was thinking of setting my timer to run the lights on for 5 hours, then 2 hours off, then 7 hours back on, then off for the night.

 

It won't aid in stopping algae growth, although it should slow down. The key to keeping algae growth low is to have strong water circulation. Algae grows in still water at speeds you can't imagine. Also, miracle mud is an expensive solution. In my aquarium, all I have is Miracle mud and power heads. And an aqua clear 110. And I have never seen algae. And in a reef tank, its always good to have an efficient cleaning crew. Hope this helps.

 

From my experience algae can come from many sources and you can have many types- some are good, some are not.

Tank placement, tempreture and feeding habits of the aquarium owner play a huge role in algae growth, along with lighting of course.

In my case, I allow some algae growth, because I use it, one: to help oxegenate the tank, and two: give my tangs something to do while I am at work all day.

I spoke on the phone with the owner of miricle mud- decent guy, I dont use it, but I may one day give it a try.

 

It works great in refugiums, too. You could invest in 15 lbs or so for your refugium, and you would probably notice a difference in your 165.

 

Can you describe how to set it up?

 

It simply takes the place of your substrate. If you were willing to, you could scoop the substrate out of your refugium and replace it with Miracle Mud. Thats what I've done in my refugium.

 

How is it for pods and such? I keep tangs and many inverts in my main system, will it cloud the water? Could I not add it to what is already in there?

 

A more simple solution is to add a Phosphate reactor. You gave us little info to go on. What is; size of tank, what filtration, how old are your lights and what type of lighting is being used? How often and what are you feeding the tank? The answer to these will get things started.

 

My tank is only a week old. 30 gallon with live rock, a royal gramma, clown, and scooter blenny. I'm just using the single tube that comes with the hood. Filtration is a Penguin biowheel (wheel removed), and protein skimmer.

 

well, algae in a brand new tank is normal. Is your tank a week old after or before your cycle. Lowering your light cycle would help, but i wouldn't turn it off in the middle of the day. I would cut an hour or so off before the normal time your lights turn off and on.