Is 6500k lighting Algae magnets?

[agent707]

I have a 75 gal tank that's about 4 months running. I have a homemade hood on it with 4- 6500k 25 watt compact flourescents (The screw in spiral kind).
My tank is FOWLR and it lights it up nicely we think.
However, I have a very bad algae problem that I can't seem to tackle. I don't think it's from overfeeding or phosphates (RO/DI water ONLY).
Is this type of lighting just plain ole BAD BAD BAD for growing algae?
Can't see the algae in this picture. This was taken about a month ago. Botton is like green carpet ATM.

 

[jjboods]

I would say it is definitely the lights.

 

[squidd]

Let's just say...it's not helping the situation...
6500K lighting is what I use on my Algal Scrubber Fuge(s) to "Promote" algal growth for maximum growth and harvesting....

 

[agent707]

OK, but would using something like 10,000k + Actinic 03 setup "Hinder" algae growth?
Right now, I am "eye-balling" something like this:
Coralife 48 Inch Aqualight:
Two 65 watt 10,000K and two 65 watt True Actinic 03 Blue straight pin base compact fluorescent lamps
Now, before I sink $240 some odd dollars into something like this, will this certainly make algae MUCH HARDER to survive vs. what I am currently using, or is it just a "dice roll"?
I just finished getting my tank up... I've about $100 in my light hood as it is now. I really hate throwing money away. So my feelings are reserved about this.

 

[agent707]

OMG! I think I found my answer....
Coralife 20W Mini Fluorescent 50/50
This bulb enhances freshwater and saltwater aquariums. It is 50% 10000k and 50% actinic 03 blue. It has a high-intensity output with low operating temperature. It is a 20 watt self-ballasted compact fluorescent lamp that fits a standard medium base. The lamp equals a 100 watt incandescent lamp and has a 6,000 hour life.
$10.89 each.
Hey, may only give me 80 watts of light, but given I only have FOWLR, that's all I really need... and for a $45 upgrade, I think that will suffice.

for now anyway.

 

[jjboods]

What exactly are you planning to keep in the tank? Just fish? Live rock? Corals? Trying for coraline algae growth?

 

[agent707]

Yes, Fish + Live rock. I do believe that's what FOWLR means.
I understand that coraline algae will not thrive under 80 watts of light... That's not really that important to me right now as it doesn't really play a part in the biological filtration.
I'm going to spend the $50 now. I'll upgrade my lights down the road... maybe 5 or 6 months from now. I mean heck, you have to throw your bulbs away that quick anyway according to what most people say huh.

 

[saltfan]

6700k lamps are the sun at high noon. Algea problem growers... I think not. I have your kind of set up on my tank, more wattage of course, and on a 135g. No algea problems at all, 0, none. I don't run actinic either. And I have an Anenome in there.

 

[agent707]

You saying you have 6500k lights on your aquarium with no algae probs? hmm.. what's your wattage on your 135?

 

[squidd]

6700k lamps are the sun at high noon. Algea problem growers... I think not.
Put your tank in a sunny window area and tell me you don't develop an algae problem...I'm thinking so...

 

[saltfan]

Originally Posted by Squidd
Put your tank in a sunny window area and tell me you don't develop an algae problem...I'm thinking so...

Ok, I"ll tell you then....NOT! My tanks one corner of it is hit by the morning sun and the late day sun.....Sorry Squidd, I don't have any troubles, and when I figure out all the sruff I need for my digi camera, I'm going to personally send you some pictures, so you'll know I am not full of SHT.

 

[dadummy]

algae needs light and nutrients to grow, you can have the worst lighting in the world, or the sun and if the nutrient is not there , the algae will not grow.