Lights and Algea

[imaburch]

I have a 55 GALLON (fish and liverock) tank that has alot of red algae build up.
I just installed a Pentair Lifegard filter system and starting do water changes agian. My question is "Has anyone ever just got tired and took out each rock and powerwased them to get them completly clean, and almost start all over?" I have a great 24 gallon at my office, and it is very successful compared to my home tank.
Also, how often do you have to change out your bulbs? I have PC lighting, and wonder if it looses its effectiveness?
Any thoughts from ANYONE??????????????

 

[xdave]

Check for phosphates. The only time I ever started over was when the electricity went out for a week and it was 95 degrees.

 

[bonebrake]

PC bulbs should be changed every 12 months.
Don't powerwash your rock. There has to be a reason for your red algae:
overfeeding
phosphates
old RO membrane
old DI cartridge
TDS of water
etc.
:joy: