lights How long life( can it create alge)

[newfishliny]

I have 6 55watt u bulbs since oct 2002 and I was tolded if they are geting weak it can produce alge or a growth on top of my bed.
there are spots of pinkish red in area's . Also now I am getting a lime green color on my glass. I also set up a refugium recently with magrove and calepura. any thoughts on this . (90 gal reef )
thanks
have a good one
Don
new fish

 

[dburr]

Well, since no one posted, i'll give it a stab.
I've heard life span on PC's from 6 to 9 to 12 months. Depends who you ask I guess.
Yes weak bulbs can produce algae blooms. So can a brand new bulb when you put it in. (much briter than the old)
The pinkish red/lime green sounds like cyno. The macro algae will/should out compete it. I would syphone out what you can.
Check phosphate levels and improve circulation in the main tank that will also help.
Good luck, Dan

 

[dreeves]

Once light bulbs reach the end of their usefull life..their kelvin slips into the undesired reds of the color spectrum...thus creating favorable lighting for micro algea to thrive.

 

[newfishliny]

thanks for the answers , I will order new bulbs and see where that takes me, Any thoughts on what type of bulbs to get , I have 9325 kelvins , a white light
thanks
new fish
Don

 

[dreeves]

Maybe get 3 actinics and 3 10k daylight...