slime algae lightts???fast

[shista]

i am currently fighting red algae how long should i leave light on??? the only corals i have are polyps.i have 80 watts of pc light total. i need an answere fast i am setting my timer now and i am waiting!

 

[birdy]

Red slime algea is not as affected by light as some other types of algaes, I have noticed old bulbs will incourage growth, but the biggest thing to look at is nutrients and areas with low current cyanobacteria (red slime) likes areas of low current.
So to answer your question, something around 4-5hrs a day is fine until you get rid of the red slime, be sure your bulbs are changed around the 8mo mark.

 

[shista]

they are changed wouldent 4-5 hrs a day kill the polyps???

 

[birdy]

nope, they may not grow as fast but they won't die, Really you could run your lights for 8-10hrs and it may not have much effect on the red slime at all, the other issues are much more important for getting rid of it.

 

[shista]

ok i got a timer with 2 prongs but my light has three!! what can i do! and will moonlights effect red slime at all??

 

[shista]

help!

 

[shista]

??

 

[bigarn]

I don't know what you mean about the timer but moonlights have nothing to do with cyano.

 

[mikeeal]

You are gonna have to get grounded timers. They are like 8 bucks at good old Wally World. I would agree with Birdy.....you need to get the nutrients, (phosphate, silicate, nitrates) out of your tank. Are you using an RO unit?

 

[shista]

nope i have a skimmer and i get ro water from my lfs.