Trying to be successful with lights

[KHow]

I Have been struggling with lights. I put into use an older LED setup. Looks great but as was suggested, red slime algae thrives with it... Currently on a 72 hour dark cycle as per hours of Internet research has indicated. Also limiting free nutrients.... I have only one option at the point after the dark cycle as far as lighting goes... A single T5 bulb. I need to be able to support a small hammer and a two polyp zoo. If I lose these, I can deal with it. But the red slime is a no go. Will light changes help control it? I am aware that extra nutrient will be a factor as well my testing shows low to nominal findings across the common test parameters

 

[lmforbis]

Mine went very quickly when I changed my lights. It could have been a coincidence too. I switched to one Kessil and 2 t5 high out put bulbs. All my lighting the is more blue than wight. You might have some issues maintaining a hammer long term with only one t5.

 

[KHow]

Ok. So, what would be the best T5 bulb choice? 50/50?

 

[lmforbis]

Maybe a coral plus

 

[bang guy]

Is the red slime shrinking without the lighting on? If it's not shrinking it may be Dinoflagellates. That's a more difficult nut to crack.

If it is shrimning the it's Cyano and I'm sure you've already tried just increasing the water flow to affected areas.

 

[KHow]

I have another powerhead on the way to replace a substandard one.... Light reduction has almost eradicated the red slime, nutrient reduction is in progress, thinking the same bulb...coral plus based on research and now suggestion as well. Just need to test the T5 setup... I removed my T8 sockets and replaced them with T5 fittings from a smaller, 12 inch light fixture... I did a complete swap to include the starter and ballast from the donor light. I need to figure out if it will fire the 24" bulb...

 

[chrisely24]

Some people seem to think if the LED lighting has red lights in it, That will cause red slime.

 

[lmforbis]

Mine definitely got better with less red but it could also be a coincidence. I have, used red slime remover and chemiclean. They help but are not permanent unless you fix the cause of the excess nutrients feeding the problem.