Algae and Lights

[Thyra]

I haven't read anything about this any where and I am curious - does different type lighting enhance algae growth? I have a 10g tank with one incandescent lamp and one fluorescent lamp and it looks to me like the fluorescent side produces algae faster. The three smaller tanks I have certainly do - the smallest one is the worst 2.5g, then the 5g and next the 10g. Is it because there is more light in a given area? What about LED lighting?

 

[skjl47]

I have grown algae under incadescent and all types of fluorescent. Never paid attention about rates. Also never mixed incadescent with fluorescent that I recall. I picked up some screw in led lights at Lowes a few weeks back. They were on sale for $9.28. I am trying them in lamps. If I ever set up the tank with the screw in sockets, I will try them in it.

Forum looks bit strange today, but seems to be working some better. This is my second post today, will try new posts in a moment.

 

[Fishman1995]

Stronger light outputs produce more algae. I assume the brighter the light the more algae it makes. All my tanks grew algae no matter what lighting i had except my dark green lighting i had in my 10 gallon.

 

[Thyra]

I still think there is more to it than brighter light. I know they sell "grow bulbs" for starting plants and that light is different than a regular light bulb. I also know that sunshine makes plants grow faster than light bulbs, but I still wonder about the LEDs.

 

[KcMopar]

I still think there is more to it than brighter light. I know they sell "grow bulbs" for starting plants and that light is different than a regular light bulb. I also know that sunshine makes plants grow faster than light bulbs, but I still wonder about the LEDs.

I have noticed lights close to 2700K grow algae the fastest. All of my lights grow algae at some rate. My 75G has 6000K bulbs and grows algae slower then my 10 gallon with a bulb some where around 3500K. My 150G and 125G both have 10,000K bulbs and these grow algae the least. Nutrients (the bad nitrates and ammonia) also contribute to algae growth as well. I have the worst nutrient levels (40 PPM+ nitrate) in the 150 and 125 because they are overstocked but, it has less algae growth compared to my 10 and 75 which are rarely over 10 PPM nitrate levels. Wattage of these lights do matter as well but do not seem to be as significant in the higher "K" rated bulbs. This is just my observation in the years I have been in the fish hobby. I am sure there is some more technical answer somewhere. *thumbsups