Will old MH bulb increase algae growth?

[DevonM]

Hey Charlie & Gang,

I figured this would be a simple question to answer for the pros. I was wondering if old (don't know how old) 175W screw in MH bulbs would dramatically increase hair algae growth? I know that excessive nutrients, nitrates and phosphates will ultimately cause hair algae growth but how much, if any, would these bulbs fuel the fire?

Thanks,

Devon

[charlie]

In my opinion, once they get old, they lose the spectrum that it was, and yes, it becomes more like a grow lite. I used to run 400w over my refugium and it grew caulerpa like a mother!!!!!!

[DevonM]

A guy down here in Misosula I know got a good deal on some MH 175 Watt pendants and now his hair algae is going nuts. I helped him setup his PM Bullet 2 so hopefully that will help.

P.S. I just got another votec mp40w in the mail! I have them both set up now, yours next!

[charlie]

When are you coming up next???? What "K" rating are this guys lites? Also, what is his tank husbandry like. Usually when the hair starts, it is related to that.

[DevonM]

Not sure what the K rating is. It's a 180 gallon tank with a 2 foot bamboo shark and a 8" blue dot ray. He's pretty good with the husbandry but he feeds a bit too much as shown by his high nitrates (80ppm). But I'm hoping with the new skimmer hooked up that should help but I know the hair algae is going to continue to grow like a weed at that nitrate level. I just don't think the old MH bulbs are helping.

Not exactly sure when I'll be up, probably for the metting.

[charlie]

Well, just give me a call, maybe you would like to head up on Saturday morning, early and stop on up.

This is one person that SHOULD have a refugium!!!!! Time to put on your best "you need a refugium" speech!!! How much live rock does he have?

[DevonM]

Not enough rock. He also lacks the room for a nice sized refug. But we are going to be building a 300 gal. tank here pretty soon (waiting on the 3/4" glass) and I think I will talk him into integrating one at that point. The tank he has now is only temp.

[reefer69]

Yeah, it will.

Change your bulb and it will make a big difference.