Thread of the Month

***Rob*** · 05-06-2007, 01:39 PM

No Lights for 3 Days Every Couple of Months Works Wonders

More...

**Phurst** · 05-06-2007, 11:34 PM

I just did this last week after reading that thread.

So far I'm happy with the results. I've been back on the regular lighting schedule for 3 days now, and everything looks great. I didn't feed at all during lights out either. Water is super clear, the film algae is greatly reduced and the diatoms are gone as well. I DID do a 10 gal water change the last day of lights out. Whatever algae was killed off or receeded would have released "crud" (a technical term) back into the water.

I'd deffinitely reccomend people give this a try.

**wwest** · 05-06-2007, 11:37 PM

I am going to try this too.

Did you turn all your lights out or did you leave your actinic's on?

**Phurst** · 05-06-2007, 11:40 PM

I went lights out for 3 solid days, then went actinics only the 1st half of the 4th day.

**wwest** · 05-06-2007, 11:50 PM

Sweet, Ill try it

**Seahorsedreams** · 05-07-2007, 12:33 AM

So, what are we trying to do?

**Phurst** · 05-07-2007, 08:20 AM

I believe the original thread starter on RC was trying to get rid of dinoflagelates, but it seems to be beneficial in knocking down all kinds of micro.

In my case, i just switched from old 20K bulbs to brand new XM 10Ks and have had somthing of an algae bloom. Due either to the increased intensity, whiter spectrum, or both. It hasn't really been what I would consider a "problem" yet, but itis should help peep it in check until

a) my RO/DI system shows up (today hopefuly)

b) my GFO reactor shows up to help with a years worth of using treated tap water as top-off.
Yes, I know, bad reefer (slaps self on wrist).

**Seahorsedreams** · 05-07-2007, 01:31 PM

Ah... I see.

**CarmieJo** · 05-07-2007, 10:05 PM

I haven't tried this on a regular basis but when I was starting my tank my diatom bloom cleared up after I went away for the weekend and left my lights off.

Russel P · 05-08-2007, 07:16 PM

I've cut my lighting back to 3-4 hours a day when I've had HA and diatom blooms for ages and it works wonders. Established specimens seem to bounce back quite well, and the nuicince algaes are reduced to a point that the clean-up crew can handle them. I've never shrouded my tanks in darkness for days at a time, but it makes perfect sense.
If Nitrogen and Phosphate levels are all at zero during these blooms, this is one time I've learned not to change water. Anecdotal evidence, I know... but it seems very consistent.