Blue Actinic Lighting Can Cause Algae Growth?

[sushiray]

I have been using my actinics light more than the white lights this past week. So, instead of having a brown algae bloom (I still have some after cleaning), now there is this film like covering spreading on the glass & on the bare bottom. I have cleaned this film off the best I could but it has come back.

Is this another type of algae bloom? just very light in color (like an off-white gray like color). when I cleaned the glass it was a very light brownish-green.

In either case, how can I eliminate the brown algae & now this new light colored growth?

pics would be hard to show this growth - it just makes the glass look cloudy.

thx all

[jpappy789]

Brown algae is diatoms, usually caused by silicates in the water. If your tank is less than a year old it will begin disappearing on its own.

There's little evidence linking FW algae growth and actinic lighting. Your film doesn't sounds like any algae I've ever heard of...any chance you can get a pic? It may help someone ID.

[DoctaQ]

white cloudy stuff could be a sign of silicates i beleive?
do you have any eggcrate in the tank? or any plastics?

[jpappy789]

or silica sand

[sushiray]

Brown algae is diatoms, usually caused by silicates in the water. If your tank is less than a year old it will begin disappearing on its own.

There's little evidence linking FW algae growth and actinic lighting. Your film doesn't sounds like any algae I've ever heard of...any chance you can get a pic? may help someone ID.

here are some pics but don't think one can discern any structure or form since it is more translucent & my camera not sure how to do macro shots.

someone mentioned BGA? anyone know what that is?

104841

104842

104843

104844

[jpappy789]

BGA = blue green algae, which is actually cynobacteria.

[sushiray]

BGA = blue green algae, which is actually cynobacteria.

ok. if its a "bacteria" type any concerns? how do I eradicate or even control?

no silica substrate, all bare bottom. no eggcrate.

I do have PVC piping for my DIY AC110 intake tube extension

[sushiray]

also, for the brown algae/diatom bloomings, how do I eradicate or even control? thx

[jpappy789]

How old is the tank?

Doesnt look like BGA to me.