What type if algae tells if bulbs are old?

TomToro

TomToro

The Old Guy
Oct 21, 2006
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Michigan
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What type of algae tells if bulbs are old?

Not sure how old my MH bulbs are. I've heard you can tell if the bulbs are too old by certain algae blooms. Which kinds of algae are they talking about?

So far the only algae I have (knock on wood) is the dots on the glass that are hard as heck to get off. Is this a tell tale sign of old bulbs?

I know a meter is the best test, but I'm too cheap to buy one.
Thanks,
Tom
 
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What color and how big are the dots. Diatoms can be hard to clean but not as hard as coraline. To anser your question I don't know but figured I would expedite the process by getting this question out of the way.
 
its hard to tell really and it depends on the lighting you have. most pcs have to be changed in about 8-18 months depending on the brand and most halides need changing every 12 months at least. as for T-5s and like they las about the same .
as for the algae bloom iv heard it but have never seen it happen usually it has to do with water quality or chemistry. can u give us your full water test results as well as phosphates?
 
Germanman said:
its hard to tell really and it depends on the lighting you have. most pcs have to be changed in about 8-18 months depending on the brand and most halides need changing every 12 months at least. as for T-5s and like they las about the same .
as for the algae bloom iv heard it but have never seen it happen usually it has to do with water quality or chemistry. can u give us your full water test results as well as phosphates?
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The dots are very small, but lots of them and very hard to scrape off the glass.

My parameters including phosphates are all very good:
Calcium: 400
Alk 7.8
Salinity:1026
Phosphates:0 (I have a ref so the caulerpa might be eating up the phosphates)
Nitrates: Less than 10
Nitrites, Ammonia 0
Temp 79
PH: 8.0 to 8.2

I bought the bulbs around 6 years ago, used them very sporadically, but have had them on a 8 hour daily cycle for 5 months straight.
 
Germanman said:
you can always try new ones and see if there is a diffrence
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I guess I'm due. I'll do one at a time so my wife won't be too upset. What do you suggest (brand and Kelvin)for good growth and a blue cast, 175w MH?
Thanks,
Tom
 
I run aqualux 14,000K and I like it a lot.
 
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