Dirty Sand

[xrobbx03]

I recently just put my dual MH setup on my 38g. I am running the halides for 8 hrs per day. I acclimated the lights startting at 4 hrs a day then +1 hr a day till i got the total 8 that i planned on running.
Since i have used my new lights my sand has been covered with that brown algea. Is this just because the tank is getting use to the enw lights? Should this go away or am I going to have to make more additions to my cleanup crew.

I guess i could cut down the MH on my tank but i really dont want to i like the look of it on and i want my tank lit up for at least a little while.

[denvig]

How long has the tank been up? Are you using RO/DI water?

[xrobbx03]

the tank is been up for 6 months now. all my parameters are perfect. I do use ro/di water. I know its because of the new lights i just dont know if eventually the tank will get use to it and the algea will go away.

[The Aquarium Gallery]

How high off of the water are your lights?

What type of lighting were you running previous to the halides?

How quickly did you increase the photoperiod? --- Nevermind, I just read +1 hr per day. Personally, I would reccomend a much slower increase in the photo period.

All in all. If everything else is in check, and you stay on top of it. Don't let it get out of control. This bloom should pass rather quickly.
Maybe, cut back on the photoperiod a bit, until it starts to subside.

[xrobbx03]

I had VHO before. I did cut back on the photoperiod for now and i will see how that works.

[denvig]

The tank being only 6 mo. old this could be normal it will pass

[xrobbx03]

it doesnt seem to be as bad today actually.