Not Sure, Need advise.

[chuck116]

Hello, i have recently purchased a fixture with 3 250 metal halides @10k each. the fixture also has 2 96 watt actinics. I can run the 250s either 1 by itself or 2 or all three. the actinics are either on or off. I have been running the actinics first thing in the morning then including 1 10k then all three 10ks, then just one again at night. then the actinics before shutting down the system. Does this sound ok to you guys and ladys or do you have other suggestions. right now i only have a fowlr with 1 anemone and a small cluster of zoos aquired this weekend. Thanks for the help. P.S. I am starting to get light brown algea on the sand were there is light flow. is that a separate problem.

[hng]

Sounds OK. The brown algae is a normal stage that all new tanks go through.

[chuck116]

Thanks for the reply...Please excuse my ignorance but is one year still considered new or is it because of the new lighting, or both? also i seem to be getting alot more bubbles coming from the rocks and sand. thanks again.

[hng]

Hmm...one year is a long time to be getting brown algae. Brown algae is usually a sign of diatoms binding the silica in the water. That usually is from the sand in a new tank. In an older tank, it could be a sign of silica in the water used for topoffs and water changes. Do you use ro/di water? Have you added any new rock or sand?

[chuck116]

no new rock or sand in the market for an ro/di filter do not have one.thanks again.

[hng]

An ro/di filter will help a lot. Decreasing the photoperiod will help too, but not as much as better water.

[chuck116]

Last question!! thank you so much next step new ro /di filter any recommendations.?

[hng]

Try to get something that's gently used. If you buy something new, I'd recommend something generic. Take a look at the links below.

http://www.thefilterguys.biz/ro_di_systems.htm

http://www.airwaterice.com/c=eszUn2E...ty/category/1/

[chuck116]

thanks again