Tropical Fish Forum

Tropical Fish Keeping Help and Advice => General Fishkeeping advice => Topic started by: SamBeattie73 on August 24, 2015, 12:16:19 PM

Title: lighting after blackout for algae
Post by: SamBeattie73 on August 24, 2015, 12:16:19 PM
Hi, not sure if this is right section to post question so please feel free to move.

I have a rio 125 stocked with guppies, rummy noses & tetras which has had a recurring problem with pea soup water despite water tests being fine, have finally cleared it with blackout for 5 days but was wondering what is best way to start up lighting so not to frighten fish & to try & prevent recurrence. Tank is situated in a dark hallway & lights are normally on 10 hours per day by timer, so any advice would be greatly appreciated,  Sam
Title: Re: lighting after blackout for algae
Post by: Sue on August 24, 2015, 12:48:20 PM
I think I would start by having the hall lights on for an hour, then turn the tank lights on. This should give them a transition from total darkness to dark hall to lit hall to full tank lights.
Title: Re: lighting after blackout for algae
Post by: SamBeattie73 on August 24, 2015, 01:26:43 PM
Thanks Sue, do u think it would be best to slowly increase time lights are on say maybe starting at about 2-3 hours & slowly increasing each day,  or just put them on for normal period from day one, thanks Sam
Title: Re: lighting after blackout for algae
Post by: Sue on August 24, 2015, 01:55:03 PM
After "acclimatising" them with the hall light, I'd go to your normal tank light routine.

Though you do need to find the cause of the green water and 10 hours a day sounds a lot unless you have a lot of live plants in the tank.
Title: Re: lighting after blackout for algae
Post by: SamBeattie73 on August 24, 2015, 04:07:29 PM
Thanks Sue, no live plants in tank, have had tank in same place for about 3 years with no problems with algae even with lights being on 10 hours, problem only started about 6 months ago, but will try shorter lighting period  :)