FYI, Reduce Algae

euRasian32 · 09-16-2005, 08:14 AM

I read that giving your lighting period a "siesta" time mid-day for 1-2 hours can greatly reduce algae growth. The author stated that algae thrives best with a continuous light source, therefore a siesta can greatly reduce algae growth.

**Damon** · 09-16-2005, 08:38 AM

Cutting the photoperiod throughout the day will disrupt your plants. Not only will it reduce the photosynthesis (O2 creation) but it will reduce the nutrient uptake of the plants. You can shorten the period (say from 12 hrs to 10 or from 10 to 8). I've heard similiar theories on a photoperiod break but have yet to see any conclusive evidence one way or the other. It can (and most likely) will stunt your plants.

euRasian32 · 09-26-2005, 11:29 AM

Its been 10 days trying the siesta method, for 1 hour half way through my 10 hour light cycle. I still get some brown spot algae, but not near as much, and I haven't noticed a difference in plant growth, nor have had any plant deaths.

C

drosera · 09-26-2005, 06:51 PM

In nature, most animals take have a rest period of 1-2 hours around noon/early afternoon. I'm not sure this would be so good for plants. Midday is when they get their fill of sunlight (and hence nutrient absorption).

Nonetheless, I applaud your willingness to test the theory for yourself. I'd be interested in hearing how things are after a couple of months or more. That's when you'll see if it's really working or not. In the mean time, be vigilant. You may want to increase your tank maintenance to make up for the die off in algae, and possibly plants or their leaves (plants often shed leaves when they have to readjust to new conditions.) Check your water parameters often.

Good luck!

euRasian32 · 10-03-2005, 09:37 AM

Thanks. I'm going to reduce my species list of plants anyway. I have about 8-10 different species, all of which are doing rather well without CO2 injection in a sand bed, some have grown out of control. I'll probably reduce the list to about 4-6 species: java ferns, couple types of moss, and some cryptocorne wendtii bronze and crypt. parva, and some vallisneria spirallis.

The siesta time, in my case, didn't cut the algae growth down enough to celebrate, so I've gone back to normal routine of 10 hours of light.

09-16-2005, 08:14 AM	#1
euRasian32 Why So Serious? Join Date: May 2005 Location: Virginia Age: 33 Posts: 771	FYI, Reduce Algae I read that giving your lighting period a "siesta" time mid-day for 1-2 hours can greatly reduce algae growth. The author stated that algae thrives best with a continuous light source, therefore a siesta can greatly reduce algae growth. __________________ “Corporations pay people just enough money so they won’t quit. People work just enough so they don’t get fired. What's that about?” – Christopher Walken, Pool Hall Junkies

09-16-2005, 08:38 AM	#2
Damon Aquatic Naturalist Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Dayton, Ohio Age: 32 Posts: 14,982	Cutting the photoperiod throughout the day will disrupt your plants. Not only will it reduce the photosynthesis (O2 creation) but it will reduce the nutrient uptake of the plants. You can shorten the period (say from 12 hrs to 10 or from 10 to 8). I've heard similiar theories on a photoperiod break but have yet to see any conclusive evidence one way or the other. It can (and most likely) will stunt your plants. __________________ For in much wisdom [is] much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow. Member of the AGA (Aquatic Gardner's Association) Member of the IBC (International Betta Congress)

09-26-2005, 11:29 AM	#3
euRasian32 Why So Serious? Join Date: May 2005 Location: Virginia Age: 33 Posts: 771	Its been 10 days trying the siesta method, for 1 hour half way through my 10 hour light cycle. I still get some brown spot algae, but not near as much, and I haven't noticed a difference in plant growth, nor have had any plant deaths. C __________________ “Corporations pay people just enough money so they won’t quit. People work just enough so they don’t get fired. What's that about?” – Christopher Walken, Pool Hall Junkies

09-26-2005, 06:51 PM	#4
drosera Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 61	In nature, most animals take have a rest period of 1-2 hours around noon/early afternoon. I'm not sure this would be so good for plants. Midday is when they get their fill of sunlight (and hence nutrient absorption). Nonetheless, I applaud your willingness to test the theory for yourself. I'd be interested in hearing how things are after a couple of months or more. That's when you'll see if it's really working or not. In the mean time, be vigilant. You may want to increase your tank maintenance to make up for the die off in algae, and possibly plants or their leaves (plants often shed leaves when they have to readjust to new conditions.) Check your water parameters often. Good luck! __________________ http://www3.sympatico.ca/drosera1/fish/fish.htm

10-03-2005, 09:37 AM	#5
euRasian32 Why So Serious? Join Date: May 2005 Location: Virginia Age: 33 Posts: 771	Thanks. I'm going to reduce my species list of plants anyway. I have about 8-10 different species, all of which are doing rather well without CO2 injection in a sand bed, some have grown out of control. I'll probably reduce the list to about 4-6 species: java ferns, couple types of moss, and some cryptocorne wendtii bronze and crypt. parva, and some vallisneria spirallis. The siesta time, in my case, didn't cut the algae growth down enough to celebrate, so I've gone back to normal routine of 10 hours of light. __________________ “Corporations pay people just enough money so they won’t quit. People work just enough so they don’t get fired. What's that about?” – Christopher Walken, Pool Hall Junkies

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