blackout?

[domjd05]

Hi all- would the blackout method be effective in killing off some green and red beard algae? I have live plants so I'm also wondering how long I should allow the blackout to last?

[Sharkman]

If you break up the photo cycle it can reduce algae too. So how ever you have your light timer set up say 10 hours. Split that in half and put a period of 3-4 hours or so in between with the light off. This should do the trick over time. If you don't have a timer for your light, just turn the light off for a few hours during the period you normally have it on for and then back on again for a few more hours. It doesn't have to be exact.

[domjd05]

I have been trying the 4 hours on 4 hours off cycle for a while with no results- that's why I am resorting to a blackout. I'm just unsure how long it should last before it could harm my plants.

[Sharkman]

oh i see. Do you know the cause of the algae? Do you have any algae eating fish?