Question on actinic lighting...

[james-lee]

Does actinic lighting contribute to any kind of nuisance algae if used as the sole light source during a fishless cycle in a new tank set up? I tried googling and didnt get a definite answer. I also read on the GARF web page that they suggested running the blue spectrum 24/7 to promote corraline algae to grow faster since there were no fish present during the process.

 

[rayray]

yes, algae & cyano have chlorophyll a, which absorbs light in the actinic spectrum.

 

[james-lee]

Ok thanks! Completely forgot about cyanobacteria LOL! I'll cycle the tank in as little light as possible.