Truth or myth?

[pejerrey]

Hello dear extra geeky acuaristas:

I'm not sure if posting this in light or in co2. This is a good example of how tightly related are both....

-I've seen posted at tpt this technique of having the photoperiod divided in shorter segments to prevent algae. Is that a myth?

I currently have it 3on 3off 3on, and as I'm switching from co2 24/7 to timed I'm worried that co2 won't build up in 3 hrs of light on.

I know that co2 is important in the first 1-3hrs of light. Therefore my concern.

When The solenoid goes on, it takes about 15 minutes to get some bubbling from the diffuser after the light came on.

This tank is very well oxygenated by surface agitation and is medium light (40-50 par at substrate), then not much co2 is needed to make a big difference.

I've had the light segmented mostly because it works perfectly with when I can potentially stare at the tank without interruptions. Also because I want to prevent algae.

I'm open to come back to one 6hr block of light. If that would help the co2 to build up.

This is a cardinias tank, can't go full throttle with gas. It's currently 1bps in a Mr.aqua inline glass b.counter.

 

[Tom Barr]

I do not think there's support one way or the other, maybe it has more to do with good cO2 and less to do with breaking the light cycles up.
The problem is that these tanks have poor controls so telling what does what is difficult.
We do see a strong relationship with algae when we reduce the photo period or increase intensity.

But......those are not controlled either.

Generally if you see results, it can be traced back to CO2 in each case.
I know...because I have had several reference grade tanks, with ferts and lights are insane levels, and no algae.
For a long time.................and when I did get any algae, it was CO2. even after looking everywhere else, on many tanks, over a long time frame.

A lot goes into CO2/O2/current balances.

It's not as simple as telling someone to make sure they add 30ppm CO2...........

So folks really do not know one way or the other about running 3 on/3 off.

 

[pejerrey]

I think I'll keep the photoperiod staggered as it is for 2 weeks to see if there is lack of co2 now using a timer vs 24/7.

If I see any algae/deficiencies signs then I would most likely come back to 24/7 for a month and then try timed co2 with a single 6hr block photoperiod for at least 2 weeks to see if it makes a difference with staggered.

I will be observing plants, algae and shrimp brood.