Fuge light timing and phosphates

[MuralReef]

So I changed my light cycle on my fuge from 24hours to 16 reverse cycle. I am not giving up on it yet because my phosphates have always been at zero and I've heard a little aren't terrible and some species need them. So since the switch last week my phosphates are at 0.03 on a Hanna and I've had some algae show up in the tank. Any thoughts?

 

[CRW Reef]

What is the length of time on the DT?

 

[MuralReef]

Planning on making changes over fall break next week but right now DT is 5 250 watt HQI from 7:30-6. Will be adding 4 X 54 T-5's 420 nm and 460 nm and will reduce the MH times.

 

[fishguy69]

I would drop your fuge lighting to no more than 10-12hrs light. Plants, even water plants, need a dark time. I have most of our display's refugiums on a 8-12 hour reverse exposure. All have been up and running with no issues for 3-5 years. Just my experience.

 

[CRW Reef]

Might try cutting the halides closer to 8 hours slowly and then you can run supplementals for the addional 2-4 hrs

 

[MuralReef]

That was what I was thinking once I had them up and running.

 

[jda123]

Those hannah test kits have an error range that high. Do you have a Salifert around that you can double check it with. I would not do too much crazy stuff until you are really sure that you have .03 for real.

 

[MuralReef]

So what are your opinions on phosphates? Should they be at zero or should you have some? Which types of corals need phosphates to grow or thrive?

 

[jda123]

Everything needs phosphates to grow. I personally want to see "clear" on salifert test kits, but I also know that I have some because the coral grow, and I can also have some nuisance algae if my snails/crabs are not on the case.