Is my light too strong? Algae film...

[bmackcw]

I upgraded (I think) from a 6-bulb T5 to a Maxspect 330W Razor LED a few weeks ago. Got it for $500 - 6 months used.

I've been running it from 6:30am to 10:30pm, gradually building up to about 70% strength between 12-5, then winding down, using 100% of the blue lights until 10:30.

Lately I've had that thin, dusty coating of algae on the display every day. I used to only have to clean that once a week with the T5. Now, if I don't wipe it (with a magnet brush) every day, it quickly grows.

My coral and fish have never looked this good. No sign of burning, and I have some candy canes pretty close to the top.

Should I turn the lights back a bit, or just keep up on the cleaning?

Thanks in advance!

[shifty51008]

Sounds more like a po4 and nitrate issue. The new lights just may have the diff spectrum that algae likes

[ksicard]

your running your lights for 16 hours. thats your problem

[ct3737]

Too much light

[DingDong128]

6:30am to 10:30pm sounds like a long time. Most people I see on reef central are running 11.5 to 12 hours or less. Corals have to rest too. Also, the new light may have a different spread then the t5's. Although I'm guessing it's how long you're running your lights, it could also be hitting the glass more directly.

[mushumatt]

Phosphate/nitrate issues and you need to bring your light cycle down to 11-12 hours tops