Does Blue Light Promote Algae Growth In Aquarium?

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Exposure color is important for plants because at certain colors plants assimilate best

 

In an aquarium, proper lighting is especially important for plants. Both too much and too little light has negative consequences for plants. Daylight looks white but actually consists of different colors. Avoid green and yellow light, plants do not grow in them. A combination of red and blue light is recommended. Red promotes length growth and blue promotes width growth of plants.

 

Blue fluorescent tubeBut did you know that blue light also promotes algae growth?

 

Algae are microscopic plants. Algae are the world’s oldest plants. About a billion years ago, blue algae were the first plants to develop. Years ago, it was thought that blue light was hugely important for the plants in an aquarium. Now it turns out that blue light is a lot less important than previously thought. Because algae benefit from the blue light which promotes plant growth. Too much blue light causes accelerated growth of algae. By limiting the blue light you ensure that algae benefit as little as possible.

 

Many grow lights are based on the old thinking. Old lamps produce considerably more blue light which actually increases the chance of algae growth. It is best to combine the old lamps with lighting that contains little blue spectrum.

 

Light from outside will also promote algae growth

 

The novice aquarist often makes the mistake of placing his aquarium precisely in a lighted area of the house. After all, this way the aquarium needs less lighting and you can see the fish well. The light from outside causes a lot of unwanted algae growth because it has a large light spectrum. Therefore, never place a tropical aquarium in direct sunlight, use sunshades if necessary.

 

Let plants get used to light colors

 

Plants can get used to light colors. The pigments of leaves adjust to some color spectrums. If the light color changes, readjustment is not possible for these leaves and they will die. You often see this when purchasing new plants. The plant must create new leaves in order to re-establish optimal nutrient levels.

 

When replacing a lamp, you must take this into account. Therefore, never replace all lamps at once, but wait at least 2 months before replacing the next lamp. Give the plants enough time to keep up with the change in color spectrum.

 

There is also an article written about algae: Limiting algae in the aquarium

Ben
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