can new lights cause problems?

[Moonrs]

I know this is an odd question, but I have had something a little weird happen since I finally replaced my old PC's (3 bulbs) with 4 brand new PC's a week ago. The old bulbs were in the tank for at least a year. Anyway, as I said, with the new lights, I've had some strange problems, chiefly, an algae outbreak, especially on the rocks closest to the surface. It's not the long, hairy type, but it's made most of the rocks look fuzzy. Also, my skimmer output has more than quadrupled, increasing from emptying once or twice a week, to several times a day. I know this must be related to the increased amount of light, but I'm unsure how... On the plus side, my zoo's that were slowly bleaching white are starting to color back up and then tank looks much better. The temperature hasn't increased, and all the fish appear to be fine. I'm assuming that things will calm down slowly as the tanks become adjusted to the increase light levels. Should I be concerned? Thanks.

[Ed]

The new lights could have spurred the algae growth. Things should calm down in time. As the bulbs age the color temp shifts and some intensity is lost. Since it is a gradual change, the tank adjusts to it. Adding new bulbs brings back the correct temp and intensity and the sudden change can 'shock' the tank. One way to avoid 'shocking' the tank with new bulbs is to replace the bulbs one at a time a week apart.

HTH.

[Moonrs]

So, the shock caused by the lights on the system probably also triggered the massive increase in skimmer output?

[Moonrs]

Haven't gotten very much feedback (thank you, Ed) here, and I'm really concerned. My fairly large capacity skimmer cup is filling up in less than FIVE minutes! The foam is pouring out like crazy. I left it off for a day and a half, and just turned it on about 45 minutes ago, and it immediately started filling up like mad again. After emptying it out numerous times in the last hour, I've just turned it off again. I'm not sure what this indicates about my tank, other than that something is out of whack. How long should I give my tank to mellow out before I start doing something more drastic? Should I temporarily reduce the amount of light, from 4 bulbs to 2? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[::pete::]

The lights are not going to make the skimmer act like that! What kind of skimmer?

[NaCl_H2O]

The algae growth (and death) could be adding organics to the water column that would increase skimmate, but I wouldn;t think it would be that drastic. More likely you have a couple of things going on at once that are unrelated.

What type of skimmer? Chances are it has gone out of adjustment somehow? Is the return water flow to the tank/sump being restricted maybe? Is the air input changed, cloged, junled up? Take the skimer out and take it apart as far as possible and clean it up. Use vinegar to remove all the calcium deposits - rinse it really good afterwards

Does the amount of skimmate reduce if you do a BIG (> 25%) water change?

[Moonrs]

I will try cleaning the skimmer; I'm not entirely sure what type it is, though. I bought it from Joshua. It's fairly large.

[Gator]

is it kent nautilus

[GaryP]

I think the two things are probably not related and its just a coincidence they happened at the same time. I can see where algae growth could cause a small increase in skimmer production, but not what you are talking about. It sounds like the skimmer is making a to wet product. Try cutting back the air flow.

[CD]

It sounds like the skimmer is making a to wet product.


Yes - if the skim is too "wet" it will be MUCH lighter in coloration (in lieu of the dark nasties :sick ) and not as thick in consistancy.

W. :)

[Ed]

I agree that the two things are probably not related. You should be able to slow the bubbles by cutting the flow back like Gary suggested.

[GaryP]

If you are allowing to much air in, the bubble size increases and the skimmer doesn't work as efficiently. Sorta like running a car to lean. You end up getting more water then waste.

Algae does produce surfactants (soap like chemicals) that can increase foaming, but I don't see that as a cause here.

[Moonrs]

The thing is, I haven't changed any settings, until this starting happening, for months. I would slowly get the collection cup filled up with dark, thick stuff. I only needed to empty it out only every few weeks. It wasn't until the new lights that this excessive output started happening. I'm not sure, but I think this is a kent nautilus skimmer. My particular skimmer has a long, vertical outflow pipe that is adjustable by moving it up and down like a telescope. As far as the air is concerned, I never had to adjust it before; the only way I have to adjust the skimmer is by moving the outflow pipe to make it longer or shorter. I think I"m just going to have to cross my fingers and hope this calms down. I'm going to leave the skimmer off for a few days longer.

[GaryP]

I think you may need to move the collection cup upwards so that you are getting a drier skimmate.

[Moonrs]

I can set the skimmer on top of something else, to raise it out of the water.

[Moonrs]

I set it on top of something and moved to tube like Joshua suggested, it made a huge difference... Thanks!