NJDF - the fact that something is suggested on the boards routinely does not make it true. A tank with excess nutrients is algae-prone anywhere. Which do you consider easier, regular water changes or moving tanks? Many posts concerning algae do not have direct sunlight - certainly an overloaded insuffiently monitored tank in sun can have algae, but the sun is not the problem, the nutrients are the problem. It is always better to deal with the underlying problem rather than its symptoms. Algae is a symptom of excess or unbalanced nutrients in the water.
Is sunlight bad for tanks?
- Thread starter hmph
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I understand that and I'm not arguing, I'm just saying that this is what was said countless times and I though that was what was the problem.
RTR, you nailed it head on! I have 80% of my tanks in sunlight and they do not have algae problems what-so-ever. I feed my fish well, but do not allow excess food to fall to the bottom of the tank and waste. I do weekly water changes on ALL my tanks which is a weekend long process and gravel vacuum all tanks regularly.
Keeping algae away is really quite simple.
Keeping algae away is really quite simple.
ive had problems with algae in my tank, the tank is between two windows, the lights are only on about 3 hours a day mostly in the evening.
i cleaned tank & changed water over 2 week period, about half the water both times, and i put foil over sides of tank, only the sides and it hasent reapeard, it was the sun coming through the east facing windows. nedh
i cleaned tank & changed water over 2 week period, about half the water both times, and i put foil over sides of tank, only the sides and it hasent reapeard, it was the sun coming through the east facing windows. nedh
I have a 20 gal. Molly tank in front of a window to encourage algae growth because it is one of their favorite foods. I do have to use a magnetic scraper about once a month to scrape any excess algae off the tank glass that is too tough for them to nibble off. Besides that they seem so much happier playing in the bright sun lit water.
sunlight + lights = how many hours??
I figure that the real problem is that people who are having algae issues and have sunlight do not add those lighting hours together to see how much light the tank is getting.
Sun up at 5 AM.... tank lights on until what 7PM, 9PM, 1AM?
14, 16, or 20 hours of light a day is a lot of energy.
I figure that the real problem is that people who are having algae issues and have sunlight do not add those lighting hours together to see how much light the tank is getting.
Sun up at 5 AM.... tank lights on until what 7PM, 9PM, 1AM?
14, 16, or 20 hours of light a day is a lot of energy.
The sun comes up at about 6:30 here and I don't know anyone who leaves there lights on until 1 am but O.K. I'll try to go with it...
PS: Remember, unless your tank is surrounded by glass walls, the sun does not enter your tank at all times of the day. Example: a South-West facing window is not going to get sunlight in the morning.
Just a thought...
Just a thought...
"Is sunlight bad for tanks?"
No. Uncontrolled sunlight and heat is...
In my opinion (that's all, just from what I've seen..), an aquarium should not be kept in sunlight. I believe that there are 'experts' out there that can "get away" with a sunlit tank and be successful. But, why try and figure out what Mother Nature is planning?? Will it be cloudy for several days, then bright - extreme sunlight for a week?
Get proper lighting for your tank situation. And (IMO), keep your aquariums away from sunlit windows.....
No. Uncontrolled sunlight and heat is...
In my opinion (that's all, just from what I've seen..), an aquarium should not be kept in sunlight. I believe that there are 'experts' out there that can "get away" with a sunlit tank and be successful. But, why try and figure out what Mother Nature is planning?? Will it be cloudy for several days, then bright - extreme sunlight for a week?
Get proper lighting for your tank situation. And (IMO), keep your aquariums away from sunlit windows.....
It's true! It's true! Xs nutrients + light are the cause. I never had a prob w/algae and I have skylights and direct sun through a bow window too! Then (being the brilliant aquarist I am!) I thought maybe I was under-feeding my fish (I had added some more) so I started adding 2 xtra feedings a week (I only feed M,W,F 1/day, sometimes a weekend day too) and lo and behold, algae began covering everything! I cut back on feeding and the algae cleared up. The only thing I ever cleaned was the glass.
BTW "brilliant aquarist" was in jest and my tank humidity is 100%, temp is 74 in winter, 78 in summer.
BTW "brilliant aquarist" was in jest and my tank humidity is 100%, temp is 74 in winter, 78 in summer.
