Is sunlight bad for tanks?
- Thread starter hmph
- Start date
"Throw out the paper, blow up the TV, move to the country, and build yourself a home."
One of my more favorite country songs, if I could just remember who wrote it. There is nothing like being able to sit in a jucuzzi tub and look out into the backyard.
I might rethink the scenario if I could see my neighbors.
Edit: My wife can't get over the fact that I have a fishtank in the bathroom!
Hello,
Jumping on the bandwagon as really another reply is not needed as all you good people have answered it already!!
Sunlight and natural light and tubes are only likely to cause algae when the water is overstocked with nutrients, and regular water changes, scant and sparse feeding and water testing is the cure.
I see it that sunlight is natural, food-induces nutrient in tanks is man-made. In nature the rivers are not algae'd up, only where slow running water causes high levels of natures nutrients to build up.
Those whose tanks get algae'd up in the sun are most certainly overfeeding without meaning too (crystal clear water that smells slightly off is proof of correct feeding as the water has no debris and the smell is the good bacteria eating the nutrients up into eventually nitrates etc.). Once out the sun the algae goes although nutrient levels remain high.
Let's face it, these forums will tell you feed once a day if not every other day, and only what they eat in, say 2 minutes, although I say fast feeding fish can be done in 30 seconds. Skim-off the debris straight-away after this time to prevent excessive nutrient-making ability. The fish food you buy says feed 2 or 3 times a day for 2 minutes but hey, they want you to buy a product that lasts a long time if fed one a day!!
Jumping on the bandwagon as really another reply is not needed as all you good people have answered it already!!
Sunlight and natural light and tubes are only likely to cause algae when the water is overstocked with nutrients, and regular water changes, scant and sparse feeding and water testing is the cure.
I see it that sunlight is natural, food-induces nutrient in tanks is man-made. In nature the rivers are not algae'd up, only where slow running water causes high levels of natures nutrients to build up.
Those whose tanks get algae'd up in the sun are most certainly overfeeding without meaning too (crystal clear water that smells slightly off is proof of correct feeding as the water has no debris and the smell is the good bacteria eating the nutrients up into eventually nitrates etc.). Once out the sun the algae goes although nutrient levels remain high.
Let's face it, these forums will tell you feed once a day if not every other day, and only what they eat in, say 2 minutes, although I say fast feeding fish can be done in 30 seconds. Skim-off the debris straight-away after this time to prevent excessive nutrient-making ability. The fish food you buy says feed 2 or 3 times a day for 2 minutes but hey, they want you to buy a product that lasts a long time if fed one a day!!
I am having a recurring problem with a few types of alga...here is the issue.
I have a moderately stocked 29gallon planted tank...
As a result, my NO3 is always at 10ppm. I was testing a few dosing schedules and followed a number of recommendations on dosing. Found that, with the exception of K, Fe and Micros, I didn't need to dose after all!!!
The fish food was providing what the plants needed.
When I set up the tank about a year ago, I chose the wrong place for it...next to a west-facing window
The ONLY time I have had green water problems is when I over dosed the ferts. The two times I have had GW problems have been: 1) July and 2) November...
This is 2 different times of the year. I am in the NE US, so length of days are a lot different and so is temperature.
The ONLY common thread is that I was doing some experimental (translated: heavy) dosing and filter changes before the GW outbreak...
Still trying to get the July outbreak under control...
Anyone have a diatom filter they are willing to lend me for a week?
Thanks,
Steve
I have a moderately stocked 29gallon planted tank...
As a result, my NO3 is always at 10ppm. I was testing a few dosing schedules and followed a number of recommendations on dosing. Found that, with the exception of K, Fe and Micros, I didn't need to dose after all!!!
The fish food was providing what the plants needed.
When I set up the tank about a year ago, I chose the wrong place for it...next to a west-facing window
The ONLY time I have had green water problems is when I over dosed the ferts. The two times I have had GW problems have been: 1) July and 2) November...
This is 2 different times of the year. I am in the NE US, so length of days are a lot different and so is temperature.
The ONLY common thread is that I was doing some experimental (translated: heavy) dosing and filter changes before the GW outbreak...
Still trying to get the July outbreak under control...
Anyone have a diatom filter they are willing to lend me for a week?
Thanks,
Steve
LOL @Steve! Been there, done that, but will not wear the T-shirt.
My LFS rents out a Diatomagic filter. It will clear the tank is short order. Check with the independent LFS in your area for similar posibilities.
My LFS rents out a Diatomagic filter. It will clear the tank is short order. Check with the independent LFS in your area for similar posibilities.
RTR,
If you ever get up to Delaware, let me know, I will have you come by and critique my tank...(bring your diatom filter) ha ha...
Thanks,
Steve
If you ever get up to Delaware, let me know, I will have you come by and critique my tank...(bring your diatom filter) ha ha...
Thanks,
Steve
I'll do that. I go by at times on the way to NY (twice so far this year), but I have only been there once in my life - many years ago, to do a plant lecture, not aquatic.
Isn't heat the biggest problem you are likely to face with having an aquarium exposed to direct sunlight? It seems that sunlight could/would heat up a small body of water rather quickly.
PP
PP
Yes Pat, that is a concern.
BTW, Life is tougher when your stupid, but when you're ignorant, it's actually easier! Don't ask how I know
BTW, Life is tougher when your stupid, but when you're ignorant, it's actually easier!
Don't ask how I know
tricksterpup
It's SPRING!!! BUNNIE RABBITS
Originally posted by beviking
BTW, Life is tougher when your stupid, but when you're ignorant, it's actually easier!
Hey, I resemble that remark..
Well the last few months, i have had a couple of new tanks in a room that is extremly well lite. So far no problems with any alage. Biggest tank in that small room are 2 5 gallon planted tanks. Both are doing very well.
jim
