Algae from sunlight

Blackheart · 11-16-2012, 05:48 PM

So I had my tank in an area where there's a lot of sunlight... Not shining directly into the window, because it's facing the same way the sun shines. Could this be a problem for algae? The problem is theres no where else where I can put the tank lol

wheatiesl337 · 11-16-2012, 06:32 PM

I have a planted 10g quarantine in a south-facing window that gets quite a bit of extra light from sunlight. To compensate, my artificial lighting is reduced on this particular tank.

Some even encourage supplementing artificial light with natural sunlight. It's not bad per se. Like all things planted tank, it depends. It could potentially be a problem if it puts your total light levels into algea growing range. Whether it does for your particular set-up depends on a plethora of other factors, so adjust accordingly.

Blackheart · 11-16-2012, 06:41 PM

Well, honestly I try not to run my marineland double bright led all that much since it is in the sunlight. the only times I really run it are later on during the day/at night.

wheatiesl337 · 11-16-2012, 06:43 PM

I use one of those fixtures too and like it. If you start developing algea issues, consider total length of photo-period on the tank, both from natural and artificial light.

Blackheart · 11-16-2012, 06:59 PM

Could the light be more subdued from the sun if possibly maybe placing something in back of the aquarium? or say a solid black background or something of those sorts?

Django · 01-17-2013, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blackheart

Could the light be more subdued from the sun if possibly maybe placing something in back of the aquarium? or say a solid black background or something of those sorts?

YES! I got a suggestion to go to a framing store and buy backing, for the back of the tank (all black) and now I have blocked one of the sides too.

I just used black construction paper and taped it on. There's a big window a few feet behind the tank. The algae is still in the wings ready to go. I put non-metal sheeting material over my glass top. I''m also concerned that the windows at the other end of the room are driving the algae. Room-darkening shades should do the trick.

11-16-2012, 05:48 PM	#1
Blackheart Planted Tank Enthusiast (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Royal Oak, Michigan Posts: 643	Algae from sunlight So I had my tank in an area where there's a lot of sunlight... Not shining directly into the window, because it's facing the same way the sun shines. Could this be a problem for algae? The problem is theres no where else where I can put the tank lol

11-16-2012, 06:32 PM	#2
wheatiesl337 Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (5/100%) Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Davis, CA Posts: 148	I have a planted 10g quarantine in a south-facing window that gets quite a bit of extra light from sunlight. To compensate, my artificial lighting is reduced on this particular tank. Some even encourage supplementing artificial light with natural sunlight. It's not bad per se. Like all things planted tank, it depends. It could potentially be a problem if it puts your total light levels into algea growing range. Whether it does for your particular set-up depends on a plethora of other factors, so adjust accordingly. __________________ Low-tech Edge; 50g dirt, DIY riverbank paludarium

11-16-2012, 06:43 PM	#4
wheatiesl337 Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (5/100%) Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Davis, CA Posts: 148	I use one of those fixtures too and like it. If you start developing algea issues, consider total length of photo-period on the tank, both from natural and artificial light. __________________ Low-tech Edge; 50g dirt, DIY riverbank paludarium

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11-16-2012, 06:41 PM	#3
Blackheart Planted Tank Enthusiast (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Royal Oak, Michigan Posts: 643	Well, honestly I try not to run my marineland double bright led all that much since it is in the sunlight. the only times I really run it are later on during the day/at night.

11-16-2012, 06:59 PM	#5
Blackheart Planted Tank Enthusiast (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Royal Oak, Michigan Posts: 643	Could the light be more subdued from the sun if possibly maybe placing something in back of the aquarium? or say a solid black background or something of those sorts?