I think it's more a matter of length of photoperiod, time of day and full Sun or filtered Sun light.
The type of windows may be a factor too.
The type of windows may be a factor too.
Natural Sun Light
How undesirable is it? I know it heats up the water and creates algea ... but can UV help to eliminate part of the algae? I am thinking of putting a tank in front of south facing picture window growing mostly vals with very low fish count, like one arowana per 8ft tank.
it would be cool if I can see the fish from the backyard which is just behind the picture window.
Currently I am think of using UV and doing a constant drip of water ....
it would be cool if I can see the fish from the backyard which is just behind the picture window.
Currently I am think of using UV and doing a constant drip of water ....
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Get automatic blinds! A UV light might help against green water, but green spot algae loves that long interupted light session.. if anything else comes in, algae wise, it might go rampant as well...
I was referring to length of photoperiod as a a possible problem.
I think if you're just getting a brief blast as the Sun moves across the sky you will be o.k.
I think if you're just getting a brief blast as the Sun moves across the sky you will be o.k.
I am prepare to do that too, but would love to see the tank from the patio outside so love to have it exposed as often as possible. I am more worry about winter sun then summer as the eave couldn't provide as much protection then.Get automatic blinds! A UV light might help against green water, but green spot algae loves that long interupted light session.. if anything else comes in, algae wise, it might go rampant as well...
Forget the fish tank, is that a ski lake in your back yard? :eek5:
If my tank only gets 2-3 hours of sunlight, the plants seem to benefit. Anything more then that, and it becomes a problem. It also seems to prefer double paned windows to single paned ones. I've never noticed much of a difference in water temperature, but I set my aquarium lights to turn off during the hours the sunlight would be coming through my window, so as not to totally overpower it. (Not to mention the plants and fish look particularly stunning under sunlight with no additional light sources.)
I really meant to post something helpful and I got side tracked by your photo. I have my 65g tank next to a window and it gets sunlight all the time. I've never had an issue. If your tank is receiving too much light, add some co2. Ok now that that is done, can I come over and play in your pond/lake?
It is owned and maintained by the complex, sadly we are not allow to 'work' on it. Although one could be tempted to buy say $20 of feeder goldfish and dump them in the pond.I really meant to post something helpful and I got side tracked by your photo. I have my 65g tank next to a window and it gets sunlight all the time. I've never had an issue. If your tank is receiving too much light, add some co2. Ok now that that is done, can I come over and play in your pond/lake?
This is about 1/4 of the whole thing:
I have my 20L sitting in a window getting NW exposure with light most of the day. I installed a frosted window film to keep down the heat in my office where the tank is and it does not have any algae issues whatsoever. Warmest it gets in here is 80'ish when I am not home but otherwise I leave the ceiling fan on and its all good.
Holy crap you millionaire, you!
Nice freaking pad, dude.
Nice freaking pad, dude.
Very nice place. Reminds me of where I was living in La Quinta, CA. I miss the desert!
Forget the fish tank, is that a ski lake in your back yard? :eek5:
Hmmm..nice "house."
I don't see how UV would decrease algae growth. I'd be careful with direct sunlight if you're going to use natural light. All it takes is a couple hours a day, even if it's just morning light and within a few days, you'll start to see troublesome algae.
I'd suggest indirect sunlight or have the light filtered somehow.
I'd suggest indirect sunlight or have the light filtered somehow.
Wondering if a UV filter, like the stuff on sunglass would help?
My tanks all get a little bit of direct sunlight and I love how it makes the tanks look. Its the best time to take photos when the light is just right on the tank.
My tanks are only exposed to direct light for s short period of time. I don't have any problems. I think it's good for the plants to get some natural light.
My tanks are only exposed to direct light for s short period of time. I don't have any problems. I think it's good for the plants to get some natural light.
How undesirable is it? I know it heats up the water and creates algea ... but can UV help to eliminate part of the algae? I am thinking of putting a tank in front of south facing picture window growing mostly vals with very low fish count, like one arowana per 8ft tank.
it would be cool if I can see the fish from the backyard which is just behind the picture window.
Currently I am think of using UV and doing a constant drip of water ....
You won't have problems if the sunlight is direct for a short time (can't be more specific than that, many variables). Same answer for heating the water.Wondering if a UV filter, like the stuff on sunglass would help?
You will need too use co2 injection.
*Glass blocks some UV. UV won't kill algae in this case. Natural bodies of water have algae in them.
* I sure there is information on the web about this.
Come to think of it, very little direct sun due to the eave. So more like very bright natural light due to south facing. I am hoping the continuous drip to minimize nitrate and minimize algae.
My tank faces east. Gets bright light most of the time. Direct sunlight for a few hours starting in late August - stopping sometime in mid-Spring, no trouble with algae.Come to think of it, very little direct sun due to the eave. So more like very bright natural light due to south facing. I am hoping the continuous drip to minimize nitrate and minimize algae.
A *continuous drip is unlikely to accomplish what you want more affectively than regular water changes. At best it would only be a convenience.
You wonder if this method will minimize nitrate & algae which causes me too wonder if you are familiar the processes taking place in a well maintained planted tank ? However, many folks on forums don't seem to have a good knowledge base when it comes the chemistry taking place. Forums are ok places to learn, but they are also full of miss information. If you aren't, it isn't anything a good book or two can't remedy even a forum.
*I used this method decades ago and it is almost as much bother after awhile as doing regular water changes. This method presents a problem for dosing correctly the water column.
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