window or not?

LilB0506 · 07-17-2006, 03:37 PM

so my friend is giving me crap about settin up my tank, but im tryin to figure out how to arrange the furniture in my room.... however as of right now i have a spot open right in front of my window, but he says that will cause an algae problem and not to do it... what do you guys think?

showtime305 · 07-17-2006, 03:42 PM

You will have algae problems and heat issues. It's best to keep your tank out of direct sunlight

kevinwholder · 07-17-2006, 03:50 PM

agree with showtime305.. don't set it up in front of a window..

Loverotties · 07-17-2006, 04:02 PM

If your water perimeters are good then it's ok,because there is no food for the algea to grow.

LilB0506 · 07-17-2006, 04:05 PM

yeah thats what i was wonderin about cause a while back i saw a guy on rc that said his tank never did better than when it was in front of a window

showtime305 · 07-17-2006, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loverotties

If your water perimeters are good then it's ok,because there is no food for the algea to grow.

Loverotties you are right, but this would require a heavy water change schedule and you still have the heat issue to deal with.

thekid55 · 07-17-2006, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by showtime305

Loverotties you are right, but this would require a heavy water change schedule and you still have the heat issue to deal with.

not if the winddow gets only a couple hours of light. it would also be good for the corals if it does not have something blocking the light.

you also could put a blacK piece of paper covering the window.

showtime305 · 07-17-2006, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thekid55

not if the winddow gets only a couple hours of light. it would also be good for the corals if it does not have something blocking the light.

you also could put a blacK piece of paper covering the window.

That couple hours of light won't be enough light for the corals, so you will still need lights for the hours when the sun isn't available. You would need to constantly adjust the lighting schedule on your timers to make sure you are providing a photo period that is long enough for the corals. It can probably be done, but I think it will be more work that setting it up out of the direct sunlight.

thekid55 · 07-17-2006, 04:28 PM

i was talking about sun light with a tank light

showtime305 · 07-17-2006, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thekid55

i was talking about sun light with a tank light

This is off the topic. Do you still want the macro algae? I've haven't picked it out yet so the offer is still on the table. Let me know.

milhouse74 · 07-17-2006, 05:21 PM

I had my tank at one time in front of a window where it got direct sunlight about 5-6 hours a day, other when the tank went through its new period I never had a problem at all. Just the first 2 months or so. My nano at work gets sun as well, but I think those windows are slightly tinted.

showtime305 · 07-17-2006, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milhouse74

I had my tank at one time in front of a window where it got direct sunlight about 5-6 hours a day, other when the tank went through its new period I never had a problem at all. Just the first 2 months or so. My nano at work gets sun as well, but I think those windows are slightly tinted.

Was it difficult taking care of a tank at work?

milhouse74 · 07-17-2006, 07:22 PM

No, I still have it there now, it is a nano. I love it. I change like 2 gallons a week, I setup a small drip line with air tubing until a container is 2 gals full, then pour inthe new. I also add my b ionic when needed. It is really nice having it there. I will miss it at the new job.

jenajet · 07-17-2006, 07:42 PM

My 12 gallon nano sat in front of a huge bay window. For about a year the only thing in it was some gsp and zenia. I never fed them but they grew and spread like crazy. I never had any algae despite the fact it got full sun along with the tank lights. Since moving some frags of the zenia and gsp to another tank that doesn't get any sunlight they have quit growing. I really think the tank benefitted from the extra sun.

russbriscoe · 07-17-2006, 09:18 PM

Uhh, maybe I am stupid, but we spend a ton of $$$ to simulate sunlight in out tank. to me it sounds like you will only be saving money. Heat and light are the things we all battle in the summer and a good dose of algea is normal for a new tank. It takes a while to get good water, but then the tank starts to work and look good.