If a tank is placed near a window does that promote unwanted Algae?

[John Hartford]

I was just wondering if one was to put a tank near a window, would the constant light from the window cause unwated algae growth?

 

[bertoni]

That's definitely possible. I keep my tanks away from direct sunlight for that reason, and to avoid possible overheating.

 

[Bathel]

Re: If a tank is placed near a window does that promote unwanted Algae?

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6918816#post6918816 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by John Hartford
I was just wondering if one was to put a tank near a window, would the constant light from the window cause unwated algae growth?

It's a matter of opinion from what I can tell ...

Let's put it this way ... the Ocean is light by the sun. If your levels are correct, I don't see any issues. I guess the problem would be if you started to have algee and needed to cut back on the light to help ... kinda hard to shut off the sun.

Anyway, some people use natural light to help light large tanks.

I personally keep mine away from the window because of heat and I like to be able to control the light better ... YMMV.

 

[Cutiewitbooty]

light doesn't really cause algae so as long as all your parameters are in check it should be ok.

 

[JRPhd]

doesn't red spectrum lighting promote algae growth?
Jon

 

[bertoni]

That's the thought, that different spectra promote different types of photosynthesis, and many pest algae grow well with a redder spectrum.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

Re: If a tank is placed near a window does that promote unwanted Algae?

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6918816#post6918816 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by John Hartford
I was just wondering if one was to put a tank near a window, would the constant light from the window cause unwated algae growth?

It might. It might not.
There are lots of reef aquaria (besides mine) that receive natural sunlight. The key to reducing/preventing unwanted algae growth is by limiting (and/or exporting) nutrients.

Last month's TOTM receives a LOT of natural sunlight. So do many other large reef displays, such as those at the Waikiki Aquarium.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/totm/index.php

 

[FormulatedFire]

My tank sits right next to my window and when i get up in the morning i open the shades and let the sun shine in.....i dont have a problem with algea and i only have a few snails but my tanks only been running a few weeks and i have great coralline growth and no real unwanted algea

 

[wenszoo]

I have read alot of stuff on the SW near a window and they say that corals and the fish do alot better in teh sunlight. We are moving our 75 gal infront of our pic window. If the water is in check there should not be a problem