Algae problem because of nearby window

[Razor]

I just setup my new 155 bowfront and noticed an increase in algae growth on the side of the tank that faced my sliding glass doors. While there is an awning outside the doors, it seems that the light that does get in affects my tank.

Has anyone used UV blocking window film to solve a problem like this? And does anyone know if it's the UV rays that are causing the algae growth?

Thanks.

 

[liquid]

It's strictly a light thing. You've got more light on that end of the tank and it makes it more conducive to growing algae in those areas.

Shane

 

[kim]

I think this can be quite controversial, but IMHO sunlight in a reef tank isn't usually a problem. I had one in my parents' bay windows and the corals loved it !

In a new tank, you are likely to experience swings in the level of nutrients as everything tries to find an equilibrium. The algae feeds off the excess nutrients, and will tend to grow better in the better lit part of the tank. But I think that once the nutrients are lower, the algae will go.

Algae will be encouraged by more light and (for certain species) longer wavelength light, but eliminating the light rather than the nutrients is not, I feel, the best way to go. Light is so valuable !

As I said, I know that others hold opposing views but you will hopefully hear enough to be able to make a reasonable decision.

kim

 

[Razor]

Do you know if it's the UV that causes the growth?

There is plenty of light in the tank, so the sun really isn't needed. Therefore, if the UV is what causes it, I can put a UV blocking film on the windows. This would prevent the excess algae growth but would allow the windows to be somewhat clear and still allow the sun light to enter the room.

 

[kim]

I don't think that it is the UV - most plants operate at the yellow/red end of the spectrum. I really don't think you need to do a thing - until the tank is established the algae isn't telling you anything useful about your light.

kim

 

[cdeakle]

Direct sunlight on your tank can and will cause bad algae blooms!

I know this from first hand experience. I used to have alot of sunlight hit my tank from my nearby sliding glass door as well. Then my algae problems went nuts. Ever since I started making sure the shades were almost always closed on the sliding door I noticed a drastic change for the better.

I don't think it's necessarily the UV light but sunlight in general. If I were you I would just make sure the light is blocked out via shades/blinds as much as possible or you could tint your windows.....

 

[Razor]

I was planning on tinting the windows, but my wife wants to be able to keep as much sunlight as possible coming in. That's why I asked about the UV, because they have almost clear tint that blocks UV.

 

[Anonymous]

Its not the UV persay, like 420 said...maybe as goofy as this sounds but tinting that side of the tank...but sunlight will definitely cause algal blooms..

 

[Anonymous]

I've used direct sunlite on tanks before, didnt experience abnormal algae blooms, just make sure you keep the nutrients in check.

The corals loved the extra light

 

[Anonymous]

ok if artificial light causes algal blooms, what makes anyone think that sunlight wont do it...yes i bet the corals did love the extra light...its actual sunlight...but his algae is to one side of the tank...

 

[Mogo]

I had a similar problem with a fw tank being next to a window and alot of light coming in one side (algae). I painted the tank side instead of shading the window in any way. It worked.

 

[liquid]

I've used direct sunlite on tanks before, didnt experience abnormal algae blooms, just make sure you keep the nutrients in check.

The corals loved the extra light

Agreed.

Shane

 

[Bobzarry]

Most algea dont require alot of nutrients to survive and in our tanks there is always plenty to go around. Give algae light and it will thrive, give it more light and it will thrive very well. Anywhere life can happen....it will.


Bob

 

[Anonymous]

well put Bob