Tank in front of window?

[purpletiger]

Continuing the journey of setting up my IM 100 mixed reef tank. Can I place the tank directly in front of a window or will that create problems? Additional info, located in sunny FL, window has blinds, and back of tank is blacked out.

 

[EliMelly]

I suggest not doing that

 

[exnisstech]

I've never done it intentionally and read it can cause algae growth but my fish sure look awesome for the 45 minutes or so that sun hits one of my tank each evening.

 

[Dread Pirate Dave]

You are saying that the back of the tank, which is blacked out, will face the window? Other than being warmed up by any UV that makes it in I don't think it would be to bad. Keep the blinds closed, of course. Also, light blocking cellular shades may be best here.

 

[purpletiger]

You are saying that the back of the tank, which is blacked out, will face the window? Other than being warmed up by any UV that makes it in I don't think it would be to bad. Keep the blinds closed, of course. Also, light blocking cellular shades may be best here.

Yes, tank will back up to the window and blinds will most likely remain closed at all times.

 

[purpletiger]

I’ve seen opposite opinions on here. Some say not to do it because it will cause excessive algae growth but some say they’ve done it with no issues at all.

 

[Freenow54]

Also depends on how old the windows are. I have new windows no UV or heat penetration

 

[purpletiger]

Also depends on how old the windows are. I have new windows no UV or heat penetration

Pretty much brand new. Home was built in 2024.

 

[Freenow54]

Pretty much brand new. Home was built in 2024.

I know that for a fact the sales guy did a demonstration it was impressive. I always was of the opinion that light was the biggest factor. I proved it by blocking the led light from hitting the inside back of the tank using shoe trays. No algae, I also felt phosphates PH level was a contributor as well but am reading not? I'm not a chemist' What you posted made me think you are ok. just to be sure check for the heat . To me that would cause other problems. Good luck. I'm imprisoned in the basement. I made a truce with my wife when I finished the basement. She has tried to sneak across the border a few times but I have successfully repelled her

 

[MC Blowfish]

I would check the temperature. If the blinds are closed and the back of the tank is protected from the light, you should be fine.

My concern would be the temperature and making sure that its consistent.

 

[purpletiger]

I would check the temperature. If the blinds are closed and the back of the tank is protected from the light, you should be fine.

My concern would be the temperature and making sure that its consistent.

The window gets morning sun only, and I guess I could also tint the window to help control the heat too.

 

[JohnNYC8]

Continuing the journey of setting up my IM 100 mixed reef tank. Can I place the tank directly in front of a window or will that create problems? Additional info, located in sunny FL, window has blinds, and back of tank is blacked out.

As long as it's not direct light it shouldn't be a major issue. I'd be more concerned with photoperiod. If you run your light schedule to enjoy the tank at night your photoperiod would end up being very long. Everything needs a chance to recover/reset at night.

 

[56longroof]

The only thing I would worry about is the tank getting warmed up by the sun. I dont really buy into if the thinking of the sun causing algea issues. That's a nutrient issue.

 

[KronicReefer]

From my understanding corals are photosynthetic. I purposefully open my blinds to allow the natural sun onto my tanks. If you have algae issues its not the light.

 

[Jared Bryant]

I would be concerned with not being able to clean the window. It will collect dust and spider webs as well.

 

[Freenow54]

The only thing I would worry about is the tank getting warmed up by the sun. I dont really buy into if the thinking of the sun causing algea issues. That's a nutrient issue.

I will show you a picture of my pond 6 feet deep one end 4 at other about 12 by 12 drag algae out of it twice a year like a crop

 

[Freenow54]

I would check the temperature. If the blinds are closed and the back of the tank is protected from the light, you should be fine.

My concern would be the temperature and making sure that its consistent.

already mentioned people should get into the habit of reading the thread from the beginning to stop repeats. Don't get me wrong am just as guilty. Another peeve of mine and again I have done it in the past but went to therapy was arguing about opinions. I now try to stick to facts and experiences

 

[56longroof]

I will show you a picture of my pond 6 feet deep one end 4 at other about 12 by 12 drag algae out of it twice a year like a crop

Algea cannot grow without nutrients. It needs light but buy your reasoning every pond or outside aquarium would be overrun with algea all the time. Algea IS a nutrient issue. The light available is not the only cause. If it were my tank would be a forest of green.

 

[Freenow54]

Algea cannot grow without nutrients. It needs light but buy your reasoning every pond or outside aquarium would be overrun with algea all the time. Algea IS a nutrient issue. The light available is not the only cause. If it were my tank would be a forest of green.

Did not mean to imply was the only contributing factor at all. It is simpler to compare it to the fire triangle. Take one factor away no fire. Take light away no Algae

 

[Freenow54]

Algea cannot grow without nutrients. It needs light but buy your reasoning every pond or outside aquarium would be overrun with algea all the time. Algea IS a nutrient issue. The light available is not the only cause. If it were my tank would be a forest of green.

Also I have talked about this before to show I understand your position. Years ago the Laundry Detergent people decided it would be a good idea to add Phosphates to detergent to make clothes softer , and No More Static Cling !!!!!!!! yeah!!!!! Problem look at a map if you are not aware The entire Lake Erie had Algae bloom 2 feet thick over the entire lake