Window Film & Light Blocking

zbrusko · Jun 23, 2023

Hi,

My tank is sorta-kinda near a window. The window is in such a place that it doesn't ever get direct light. It is near a strange angle in the house. In either case, some light does get in, obviously (it is a window, after all) and it does seem like I get more algae growth on that side of the tank. I was thinking of using a window film to block the light. Would it need to have IR/UV protection for it to be useful? I was looking at this. As long as I block IR/UV can it be clear? Will a colored film that darkens the window do anything without IR/UV blocking? Any input on this would be helpful. Putting up a shade is not an option.

Thanks!

vetteguy53081 · Jun 23, 2023

zbrusko said:
Hi,

My tank is sorta-kinda near a window. The window is in such a place that it doesn't ever get direct light. It is near a strange angle in the house. In either case, some light does get in, obviously (it is a window, after all) and it does seem like I get more algae growth on that side of the tank. I was thinking of using a window film to block the light. Would it need to have IR/UV protection for it to be useful? I was looking at this. As long as I block IR/UV can it be clear? Will a colored film that darkens the window do anything without IR/UV blocking? Any input on this would be helpful. Putting up a shade is not an option.

Thanks!

I had this originally happen at my Pet store and tried the film which slowed the process of algae buildup but was not a solution. The power of UV especially this time of the year will penetrate film-shades-blinds and curtains. I have with people's success recommended simple black construction paper on the side of tank getting the Uv and light directly and indirectly. It reduces the issue drastically

zbrusko · Jun 25, 2023

Were you dealing with direct light? I am not, and frankly not even sure the window is causing any issues. I suppose I could try black paper as a test to see if it helps, but covering a side of the tank is counter-productive as a display long term!

Hoping someone else has experience with this. I appreciate your input, though not what I was expecting!

vetteguy53081 · Jun 25, 2023

zbrusko said:
Were you dealing with direct light? I am not, and frankly not even sure the window is causing any issues. I suppose I could try black paper as a test to see if it helps, but covering a side of the tank is counter-productive as a display long term!

Hoping someone else has experience with this. I appreciate your input, though not what I was expecting!

Indirect light and I have numerous people with this issue and black paper did the trick.
At my LFS, I had the paper on for a few hours until window light shifted