Fishtank in front of a window

[molotov256]

I know putting a tank infront of a window is bad, because the direct sunlight causes algae growth. But what if the fish tank is facing away from the window and has a solid background on the side that would be facing out the window? I'd really like the way the room would look a lot more if I could put the tank there, but I don't want to have an algae bloom start.

[electrikat]

I would think you would still have a problem with the top and sides being exposed to the light and or [acronym:2e2a4c59da="Ultra Violet"]uv[/acronym:2e2a4c59da] rays.

[PK Tester]

I have had an aquarium by a window but with a shade over it...I never had a problem ever...but I also have an algea eater fish.

[jibboo]

how much light do you get from the window? Would you be getting enough light that it could affect your temps? Also, who cares about sunlight ... just get some good algae control fish.

[Jchillin]

By the window or directly in front of window?...big difference but neither is really a good idea.

[Toirtis]

Originally Posted by electrikat

I would think you would still have a problem with the top and sides being exposed to the light and or [acronym:e0707bf0ea="Ultra Violet"]uv[/acronym:e0707bf0ea] rays.

I agree, although 99.5% of [acronym:e0707bf0ea="Ultra Violet"]UV[/acronym:e0707bf0ea] rays are filtered by window glass.

[TankGirl]

Back in the early days of fishkeeping when there was no electricity people kept tanks in windows for practical reasons. There is no problem with this as long as you adjust the setup accordingly. No need for lighting while the sun is shining in the window, and lights could be on only for a few hours during the part of the day where there is no sun, so there is no more than 10-11 hours of sunlight/artificial light total. If you have a sunny window then all the more reason to grow plants in the tank.

If you have thriving plants that photosynthesize well, you won't have algae problems because the nutrients in the water will be utilized. It will be a balancing act but it certainly can be done.

Just an alternative perspective

[Toirtis]

Originally Posted by TankGirl

Back in the early days of fishkeeping when there was no electricity people kept tanks in windows for practical reasons.

That is a while back....Pre-1925 at least....I have some photos of old, kerosene-heated aquaria.

[workfortheman]

Okay here is a question that is somewhat related to the ORIGINAL question:
Is putting a tank directily in front of a window comparable to putting a tank in a room with a lot of sunlight??

For example, I have a tank in a room that gets a TON of natural sunlight, from the south side of the room (from MI), but not directly: the sun doesn't shine on it. The sun's pathway barely passes underleath the aquarium. . .

So I guess my question is this: is indirect sunlight going to have the same/or comparable effect as direct sunlight? I realize it depends on your tanks lighting, but how much of a difference is indirect VS direct sunight going to make? I certainly don't want an algae bloom b/c of it!!

[TomK2]

I've done it. tried to keep the shades down when the sun was coming in (faced west). Definitely had a lot of algae. Eventually moved it to get away from direct and heavy indirect sunlight. Fish were happy enough either place. Oh - I think Dr. Axelrod suggested putting the back to the window and never scraping the algae off the back, creating a natural background.
Tom