Reef in Heavily sunlit room

untamed · #1 01-07-2008, 05:56 AM

I think the "sunlight and algae" thing doesn't really apply to reef setups. Seems to me that more light could only be good for a reef (to a point?), with the exception that you might have to watch temperature.

hillbillyreefer · #2 01-07-2008, 06:02 AM

My tank is beside the front window(east facing) and doesn't seem to be affected. It's all Green even the side away from the window lol. I don't think the sunlight has anything to do with the algae. Most of the reading I've done has also supported natural light as a good thing. Lots of the coral aquaculture guys do it in greenhouses.

HTH
Brad

justinl · #3 01-07-2008, 06:26 AM

in nature, algae is limited, not by light, but by nutrients like iron, phosphorus and nitrogen. So unless you allow your nutrient levels to go awry, light should not be the deciding factor in algal growth. If it does, for whatever reason, become a problem, you can just install a heavy drape.

Mattgesy · #4 01-07-2008, 06:26 PM

I have a friend that has there tank right in the window, it does fine, if your also worried paint the side of the tank that could possible see sun and go from there

Chin_Lee · #5 01-07-2008, 06:52 PM

The amount of sunlight is highly dependent on your location. Many prairie locations will have lots of sunlight in the winter but in the Lower Mainland (Langley), i don't think it will cut it for lighting photo period and intensity. I think its enough to keep things alive but you won't get the desirable and vibrant colors that is one of the most rewarding part of this hobby.

skylord · #6 01-07-2008, 08:29 PM

I think this is being read two ways....I don't think Kronk is saying they will use only natural sunlight for lighting but wondering if natural light will cause any other problems. Central air takes care of the heating problem and if the photo period needs adjusting they could have heavy drapes. The extra light is just free energy.

Scott