Direct Sunlight

[Lizzie71]

Just read on another thread that you shouldn't have your tank in direct sunlight. That kind of scuppers my plans for a new tank in the dining room, which has a big bay window and therefore is pretty much all in direct sunlight at least for some of the day.

Is this true? If it is, I have a real problem as every room in this house has a window and there isn't anywhere that doesn't get some sunlight (well I guess there's the downstairs loo but I won't get a tank in there!).

Where on earth do people put tanks if there is such a huge restriction on placing them?

 

[CFC]

By direct sunlight they mean dont actually put the tank in the window where the sun will be beaming straight onto the tank, against a wall in the room will be fine.

 

[Lizzie71]

Aha that makes sense. Still need to think on the placement though, where I wanted it is too close to the window I think.

EDIT - would it matter if it was near a radiatior?

 

[backtotropical]

North facing windows will attract less sunlight than southfacing. Don't know if that helps you any?

Cheers

BTT

 

[catxx]

it's not really recommended to put a tank too near a radiator, if thats blasting away in the winter it may effect the tank. if theres more than one radiator in the room, maybe turn one off and put the tank near that one? that's what we had to do when my brother moved his tanks to my dads living room (where there's 3 radiators & a fireplace, overkill much?).

 

[Lizzie71]

Umm, it would if I knew which was was north Actually I'm pretty sure the dining room is south facing. I think a little rearrangement of furniture might be in order before the new tank comes, so I can put it at the far end of the room.

 

[Matty P]

It should be ok having your tank in your dining room - it would probably just mean that you might have to a bit more algae scraping than if it wasn't near a big window. Both my tanks are in rooms with big, but then again I live in the UK so there isn't much sun in the first place.

 

[Lizzie71]

Would a tank be OK next to a piano or would the noise upset the fish?

Probably scrapping the dining room idea as the space is 4cm short and I can't move the dresser on my own.

 

[Matty P]

IMO having a tank beside a piono would scare the fish, so you probably shouldn't go with that option.

HTH

 

[Lizzie71]

OK I've sorted it! I have found the perfect sized space in my lounge, only problem was the stereo cabinet was there. Now moved that (all on my own!) and the stereo still works too

Don't know why my OH will say when he gets home, but it's a fait accompli now so guess he will complain a bit but not actually move it back.

Off to buy the tank as soon as I've picked up my boy from school - he'll be so excited! Of course we can't actually move the fish over yet as we don't have substrate, filter, heater or any of that stuff

 

[Matty P]

Sounds good - what you planning on keeping in it?

 

[Lizzie71]

Not totally settled yet, but probably the livebearers we already have, possibly plus a couple of mollies. Definitely want some zebra danios, and probably a group of tetras and corys.

I would love one or two bigger fish as a centrepiece but not sure what yet. Probably not angels, not sure the tank is big enough, and my son is keen on keeping neons. Any suggestions?