Window Tinting = No Algae?

[chipper_222]

Hey,

My tank is located next to a window where it receives a little bit of direct sunlight which comes through the side of the blinds. These blinds are always shut though the day but I'm still having trouble with algae which I think is due to this sunlight.

I have just had this window tinted (cost $$$) hoping that it may fix my algae problems, what do you guys think? Would it be possible to have the blinds open through the day now??

The rating on the tint: Heat Rejection 70%, Glare Rejection 83% and UV stopped 99%.

Thanks in advance!

Chipper

 

[Axleuk]

Hey,

My tank is located next to a window where it receives a little bit of direct sunlight which comes through the side of the blinds. These blinds are always shut though the day but I'm still having trouble with algae which I think is due to this sunlight.

I have just had this window tinted (cost $$$) hoping that it may fix my algae problems, what do you guys think? Would it be possible to have the blinds open through the day now??

The rating on the tint: Heat Rejection 70%, Glare Rejection 83% and UV stopped 99%.

Thanks in advance!

Chipper

It will definately help thats for sure, but its not just sunlight that causes algae problems. Over feeding and poor water quality are also factors to consider.

You have addressed the direct sunlight problem, now you need to make sure that you are not over feeding the fish. A general guideline is to ensure that all the food presented to the fish is eaten with 5 mins. If there is any food left over, chances are you have over fed them. Ideally you need to remove excess food.

10 -20% water changes should be done regularly. This is the most important one. It helps keep the water quality good and prevents algae from taking over your tank. You must also consider that keeping your lights on for extended periods of time will not help your situation so 10 hours of light should ideally be your maximum.

 

[chipper_222]

It will definately help thats for sure, but its not just sunlight that causes algae problems. Over feeding and poor water quality are also factors to consider.

You have addressed the direct sunlight problem, now you need to make sure that you are not over feeding the fish. A general guideline is to ensure that all the food presented to the fish is eaten with 5 mins. If there is any food left over, chances are you have over fed them. Ideally you need to remove excess food.

10 -20% water changes should be done regularly. This is the most important one. It helps keep the water quality good and prevents algae from taking over your tank. You must also consider that keeping your lights on for extended periods of time will not help your situation so 10 hours of light should ideally be your maximum.

Thats good to hear!! I feed my fish twice a day, normally all the food is gone within 2-3 minutes the lights I leave on for 6 hours max.

My water quality is pretty good;

Ammonia: <0.005mg/L
Nitrite: <0.01mg/L
Nitrate: 5.0mg/L

Planted tank been adding a liquid fertiliser for the last 2 weeks so hopefully the plants will start to outcompete the algae.

Thanks for the reply.

Chipper

 

[Axleuk]

It will definately help thats for sure, but its not just sunlight that causes algae problems. Over feeding and poor water quality are also factors to consider.

You have addressed the direct sunlight problem, now you need to make sure that you are not over feeding the fish. A general guideline is to ensure that all the food presented to the fish is eaten with 5 mins. If there is any food left over, chances are you have over fed them. Ideally you need to remove excess food.

10 -20% water changes should be done regularly. This is the most important one. It helps keep the water quality good and prevents algae from taking over your tank. You must also consider that keeping your lights on for extended periods of time will not help your situation so 10 hours of light should ideally be your maximum.

Thats good to hear!! I feed my fish twice a day, normally all the food is gone within 2-3 minutes the lights I leave on for 6 hours max.

My water quality is pretty good;

Ammonia: <0.005mg/L
Nitrite: <0.01mg/L
Nitrate: 5.0mg/L

Planted tank been adding a liquid fertiliser for the last 2 weeks so hopefully the plants will start to outcompete the algae.

Thanks for the reply.

Chipper

How are you plants bearing up ? They normally need at least 10 hrs light per day. 6 hours seems a little low to me.

 

[Hawkins]

disturb the areas where the algae is growing and it shouldn't stand a chance.. i have a gravel rake, an algae scraper and sponge on a stick.. they all help

 

[chipper_222]

Plants aren't doing to well, not much growth and some are covered with the black brush algae. Was keeping the light hours down since it was getting some sunlight. So you suggest more hours?

 

[Axleuk]

Plants aren't doing to well, not much growth and some are covered with the black brush algae. Was keeping the light hours down since it was getting some sunlight. So you suggest more hours?

Yes, you definately need more light hours on those plants, bearing in mind you have now cut off the natural sunlight with the window tint. 10 hrs a day at least.