Natural Sunlight on Tank

[Aprod]

I usually leave this window open while I am at work during the day, and took the below pic on Saturday morning several hours before the lighting schedule even kicks in on my AI Prime. I have a small plant on the windowsill which is the only reason why I am even questioning this at all as opposed to just closing to be certain.

Do you think this could have a negative impact on my tank over time? Am I better off relocating the plant and keeping the room in complete darkness until the light cycle kicks on?

Tanks been wet 3 months without any significant issues to date.

 

[Crabs McJones]

Mine gets a little morning sun, doesn't really harm anything, in fact I think my soft corals enjoy it. But as long as it's not getting sunlight all day long causing algae blooms, you should be fine

 

[Waters]

As crabs stated, it all depends on the algae growth. The sun won't hurt the coral....might cause algae issues though, just have to keep an eye on it.

 

[shred5]

People light tanks all the time with natural sunlight.
Look at people who grow corals in green houses.
Sunlight does not cause algae blooms, nutrients do.

I had a tank across from a patio door for years and several hours a day it would get sunlight.

Really the only issue could be heat.

 

[acro-ed]

My 300 is in front of a huge window that faces West and I leave the back uncovered to allow the light in. It gets a few hours of strong evening sun daily. I don't have any nuisance algae whatsoever in my display (but I do have a lot of algae in my refugium). I think it can only be beneficial for the coral; they are now getting a small dose of whatever wavelengths they are missing from artificial light. Someday I intend on having a tank lit primarily by natural light.

-Ed

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

As they used to say where I grew up in Texas, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

 

[Aprod]

Thanks everyone! Going to leave things as they are and be patient. Glad to have your feedback for Peace of Mind!

 

[jd371]

No need to worry, sit down in front of the tank enjoy your Guiness Stout your tank looks great.

 

[lapin]

Yep. No worries Mine gets morning sun. Its the cyano side. It is slowly going away. 1 year old tank. Even if you do get some growth it should diminish over time.

 

[dansreef]

My tank gets about 20-30 mins of sunlight light in the morning. It seems as though the fish and some of the corals really seem to like it. I haven't seen any negative impact over the years.