Outside Light Source? Myth or Fact?

NanaReefer · Feb 17, 2016

What say you all? Do our windows, table lamps or televisions have an effect on our tanks?

Waters · Feb 17, 2016

I think it depends on what sort of effects you are referring to? Light from any source will effect the behavior of livestock. If you are talking about algae growth, I don't think the TV will do much but natural light from windows will definitely fuel growth, assuming the proper nutrients are also available.

LostInTheDark · Feb 17, 2016

My tank gets a full sunrise for an hour about half a year through the picture window. Also gets about 1/2 hour of sunset for a month or so. It ticks off some ricordea but besides that the tank, especially the fish, just glows with the natural light. No ill effects at all.

AndrewNC · Feb 17, 2016

Windows will indeed encourage algae growth

LostInTheDark · Feb 17, 2016

AndrewNC said:
Windows will indeed encourage algae growth

My thinking is if we are already running full spectrum lights and nutrients are where they should be not much should be very different. I get full sun for almost an hour for a few months out of the year and I look forward to how it makes the fish glow. My Sebae anemone gets the most deep purple tips in the sun.

AndrewNC · Feb 17, 2016

Just beware of algae blooms, especially on the glass. Also, temperature increase from direct sunlight. It's the sun were talking about. I believe it's a bit stronger than our lights were supplying our tanks with. I'm not saying to keep a room completely dark but direct sunlight will most likely cause algae blooms. I open shades indirectly. Good luck. Hey if it works for you go for it. Every tank behaves differently in this hobby.

SteveSTL · Feb 17, 2016

Mine sits by a Window and I just get a message asking me to upgrade my 27 to a 40 and then the entire tank turns blue.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Feb 17, 2016

My tank can get direct morning light some times of the year, and I think that aesthetically it looks best when lit that way (it gets it through the front glass). It may just be the angle of lighting in relation to viewing , like looking down on clams vs from the side.

I doubt it is having any substantial impact on the tank itself, however, since my lights are already pretty bright.