Window film and algae

chiphead

Greetings,
I have a 125 tank that is about to start getting a lot of late day sun through the top arch of a large window. I cannot move this tank anywhere else. If I use a window film on the arch with the properties described below, will this be enough stop any algae growth due to sunlight? Thanks.
"Our films block up to 99% of the ultraviolet rays that can fade drapes, furniture, artwork and even flooring. Think of our film as sunscreen for your furnishings. Fade protection is an important reason why interior designers often recommend our window films. Our films reduce up to 78% of the sun's heat that comes through the window. By reducing the heat, you can also reduce your air conditioning costs. 3M Window Films can also be easy on the eyes, our films can help reduce annoying glare up to 93%."

Jay

Hey Chiphead...Welcome to our forums

The rule of thumb is that direct sunlight is way too intense for the aquarium.

Having said that, lets consider the situation.

My tanks take a lot of early morning and some late day direct sun, probably an hour or so total. I notice no problems other than a few more diatoms on the glass and occasionally some green algae. Easy to manage with regular maintenance.

If however, your water parameters are high in nutrients and you are lax in weekly cleaning and large water changes, keeping your filters clean and free of algae spores you could experience breakouts of "green water". Annoying but easily fixed.

A window film that blocks UV has little or no impact on algae. In reality, most green algae can get along just fine on very little white light.

IMO I would wait and watch the tank for signs of algae growth out of the "normal". Maintain an immaculate filtration system, thoroughly vacuum weekly with large water changes, do not over feed.

If the algae begins to become a real problem, you may have rig a temporary sun block for those hours.

Hope that helps,

Regards,
Jay

Algae

orb4me

Maintain an immaculate filtration system, thoroughly vacuum weekly with large water changes, do not over feed.



In case your new, Chip, he didnt mean sterile or to remove all the bacteria.

chiphead

Thanks Jay and Orb. I need to do something either way on the window because of heat concerns in the summer. I'm trying to kill two birds (heat and damage from the sun plus adverse effects on the tank). To get an adjustable sun block is huge stupid money. We had a fabric honey comb fan up for several years but it got dirty and could not be cleaned. I'm leaning towards trying some sort of film.