Window Tint

las4444 · 07-03-2008, 09:04 AM

I just had a recent rash of bacterial green bubble algae growth in my tank. I recently removed my entertainment center which block the early morning light from the tank. You guessed it; the growth started in that corner and quickly spread.

I think my only option now is to tint the windows on the back side of the house. My wife has been talking about it also as the kitchen gets really bright.

I found a local contractor that sells solar gard window films. www.solargard.com
There are various types that have different performance characteristics.

The question is which of the three light elements do I need to control.

Visible light - I know I can decide how dark I want it.
Solar energy - I assume I want the most which is 79%. They do have lower value films.
UV Don?t think this applies unless I want to protect my furniture etc.

This is a illustration from there website.

unclejed · 07-03-2008, 09:43 AM

From your diagram it takes care of all three so just go with that.

las4444 · 07-06-2008, 11:21 AM

Alright, the sales guy came over. Basically it is the same spec as the graph but viable light is rated at 16%. Most states for autos allow 95% down to 25%. So, it's pretty dark. It will only cost 550 bucks to do the back of the house. Glad my wife is on board with the deal.

The UV and solar energy will will be covered. Believe it or not the research I did said that UV is the most important for a fish tank. Not sure if this is true but the film will be a good start.