Algae Question?

Question

Should a fish tank get direct sunlight or indirect sun light or can i just use strictly a light in the hood of the tank? i know that direct sunlight makes algae and i know algae is sometimes dangerous for fish. please tell me wat kind of light i should use

Answer 1

Depending on weather or not you want algae, the lighting should vary. Direct sun will cause unstable temperatures and excessive algae growth. Indirect sunlight is fine, but some people prefer a dark room with colored tank lights. I keep my tanks in indirect light and do weekly gravel vacuuming, and don't have any trouble with algae.

Nosoop4u

Answer 2

You don't need to use any of the lights, as long as the tank is somewhere that there's a window so there's enough light in the room so the fish can tell day from night. The lights are more for you to be able to see them, unless you have live plants in the tank.

Direct sun is never a good idea, because it will not only encourage algae to grow, but the sunlight can overheat your water (every sit beside a window on a sunny day?). Indirect is better, even through a sheer curtain or partly open blinds.

Unless you have live plants, you only need to have the tank lights on if you're around to be watching the fish. I keep mine on timers, so they get the same amount of light (and it goes on and off at the same times, usually when I'm home to watch them).

Answer 3

You should keep your tank out of direct sunlight and use a light in your hood, but only keep it on about 8 to 12 hours a day. Algae isn't dangerous to your fish, it's just ugly, but, if you desire to get rid of it, try some snails or an algae eating fish. Otocinclus catfish are excellent for smaller tanks, way cute too, and a plecostomus would be good for a larger tank. I have one otocinclus, and he keeps my 5-gallon tank all sparkly.

Answer 4

Use just a light overhead and keep it away from direct sunlight! You will regret it later if you do. Direct sunlight does cause algae growth and it is very hard to get rid of and it can harm the fish. Not directly, but it can change the levels in the water and make it hard for them to survive.
An overhead light will be perfect for it.

Answer 5

Use the hood lighting on your tank, just don't leave it on that often though. And don't over feed your fish, take any left over food out of the tank so that the algae doesn't have anything to feed on. And also do water changes. Hope this helps!

Answer 6

The hood lite will also cause Algae. Why don't you throw an Algae eater in there. Then, no matter what source of light you use (all are okay, but any light will cause some algae) you will have some control over it.