Move tank or buy background?

Question

My 10 gallon tank is sitting on my dresser now (it holds the tank fine), but the problem is it is near a window. Brown algae just recently started to grow. I was wondering if I should buy a metal stand for the tank and move it to the other side of the room, or if buying a background for the tank would work to keep some sunlight out.

Answer 1

ZTM has some good input there. Just wanted to add that the background may cut out the sunlight, but be sure that the tank is not getting overly warm.

Answer 2

Both options would work fine, but I would buy the background if I were you. Cut it to fit the side of your tank and tape it on to the back/side.

If you do want to move it, I'd follow these steps:
1. Capture your fish (and live plants if you have any) and place them in a bucket that you use for water changes.
2. Empty out the water, gravel, decorations, and other accessories.
3. Assemble the stand wherever you want it to be.
4. Move the empty tank onto the stand.
5. Add the gravel and decorations.
6. Add the water with conditioner.
7. Add the other accessories that you took out and plant the live plants.
8. Make sure the temperature is the same between the fish bucket and the normal tank, and place the fish in.

~ZTM

Answer 3

If you have a spot on the other side of the room and the tank looks good in that spot, put it there. I suspect the background will not totally prevent the algae if you leave the tank near the window. And I prefer to have plants in my windows, so I'm slightly biased. Remember, full aquariums are very easy to break. I've never done it myself, but I've heard of people breaking them that way. The weight of the water causes too much stress for the sides of the tank. Good night!

Answer 4

the background should do the trick and you can buy several different kinds, and change them if you get bored