Mon Jun 16, 2008 9:42 pm GMT   Reply      

anyone seen an aquarium that was illuminated by sunlight only?

Mon Jun 16, 2008 9:57 pm GMT   Reply      

I tried it once a long time ago...in my case it was alright since the windows in my house are massive and allow sufficient light in for most of the day...the algae loved it too (alot...alot..) which is why I no longer rely on the all natural sunlight...plus it wasnt so great on cloudy days which we get alot of in spring.

Mon Jun 16, 2008 10:43 pm GMT   Reply      

I guess it would depend on where you live. some fish would love all that algae

Mon Jun 16, 2008 11:31 pm GMT   Reply      

my ponds...???

Tue Jun 17, 2008 8:12 am GMT   Reply      

interesting tank there PIP...you build it? or have it built?

Boss

Tue Jun 17, 2008 8:15 pm GMT   Reply      

built it thanks snowboss

Tue Jun 17, 2008 8:46 pm GMT   Reply      

you know i read an article on this once it was a completely sun powered tank......no filters no lights all "sun fed" as he called it topped off with rain water it was pretty interesting

Wed Jun 18, 2008 8:55 am GMT   Reply      

I would think going with the florescent lighting would be easier, because with all the algae that the sunlight would buildup might cause water conditions to become lower for some species.

Sun Jul 27, 2008 5:10 pm GMT   Reply      

I placed my 55 gallon freshwater aquarium in a corner, crosses allfloor joists, on each side of the tank are two windows. The room which is actuaklly a music studio is painted all black with black blinds. Sometimes in the morning about 6am to 9am, I will open the blinds on the northeast side and filter some sun rays into the tank. I figure it works for fish in the wild why not a home tank. The thing is, keep the aquarium light off, I filter the light on the natural plant side, sometimes, the rays will filter in, it gives the tank a shimmering look, as long as there is good areation, and olive nerite snails (I have 35 of these babies), only very little green algae collects on the top of the glass top, under the light. It is rare that I do get algae, of course I am not applying natural sunlight 24/7, but if only a little bit at a time, I think the plants like it and the fish probably do, besides, it is natural, it must alright for fish.

so if sunlight is carefully applied yes it works.

Sun Jul 27, 2008 5:13 pm GMT   Reply      

One thing bad about all sunlight tank is that you might need a water cooler because rooms with a lot of windows are usually very warm, and even warmer in direct sunlight. Well atleast it is in the south.