nonstophoops;4903039; said:
Even if you move the tank, you will need to start doing something to remove the nutrients the algae is using to grow. Both the existing algae and future algae are of concern here. I would scrap all the algae off of the inside of the tank if you can so that you can remove it. Otherwise it will die within the tank and the nutrients will stay there for more algae to grow.
I would NOT move the tank personally. The sun itself doesn't cause algae to grow without nutrients. If you have high nutrients the algae is going to grow regardless(though not as fast). It is up to you on whether it is worth the time to move it, but I would look into your filtration/setup, feeding, and stocking to see if you can help the problem there.
I agree to some extent. Yes nutrients are a factor, but the external light source is an issue in-and-of itself. From purely personal experience and vast research, every tank I have ever seen and/or read about that is next to a window experiences major algae problems. The extent of these problems normally lies outside what the average aquarium would experience if said aquarium was positioned in a area restricted to minimal light exposure. Granted most tanks will experience algae problems, especially newly set up tanks, but aquariums that are positioned next to windows tend to have extended algae problems throughout their duration. With this being the case, I highly suggest that that the tank is repositioned.
Even though the tank could be maintained by the window, it is going to be much more or a hassle in comparison to placing it in a dark room. If the tank was a "show tank" and maintained purely for its aesthetic value (ie restaurant, center piece, etc.) than ya I would say go for the best position to offer the most visual appeal. But, in the case of most people the aquarium is set up for their own viewing pleasure with the occasional outsider.
I am assuming that in this particular case, the reason for the tank is not necessarily to appeal to anyone who walks in the door. If, however, that is the case, simply moving it into a darker portion of the room would be enough to lessen the impact caused from outside light sources.
That's my reasoning behind the decision to move the tank. The final decision is 100% yours. If it makes you happy to have it in the location it resides in right now, then leave it
! I am just trying to offer guidance to establishing a tank that will offer more reward than headaches.