Only Naturally lit tank?

[BuffaloPolypteridae]

There any drawbacks to this? I dont use any live plants yet, and my lighting went on my 70 and havent bothered replacing it because it gets sunlight from sun up to sun down. Have to scrub algae a little more then i would but its worth it to me, gives the fish a much much more natural look. And i know the plain white lights irritate bichirs eyes and they are my main fish. Will it effect the fish negativley? I really dont think it would, and from how far ive looked into it it will not, but then again i felt positive that bucket acclimating a TATF was a good idea soooo..... double checking everything again lol

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[Mr. Mom]

Are you talking direct sunlight?

Because if not, my 55G is in a similar situation with my senegal. No direct sunlight, but a very well lit room from sunup to sundown. I had tried plants (liquid CO2) but they were plants that required more light so they didn't do so well. I know what you mean about the algae, but other than my syno or redtail shark ... there's nothing to snack on it. I do have a light for the tank (T5), as I do plan on adding plants again. But till then I agree on the natural light ... just sucks for night viewing (that's the odd time I do use my light currently).

 

[BuffaloPolypteridae]

Are you talking direct sunlight?

Because if not, my 55G is in a similar situation with my senegal. No direct sunlight, but a very well lit room from sunup to sundown. I had tried plants (liquid CO2) but they were plants that required more light so they didn't do so well. I know what you mean about the algae, but other than my syno or redtail shark ... there's nothing to snack on it. I do have a light for the tank (T5), as I do plan on adding plants again. But till then I agree on the natural light ... just sucks for night viewing (that's the odd time I do use my light currently).

Yep same they would be in direct sunlight with part of the curtains drawn but its in my room in between 2 windows, but its wider the the sapace between the windows so a little bit goes over in front of one window. I keep the shades drawn on that one completely, but theyre not like blackout curtains, a bit gets through. Im in the same boat w/ no alage eaters since most of em will go for the slime coat of any polypterus if they get hungry enough. I just wanna be sure its not hurting the tank or the fish

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[Warborg]

There shouldn't be any issue with it. I just moved last month and have the same thing. Tank is next to the back door(windowed) and it gets lots on light. I haven't even used my light strip.

 

[Fat Homer]

Unless you are looking to start a planted tank im guessing you should be okay...

The only problem i could think of with direct sunlight hitting the tank other than algae issues, is the tank temp may raise just a little depending how warm it gets...


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[duanes]

The fish will adapt to natural or artificial light, although the gradual way natural light appears is probably less stressful than a sudden blast of artificial. The only problem (algae aside)comes in if the natural sunlight heats the tank too much during the day .
I have a number of tanks using only natural light on a south facing wall, and have floating plants, such as water hyacinth to help diffuse the suns heat, and at the same time these plants use loads of nitrate. They also have sumps that are shaded which helps to cool.

 

[Fat Homer]

^ Love the effect the natural light has on your tank...

 

[alexanian]

The fish will adapt to natural or artificial light, although the gradual way natural light appears is probably less stressful than a sudden blast of artificial. The only problem (algae aside)comes in if the natural sunlight heats the tank too much during the day .
I have a number of tanks using only natural light on a south facing wall, and have floating plants, such as water hyacinth to help diffuse the suns heat, and at the same time these plants use loads of nitrate. They also have sumps that are shaded which helps to cool.

Love that water hyacinth plants, I have to ask is there anything special they require? Do they need lots of light or is shaded room ok for them?
About direct sunlight, I have one tank that's in direct sunlight on the window and the algae is a PITA! The temps get high in summer, sometimes up to 32C, but the fish are fine and colors look nice.

 

[xraycer]

My 75gal tank is sort of a room divider, so it can be viewed on both long sides. The rooms are well lit via windows. The fish are much more natural and active than when the tank's bright LED comes on at 5pm. I feel that even with just typical room lighting, the fish probably finds it too bright compared to their natural world. Sure they'll adapt to our double bright LEDs and HVOs, but it doesn't mean they enjoy or prefer it.

 

[Pole]

I would watch out for temps and algae but other than that it should be fine.