Growing Chaeto with sunlight?

[NTexas]

Has anyone tried using only sunlight? I have the biocube with the glass panel in back for the fuge, and the back is up against a window. If I raise the blinds it should get plenty of light.

 

Thanks,

[joesmoe517]

*might* be enough to sustain algae, but it will most likely only get direct sunlight for a few hours a day and it won't grow like it would if you got a small fuge light. Also, you wont get the pH raising effects of a fuge light on an off cycle from the main tank lights.

[amnestia]

If its 4 hours or more of near direct lighting then it should be plenty. Depending on where you live sunlight can be about 2000 par. Take out 50% for glass penetration etc and you'll still have plenty. Like the above poster said though you won't get the benefits of reverse lighting.

[NTexas]

Thanks, I did not even think about the pH issue. Do you all think that the day/night pH swing actually has a significant effect on anything?

[joesmoe517]

probably not too much, but the more stability the better