Tank near window?

[John]

Hi, I'm setting up a new 55 gallon tank in my basement. I intend to stock it with a pair of convict cichlids at first (so I can study and enjoy their breeding behavior), and then maybe more South American cichlids once the tank is stable or the convicts have had their first brood.

Unfortunately, the location I would like to put the tank in is under a small window. If I set the tank up there, I will never open the window, and the window does seem to be pretty flush-tight in the cinder block wall.

But of course I've read that you shouldn't place an aquarium any place where it will be subjected to rapid variations in temperature, like a window or a heat vent.

But this window won't be opened. So my question is, does that rule rely on the assumption that the window will be opened at times, or is it because windows allow cold air in through the glass even when they're closed?

It goes without saying that I will have a good heater (possibly two heaters -- is this recommended?) and I will monitor the temperature vigorously. But would that be in vain? Is the window a deal-breaker?

Thanks.

[ikermalli]

I have never heard you shouldn't keep it near a window because of that but if you have good heaters I would keep it there because they will adjust the temperature. The only thing I would be concerned about near a window is algae.

[John]

Thank you for your response. I am a little worried about algae, but the tank will be under the window, so much of the light, if not all, will go over it.

Still, I suspect that I'll have to fight that algae pretty hard, but I don't think it's enough of a reason to redlight this project.

Anybody else have some insights?

[ikermalli]

I would just get a few plecos. Some people told me the convicts won't bother the pleco and they are really good algae eaters.

[shade2dope]

If heat isnt a problem ..not saying it wont but,Is there anyway you can cover it?It would get rid of the direct light problem.

[John]

Yeah, I was definitely planning to get at least one pleco, and I'm glad you confirmed that the convicts won't fight it, though I suspected this. Will other cichlids mess with the pleco? And what cichlids should I get besides the convicts?

Does anybody know if it's true that a larger pleco will get rid of more algae faster than a smaller pleco? I've also heard, on the other hand, that a larger pleco will be more lazy and get rid of less algea slower than a smaller pleco. If one of these is true, which one is it?

[John]

Originally Posted by shade2dope

If heat isnt a problem ..not saying it wont but,Is there anyway you can cover it?It would get rid of the direct light problem.

I would prefer not to, but if you guys think it's necessary I can do that.

[ikermalli]

I haven't head about the pleco size but i think you should get two, but you should get two big ones so the cichlids don't mess with it. I have heard it is not a good idea to mix fish.

[John]

Well, it's a good idea in a community tank, so the question is will the convicts be too aggressive to the other cichlids and vice versa to keep them together.

Two large plecos will be expensive, so I'll have to start with one (unless the algae gets bad, then I'll get another).

[ikermalli]

I'm no expert with cichlids but I am pretty sure they are african right? So just keep other african cichlids in there with them and they should be fine.

[Obsidian]

you can put plecos in with cichlids. Don't get anything that will outgrow your tank. Even bristlenoses or rubberlipped would be fine.

[shade2dope]

Why buy plecos for a problem that can be fixed?If you like plecos then yes get one but if its just for the algue,if you even get it depends on how much light gets to it,not all pleco's eat every kind of algue.The best thing would be to block the window.If you cant is there any where else you can put the tank?

[Obsidian]

Or just put a backing on the tank that is very solid so the light can't get through.

[shade2dope]

yes that would be good too.but make sure you have a solid top.

[Ricker]

One heater might be good as I only have one and it is a 200w heater keeps it at a nice 82 F. Even though I keep on turning it down lol. My tanks is about a foot or two away from a vent. Of course my vents are in the roof if that has anything to do with how the air act. I would cover the window with a nice thick cover or something. As I have had a bad time with algae in one of my 5g tanks cause it was next to a window. I moved it and bam no more algae.

[John]

As I said before the window is above the tank, so very little direct sunlight will hit the tank. None will hit the back. Only the top will be hit, and there will be a cover on the top. So I'm not too worried about the sunlight (although I still might cover the window). I do love plecos and so I'll have at least one in the tank. And ikermalli the cichlids I'm talking about are South American.

Hey, are there any African cichlids I can put in with my Convicts? And what South American cichlids will do well with them?

I forgot to mention another idea I had, which was to have 2 pairs of convict cichlids, and set them up with one flower pot and one bunch of plants on each side of the 55 gallon with a big rock or driftwood in the middle. I think it would be really interesting to observe how the 2 families interact. Is it possible for albino Convicts to breed with normal Convicts? Maybe I could have a pair of albinos on one side and a pair of normals on the other. Although this might eliminate inter-brood adoption which is an event I want to see. What do you guys think of this idea?

Thanks for the replies.

[Obsidian]

It is my understanding that it is best not to mix New World Cichlids with Africans because their "body language" is too different. They do not understand each others colors and behavior which causes problems.

[John]

Okay, then I won't. But what about other South American cichlids. Will oscars work? How long will it take before they're too big for the 55?

Also I edited my reply before this so check that out again.

[ikermalli]

See, I told you I'm no expert with cichlids :P

[ikermalli]

Originally Posted by John

Okay, then I won't. But what about other South American cichlids. Will oscars work? How long will it take before they're too big for the 55?

Also I edited my reply before this so check that out again.

I don't think you should get an Oscar, I have read that they are more prone to diseases than other fish and you probably wouldn't want your fish getting sick because of your Oscar.