Comment

Comment by Adam Vicknair on August 18, 2012 at 9:25am

I think I really need to build a better cover, one like your describing. I did not realize that every bit of direct sunlight was the goal, and in that case I do not think my existing shade cover will do.

Comment by Bradly on August 17, 2012 at 12:23pm

Good Adam

If you find you need more sun block out... some use that chrome shiny bubble wrap at Home Depot...it's a plastic insulation stuff...  that isn't too costly.  I put plywood liftable cover on my IBC tote tank, then I used that shiny bubble wrap insulation glued on the top everywhere else that the liftable cover doesn't provide direct shade.

I do know one thing..that algae will wipe you out, so the goal should be to block out everybit of direct sunlight almost...it will keep the heat down too.  (In the early spring, I plan to remove the 3 layer tarp around the sides of the fish tank and paint the sides black to absorb heat...then in summer when water gets warm enough-I'll put the 3 tarp wraps around the sides again to totally shade it all.  I was thinking that maybe I'll uncover the tank in the evenings after the sun is past and the tank is in the shade...just to let the fish see the sky  :-)

Comment by Adam Vicknair on August 17, 2012 at 8:55am

Hey bradley thanks for commenting on my pic!

It has been a whole heck of a lot of work, thats for sure. just finished it last week. I appreciate your concern with regards to the fish tank exposed to light. I intuited an algae problem after one look at the sunny tank and have constructed a full cover for my tank with flexible tubing and 50% shade cloth. It's not the prettiest thing, but I believe it will do the job nicely!

Comment by Bradly on August 15, 2012 at 9:53am

Nice system Adam.  I've just about got my system cycled, and am having to put shadecloth awning up above my system also.  Seeds are going in now, and maybe some 6" butterfly koi this weekend to test run the system.  Been a lot of work, just like your system huh?

Adam, the guys all warn about the sun shining directly into the fish tanks cause they'll cause algae bloom, I've never seen one, but they say it will take all the oxygen out of the water.  Wish I knew more, but saw your tank in the sun and remembered reading the other posts.  I got a buddy near me who said it happened to his system and he lost 75 fsh.  Just a heads up  from a newbie who can only repeat what he hears for now!   :-)