Habitat - Indoor :: Why Not Near a Window?

[queenjane]

I read on the main page that habitats should not be placed near a window. This is probably extremely ignorant, but I don't see why.

I use both a UVA and UVB lamp and keep the water at a suitable temperature. The window doesn't seem to have any effect on anything.

[megcornell]

The sunlight can drastically heat the water, endangering your turtle's health.
On a less serious note, sunlight can really cause an algae bloom.

[meltedspork]

It can be placed near a window provided it is not directly in front of a window or that the sunlight can get to your tank. I have my tank between two windows (with blinds) and I have no problems.

[mzkitty23]

i have mine right in front of a window becuase my guy LOVES to look out the window. of course he is only allowed to do this in the early, early morning or right before dark. I have to use a really thick blind and sometimes even a sheet if it's super hot or cold to keep it from affecting his temps. I also have to monitor his temps MATICULOUSLY because as stated above, the sun coming through the glass can heat up the tank FAST., but that is the reason they say not near a window. Oh yeah, and i have to fight with the algae because of letting the light through, but I just deal with it and go the extra mile on algae control becuase my turt just absolutely LOVES those hours looking out the window. If he didn't, I'd just keep it somewhere else and cut out all the extra work...lol.

[steve]

They can also be exposed to drafts and the constantly change water temps are not healthy. They also don't receive any health benefits since windows will block out the UVB and insect screens will block most of it.

[mzkitty23]

yep, it's a lot of trouble to avoid all that stuff that steve said....i just do it because i'm insane and i'm spoiled the poo out of him....

[MEL]

Like mzkitty23, I too have my aquarium in front of a window because my turtle loves to look out the window, too. When she basks, she faces the window. I do have the wood blinds on my windows, so I can control the amount of sunlight that goes thru. I do keep a check on the temp of the water and it seems fine. I don't plan on moving her away from the window. Before we moved her, we had her in our basement and I just hated the fact that she was in the basement away from the "action" of the upstairs. She seems to love being a part of the household. Maybe that's my imagination, but I like to think she loves it!