I know that fluorescent lights emit UV radiation like sunlight dose, but will it cause algae to grow in my tank? Right now my tank has an incandesant light is a little more costly to run, but at least there isn't any algae. The last time I used a fluorescent light my tank was filled with brown algae.

I have another question will a fluorescent light improve coloring on my fish(kind of like a tanning bed for goldies), because I have heard that coloring will improve when fish are exposed to natural light. :goldfish

I would put the tank near a window, but there are no stable surfaces to put it on, or any places that arn't too drafty.

Algae will grow anywhere there is sufficiant light and food (nitrate). The more watts per gallon of water the better some plants grow - algae loves light. It will grow on the glass under your light, too. Lots of light makes green algae, less light make brown algae..... (generally).

Incandesent lights are very warm - they heat the water a substantial amount. They are pretty much in the yellow end of the spectrum.

Flourecent lights can be purchased in various "colors" - mimicing sunlight or high on the blue end, or what ever - each is used for a different purpose. You can mimic 10 feet under the surface of the ocean, full sunlight, or something specific to enhance the fish's coloration.

Yes - some colors of flourecent light will enhance the way the fish's colors look. And full daylight spectrum will actually help the color of the fish be more vibrant. Real sunshine in a pond is the best for this.

Putting your tank in a window is an invitation for a huge algae bloom. Changing out your bulb on a yearly basis for flourecent, and 6 month rotation for incandecent makes sure that they remain at the intensity they were designed to be. All bulbs loose intensity over time - You may not notice it with your eyes, but if you take a light meter to them it is quite suprising. When you chnge to a full intensity light, you will probably notice more algae - it is responding to the light.

I recently got "full spectrum" flourescent from Lowes and they were cheaper then I expected. About $5.50 for a 4' one. You may not find them at every lowes, but it may be worth a try. They are very healthy for your fish and the plants and I'm sure algae too. It is as close to sunlight as we can get artificially.