Natural Sunlight ? (1 Viewer)

[basiljm]

Anyone heard of this product and .. how'd you like a few
over your reef tank?

http://www.solatubehouston.com/content/show/279

 

[Guest]

I wonder how well these would work over tanks?

 

[rxonco]

You can do a search on RC about these. I've read previous posts about the solatubes being used on tanks. Many seemed to have pretty good results. I think they still needed some additional supplementation though.

 

[basiljm]

Yes, I'd think you'd want both MH and other lighting in place for cloudy times like we've had this week in Houston. Still.. the idea of the natural lighting looks like a very promising option especially considering the likelihood that electricity rates are going no where but up for the foreseeable future.

 

[Guest]

There are some on RC who have used them with good results, others have not been impressed. I recall seeing one person build a LARGE rectangular skylight down to his tank, covered in mylar foil to reflect light.

everyone that I've read who used them also had supplemental lights

 

[scottk]

Others I have seen in the past alternated the tubes with hanging pendants for cloudy days and viewing after dark. Natural sunlight tanks do get some great coral growth.

 

[cparka23]

We have a lot of pine trees in our neighborhood that block afternoon light, and the part of the roof directly over the tank slants southward to block even more light out. This wasn't an option for us. You get best light output when the sun is directly overhead and when your solatube is placed in a straight, vertical line. The longer the tube you use and the more bends you have in it, the less efficient output you'll have.

I've read that the light needs to be supplemented to get better SPS colors, but most seem to be pleased with the $$$ they save on the e-bill.

 

[Guest]

Most people who use natural light just supplement with actinics and in the winter time they run a few other lights to make up for the short photo periods

 

[toefu]

I sat down a few hours last night to scan through the entire thread, pretty good read. But the end conclusion seems to be:

good growth,
energy efficient (you ought to get your money back in 2-3 years @ 15 cents kw)

But basically it's a 10k bulb and would need supplementation, as well as not getting light at the time where most people are home (in the evening).

 

[PygmyAngel]

Solatube pics....

Check it:
http://home.iprimus.com.au/jmfaz/index.htm

SWEET!
http://home.iprimus.com.au/aurorabridal/Doc1.htm
http://home.iprimus.com.au/aurorabridal/massa.htm

Also lit with solar tubes:
http://marsh.webreefs.com/images/2904.jpg