Japanese reef tank

[Jim_S]

Here's a shot of a typical Japanese style reef.

when I was in Japan, I noticed lots of similarities to the westen styles, but also lots of differences.

What I noticed is all the tanks in Japan are trimless. A little touch I think is awesome!

Also, the Japanese don't normally use (I have yet to see one) canopies. They hang the lighting above the tank.

The overflow system is also different than what we use. It is typical to have a tube overflow with the return that runs through it, and connects to the pump through a special bulkhead fitting.

Finally, the lights. Notice the spot lights? They are used for blue supplementation. Upon tons of research, I have discoverd that Japan has a lack of MH bulb availability. There are only a few companies that produce MH aquarium lighting, and the best seem to only produce 6500k and 10k bulbs. I have a feeling that because the electrical current in Japan is different than the rest of the world (100v @ 50 or 60hz), that manufatures like geismann and Ice Cap, etc., never tapped into that market, and the only compaines that make and produce MH stuff for Japan are actually Japanese companies. So if you want actinic or blue lighting, the spotlights are the best way to go

Just thought I'd share with others.

Enjoy.

Jim

 

[Unarce]

It amazes me how many fixtures some have above their tanks. I swear, there were instances where at least a dozen lamps were hanging from the ceiling. Many even have lamps that shine up through the bottom glass panel.

The one similarity they all seemed to share is the decorative simplicity, which is really indicative of the culture. Very inspiring.

 

[Jim_S]

Absolutley Karl. This tank actually has far fewer lights than most I have seen. Some that I have seen had like 3 fixtures hanging and they 6 spotlights around the tank. I can imagine that some use more like said.

But the aquascaping is inspiring.

Jim

 

[SteveC56]

With the setup of the overflow and return plumbing being so simple and clean I really like that the tank is still clear on all sides, not painted black or blue on the back. Something about it seems very bright.(beyond the lighting setup)

The return pluming looks like it would be really noisy, none stop running water.

Any more pics of the overflow and return?

 

[fisheebill]

Would love to get more information on these setups.
Anyone know where?

Thanks, Bill

 

[kevin95695]

It strikes me that they are so sensitive to a clean and simple look in the tank, but they are willing to have all those plumbing fixtures, lights, cords, etc. all puked up over their tanks... The only things I can come up with are their fascination with technology or maybe a contrast to the simplicity of the tank. Any cultural experts that can weigh in on this riddle?

 

[Justin74]

What Ive been wondering is what the spot lights are. Are they halogen? Or are they those lil 70w MH's?

-Justin

 

[fisheebill]

I would really like to know more also.
Guess we will have to wait for more info from invincible569's thread: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1033086

 

[GreshamH]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9323996#post9323996 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Justin74
What Ive been wondering is what the spot lights are. Are they halogen? Or are they those lil 70w MH's?

-Justin

7ow MH I'm pretty sure. They use those and the 150's.

 

[Jim_S]

I think the spotlights are LED's . 1 lamp filled with a bunch of LED's

I'll dig up some info from yahoo japan.

AFAIK, the only trimless tank manufactures that are local (ish) is Elos. I have seen the sweet trimless models like the one above (with pvc bottoms :eek2: ) from Texas. NAKA has one too. Just about the sickest tanks I have ever seen....

 

[jacmyoung]

I saved a few Japanese reef pics before that will knock your socks off, I will try to dig them up.

 

[jacmyoung]

Here is one many of you probably had seen before:

 

[fisheebill]

I have seen that pic before. The depth is amazing! Awsome tank!

 

[fisheebill]

I read a post saying 2007-08 was going to be the trimless/ braceless year.
Next tank I get will be an open top.
AO also makes braceless.

 

[amgbenzs]

Dont forget the ADA tanks...

 

[GreshamH]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9324818#post9324818 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jimdogg187
I think the spotlights are LED's . 1 lamp filled with a bunch of LED's

I'll dig up some info from yahoo japan.

AFAIK, the only trimless tank manufactures that are local (ish) is Elos. I have seen the sweet trimless models like the one above (with pvc bottoms :eek2: ) from Texas. NAKA has one too. Just about the sickest tanks I have ever seen....

They sure look like the PAR36 70wMH I have been refferred to by several Japanesse reefers

They look just like the ones I was sent

 

[fisheebill]

Gresham, are you using the PAR36 lighting?
Is PAR36 the fixture? And the bulb inside is a 70wMH?

 

[GreshamH]

I have used PAR36 (fixture size) MH's but I'm not currently using them. It looks like a double ended HGI mounted in a standard flood light.

I've used the Iwasaki PAR36 in both the 150w and 70w. The 6500k was insane for growth, and the color from the 20KK was very nice. At the time, I could only get a spot in the 20kk, but I had the 6500K in a flood, which was nice.

I never used them like the Japanesse do, but i'm inclined to try

 

[GreshamH]

The Japanesse also use a red bulb as well. I can find the specs, but no vendors to buy it from

 

[jacmyoung]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9327040#post9327040 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by fisheebill
I have seen that pic before. The depth is amazing! Awsome tank!

While the picture I posted above does not show lights, it is apparent spot lights were used at the back of the tank to bring out the school of fish. Without special lighting at the back and at such a depth, the fish would simply not be captured by the camera. Of course tank of such design must use special filtration to make sure water clarity is superb.