light tubes

[salty joe]

Hi Anthony,

How well could I expect 3 21" sunlight tubes ( Sola tubes or something like them ) to light a tank that is 79"x 35" and water that is about 30" deep?

I hope to use supplamental light for only a few months per year.

Do you think corals would look good under this setup?

If you are familiar with tube type skylites, can you recomend one over another?

I live in northern Ohio.

Any comments apreciated.

 

[Anthony Calfo]

I should first say that I belive that any natural sunlight will be well worth it over your reef aquarium.

As to the impact, I cannot say... it depends on the orientation of the installation (path of sun inthe sky falling on the skylights/light tubes... South or East facing?, unobstructed path in the sky or not - trees near the house, other buildings shadowing, etc)... as well as the construct of the tube (seek one that does not (!) filter UV, height off the top of the tank, etc). There are too many variables here to say for sure.

Still... I think its a great idea... and the moonlight provided will be of some benefit beyond the aesthetic to the sighted animals (fishes, shrimps, crabs, etc).

kindly,

Anthony

 

[salty joe]

Installed south side, no obstructions, bring the tube within a few inches from water. I plan to make the last foot or two of light tube removeable for tank access. No UV filter.

Do you thik I have a fighting chance to only need electric light a few months per year? What is your gut feeling?

Thanks

 

[Anthony Calfo]

The orientation sounds excellent! Still... I cannot say how much supplementation will be needed. Year around I'm guessing. I simply don't know if this light tube filters out UV (hoping it doesn't... although many do) and how many lumens you will get in this exact position. I'd recommend a moderate light scheme employed full time here and use the natural sunliht to achieve variable (daily and seasonally) peaks.

Anthony

 

[salty joe]

Thanks