Solar Tubes

reefsociety101

reefsociety101

New member
Hi everyone. I've been doing research on the solar tubes subject here at reefcentral and been seeing some very interest threads about it. But as much as I look and how many times I read about peoples tank doing great, No one seems to ever post a picture of there setup or of the tank itself. I may be moving soon and this could be an option but cant find to any pictures.

For all of you out there running solar tubes setup or natural sunlight setup please post pictures. If you need, contact me and I may be able to send a disposable camera if you dont have a camera. Please post pictures because I think it will help out the whole community. Solor tubes are a big construction commitment to mine or some homes home so any help is appreciated. I know the Waikki Setup is using natural light, I know someone has to have implemented something similar. This can save us over 200 dollars a month on electricity and may make our animals so much healthier.

Mike
 
Yea but what about places like here in NY? Is the sun strong enough here in the winter to sustain a reef tank? Also, it's 5:00 here and getting dark already. I wouldn't want my tank lights out at 5.
 
I know what you mean

I know what you mean

This may not be an option in new york, but in southern california It could be. It would be a great addition on top of some supplemental lighting. The waikki aquarium uses supplemental lighting on cloudy days and towards the afternoon. The moon cycles will also greatly affect reproduction of corals. I way way rather have natural lighting on top of some 175 Halides as oppose to 3 or 4 400 watts halides.
 
Pictures

Pictures

If some poeple post some pictures maybe we will be able to find out. Also in the summer I think this could also work in new york, but in the winter we would definately need supplimental lighting.
 
Thanx Matt

Thanx Matt

Cool. Thanx Matt!. Cool pictures. Yes I have seen this thread. Now does anyone have pictures of this type of setup on a actually up and running reef tank?
 
WILL BELIEVE IT WHEN I SEE IT

WILL BELIEVE IT WHEN I SEE IT

I have searched the net numerous times regarding this subject with Solar Tubes and have not seen one actual REEF SET UP. I have seen pics of the tubes, of the roof, of everything else except the actual tank. I think most of these people who claim they are using these tubes and have excellent results are workers for Solar Tube. There are many threads regarding this but when you ask them to post a pic, nobody every does.... until I see an actual set up using solar tubes, I have yet to believe everything I hear. Just my .02

Somebody please prove me wrong.....

Jason
 
JMOR

JMOR

JMOR..

I completely know what you mean. I been trying to do as much research as I can, I've seen all you have seen but no actual reef setup. I believe this could be an option but as of now I dont know. I also hope someone will prove us wrong. *Smile. I think these tubes if they turn out how everyone says there are could represent the future of reef keeping. I really hope some one posts a picture!

Mike
 
I believe I voiced the same frustration in the link above. It is kinda odd. The guy that started that thread just disappeared.

Anyway, for what it's worth, I have seen ads in the back of magazines like Popular Mechanics for 'affordable' sun rooms for your house. Basically an attached greenhouse. We actually have one in our place now with southern exposure. I am convinced it would work well.

By the time you pay somebody to install 3-6 21" tubes through your roof plus cost of the tubes it may add up to the same price. Then again, maybe not, but the advantages of having an entire sun room may outweigh the difference.
 
Just so you know, there is a place in Pensacola, FL. that uses solar tubes in its main display tank. Its just north of I10, but I don't remember the name. They used tubes and used supplemental lighting as well.
 
Pensacola, FL

Pensacola, FL

I dont live anywhere near Pensacola, FL, but if one your guys do, if possible snag some pictures for the rest if us. Thanx! I can feel it, we are all getting closer to the picture! *smile
 
Cool Houston we have a picture!

Cool Houston we have a picture!

FlanelCamel,

Awesome. You have a picture! Thank You. Doesn't seem very bright though. You think you can get a picture that shows how bright the tank really is. How is your algae situation?. Are you happy with the setup? I see that you also have four metal halides do they get used often? How is the color of the tank. Sorry for all the questions, just excited that someone actually got a picture of this type of setup.

Mike
 
I'm trying to put up more pics but the server keeps timing out??
I use them mostly for moonlight and fill in light in the morning. They light in between my halides. I would need 4-5 large tubes to light this tank on sunlight alone. Living in Oregon isnt the best for tropical sunlight anyways:( ! I'll try some other pics again.
 
hey Flanelcamel

Nice setup. However, I noticed that your solartube is not covered from below. Because the tubes are statically charged, dust particles will be sucked up and stick on the reflecting material. This will reduce your lighting by way over 50%. My suggestion, call the manufactor to ask how to best clean the dust out then cover it back.
 
Flanelcamel, in the picture, are your MH on or is that the light produced by the tubes only? If it is with your MH on, can you post one with just the tubes.

Thanks for the first pictures!! :thumbsup:
 
FlanelCamel

FlanelCamel

Yeah I was wondering the same thing. My guess is that is a picture with the halides on because it is so blue. If you have picture with just the sunlight lit with the canopy on that would be great aprreciated.
 
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