SolaTubes for reef tanks

[brent waldron]

I was wondering about the UV filters in the solatubes. Someone mentioned earlier about removing these, but didn't give any details or instructions. Is the filter in the bottom of the sola tube or up in the dome. Any insight would be apprec.

 

[brent waldron]

I was wondering about the UV filters in the solatubes. Someone mentioned earlier about removing these, but didn't give any details or instructions. Is the filter in the bottom of the sola tube or up in the dome. Any insight would be apprec.

 

[brent waldron]

sorry about the double post!!

 

[wmfsoll2]

Great Idea!

Bill.

 

[brent waldron]

Jim, keep me posted on your thoughts..just ordered 3 solatubes (14") for a 475 gallon viewable from all sides. was also wondering about the dome and uv filter. will be installing in three weeks..........

 

[Reefski's]

i need up to about 300 sq ft of the polished aluminum the reflectors are made from to line my skylight shaft. where can i get it in 4x8 sheets?

 

[JMBoehling]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8598249#post8598249 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by brent waldron
Jim, keep me posted on your thoughts..just ordered 3 solatubes (14") for a 475 gallon viewable from all sides. was also wondering about the dome and uv filter. will be installing in three weeks..........

Brent,

I removed my "Gordan Brand" domes last week and replaced with Non-UV inhibiting plexiglass. I will keep you updated on how things go. So far, no immediate negative effects on my SPS and softies.. My anemone, hammers and frogspawn look incredibly good when the sun rises in the day, so I may be on to something...

Hope you enjoy your Tubes!

Later,

Jim

 

[brent waldron]

thanks Jim..... how about the ends of your tubes ( I think there is a filter there also???) I remember some removing this and leaving the ends of the tubes open ( I can't remember if that was you or not) also, where did you get your plexiglass ( home depot???) did you go from dome shaped tp flat????????? thanks in advance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[wazbot]

Its been a while since I posted, but there are some photo's of my solatube tanks at www.ozreef.org in the gallery under Warren's Tank.

I have had to install 4 x 150W metal halides to get me through the winter months, but other wise everything is going really well.

Solatubes Rock!

Cheers

 

[JMBoehling]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8598863#post8598863 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by brent waldron
thanks Jim..... how about the ends of your tubes ( I think there is a filter there also???) I remember some removing this and leaving the ends of the tubes open ( I can't remember if that was you or not) also, where did you get your plexiglass ( home depot???) did you go from dome shaped tp flat????????? thanks in advance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I left the bottoms open..No light diverter.. one thing I did notice when I changed out my domes for the flat plexiglass is how dirty the reflective tunnel has gotten. I imagine the constant warm condensation coupled with dust, etc coats these things pretty quick. You may want to put a clear glass or acrylic cover over yours just to keep the dirt from entering, etc...

 

[brent waldron]

thanks jim. I appreciate your time and feedback, and keep us informed.

 

[H20ENG]

carloskoi,
Talk to a sheet metal shop local to you and ask for 95% reflective aluminum. Alanod is one brand that I know of.

 

[Rod the Roofer]

OK, well I've done it!

Today's the first day of summer here and I've turned off my Mh's!

Well, not entirely. I've re-scheduled them to come on at 4pm and 4.30pm respectively.

Today is quite an overcast day, so probably not a good indication of how the tank will look, but let's face it they have dull days on the reef too.

Now I'll sit back and count the savings in electricity and on those hot days not worry so much about heat from lights.

Rod. :thumbsup:

 

[staticx]

Funny thread the guy that started it works for solar tube hes a sales rep. Nice way to market your product though.

 

[staticx]

Funny thread the guy that started it works for solar tube hes a sales rep. Nice way to market your product though.

 

[BenjieC]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8668986#post8668986 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by staticx
Funny thread the guy that started it works for solar tube hes a sales rep. Nice way to market your product though.

How do you know that?

 

[JMBoehling]

If they really want to market there product they should create a dome Reef specific, that doesn't block the UVA and B's our SPS and organisms receive on the Reef.

You will find most of us using Tubular Skylights are using other brands than just SolarTubes... I'm using the Home Depot knock off brand.

 

[reefdna]

"Funny thread the guy that started it works for solar tube hes a sales rep. Nice way to market your product though."

Funny website the people that started it sell and trade their own corals. What a way to market their product. [said sarcastically]

WHAT?!!! I mean seriously even if he was or is a sales rep for solatube, if he has a product that can save me money on my electric bill and give me the right light output and he wants to start a thread to see if there is any interest, then I encourage him to do so. Truth be told if you read through the posts most people who have experimented with this have not been buying from him personally. Why would you want to interrupt an informative thread with retoric like that?

 

[WDLV]

I started typing that same thought this morning, but figured it might just be me. I'm glad someone else said it. It's kinda like driving a stick shift.... Be sure the brain is engaged before putting the mouth into gear.

:blown:

 

[BenjieC]

This staticx guy is a person who had boards cut at a home depot and then had the audacity to complain enough to the store manager to return them. He is stupid enough to post said story in the DIY forum and totally get flamed for it for obvious reasons. So, I think he just likes p*ssing people off. I'm not sure I'd believe him he told me the sky was blue. LOL!