Can you see a problem with putting a sky lite over my tank?
I was thinking of doing the same thing, but someone mentioned to me that northeast sun are not as bright or shine as long as the sun in the tropics or southern states. If you do you would have to supplement it with other lighting. So, I disregard it.
No problems, only benefits.
While it may need to be supplemented natural light is better and cheaper than artificial light. My only concern would be the “too much light” issue with algae. Not sure if the skylight would affect the quality of light getting to the tank.
I was looking for cheap lite I have to put a new roof so if I’m going to do this now is the time. Ever if I have to run a t5 it cheaper and I don’t have to remember to turn on or off the lit.
The only think that I can think of it like you sed to much lite for bad algey groth
When i had skylights in my old house i do remember the light would shine on diff parts of the room at diff points of the day. The ceilings were raised, so that exaggerated it but the tank i had at that time would get direct light from one of the skylights for about only an hour a day. It didn’t shine down into the tank, it would only hit the front glass. I would think natural light would be a good thing, but the amount of useable light you’ll get depends on many factors…
If you do this, it would be interesting to get the par meter over there and measure what light you get :
:
skylite tube would be the right application for lighting a tank. it is a roof mounted dome round style skylite that has a reflective tube that directs light onto the cieling output fixture.
That’s along the lines I was thinking, but how much of the lite would be lost in the refleters . I have a 35g tank do u think I would have to a a t5 to get full spectrum liting?
[quote=“battersby, post:9, topic:6095”]
That’s along the lines I was thinking, but how much of the lite would be lost in the refleters . I have a 35g tank do u think I would have to a a t5 to get full spectrum liting?[/quote]
I guess it would depend on how much light you’re needing… clams and sps, or fish and softies?
but that aside, in our region i think even full blown coral greenhouses like at pacific east have supplemental lighting, if anything for the blues and actinic waves.
the skylight glenn mentioned probably does a better job of focusing and collecting available sunlight (bet it costs a fortune), but i’d guess even that would need supplementing. cool idea, i just could find much info out there anywhere…
but if you’re trying to compare costs, i think leds for a 35g would be cheaper then a skylight and t5’s…
Here’s where a trip to Pacific East would be beneficial. Mac has both the tubes and the greenhouse. I do not believe he used supplemental light in the greenhouse. I also do not think his corals color up until they’re brought inside under artificial lighting
Craig beat me to it. Road trip to PacEast!
Forgot to mention this. Here is a fantastic, detailed thread about the tubes that I was following over on R2R.
http://www.reef2reef.com/forums/large-aquariums-180g/93875-our-400-gallon-wall-natural-sun.html
And here is a quick link to their most recent tank video.
Where is this PAC east? I never herd of this place is it on dlmerva
www.pacificeastaquaculture.com
Mardela Springs, MD
It’s a little bit of a drive, but sooooo worth the trip. Might as well plan on picking up some really nice corals while you’re there.
Really! Car pool enyone? I’m 10 min west of Seaford de
[quote=“Cdangel0, post:15, topic:6095”]
www.pacificeastaquaculture.com
Mardela Springs, MD
It’s a little bit of a drive, but sooooo worth the trip. Might as well plan on picking up some really nice corals while you’re there.[/quote]
Too soon, craig. Too soon. lOl
[quote=“battersby, post:16, topic:6095”]
Really! Car pool enyone? I’m 10 min west of Seaford de[/quote] Chris, PEA is only 15 minutes away, I was just over there the other day and picked up a yellow tang and a hammer corral. Any time you’re ready to go just let me know and we’ll shoot on over.
I like to go this Saturday if he’s open. U in?
Sure, depending on work. I dont need much coaxing to go there, My wife on the other hand hates to see me go, its a real easy place to get carried away at. But I’ll let you know for sure as the weekend gets closer.