Who uses solatubes etc. on sps tanks?

[JR719]

I have been researching all the different "tubes" out there, still not finished. Just curious who uses them and are they as good as MH lighting?
Do they give that "shimmer" effect?
Are they yellow?
What kind of sps color?
What kind of growth?
So many questions.......
I am about to setup a 300 gallon and looking for ways to cut down on the electric bill, 4 250MH bulbs will really spin the meter and I am prepaired for that. I was just thinking if these tubes are as good as MH, they would sure cut down on the electric bill. I assume I'll still use actinics, but that is not really an issue.

I was thinking if they are used, not only would one get the benifit of natural daylight, but also moonlight and moon cycles. More close to nature if you will.

I've read the really long post on these things, but want specific replies. Anyone?

[Charlie Davidson]

Look in the advanced topics forum.. Big tread on this! I plan to do this when I move my tank next spring.

[TandN]

Tubes ??? do you have a link for the thread also where to get them ???
TIA

[RichConley]

theyre giving you sunlight, so 6500K.


4 250w mhs should cost about $40-50 a month in E. If you're really worried about electricity, and have a big tank, look at the pumps you're running.


300w of pumps costs the same to run as those halides.(24h/day vs 6-8h/day)

[clkwrk]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8144145#post8144145 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RichConley
theyre giving you sunlight, so 6500K.




Not true . The sunlight has different Kelvin ratings during different parts of the day . It all depends on the atmosphere ,angle , season ect.


But I will agree just go with halides. You have better control over all aspects of lighting that way .

[PUGroyale]

From what I've read on them, by the time the light bounces around the tube down to the tank it doesn't have enough intensity left to be very effective. two words... retractable roof :D

[Charlie Davidson]

In reading the info, I found I can get as much light as my 400w MHs.. Wish I knew how to do a link..
I do plan to add artinic light though :)

[JMBoehling]

I use them :)

Skylight Thread (http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=56125)

Later,

Jim

[JMBoehling]

Couple of recent pics..

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/91022P8200060__Small_.JPG

Cap in this pictrure just got crushed by Monti Nudi's.. :(

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/91022P8200061__Small_.JPG

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/91022P8200059__Small_.JPG

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/91022P8300064__Small_.JPG

Later,

Jim

[jamesdawson]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8144781#post8144781 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by PUGroyale
From what I've read on them, by the time the light bounces around the tube down to the tank it doesn't have enough intensity left to be very effective. two words... retractable roof :D


Why go retractable roof?

Just build your tank on a tray with tracks so it goes outside during the day for full sunlight like the new Arizona Cardinals stadium does with its field!

James

[JR719]

Jim,

Are you happy with the tubes? Does the tank stay fairly even lit during the day?
In your opinion, what looks better, halides or the the tubes?

JR

[JMBoehling]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8149917#post8149917 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JR719
Jim,

Are you happy with the tubes? Does the tank stay fairly even lit during the day?
In your opinion, what looks better, halides or the the tubes?

JR

Are you happy with the tubes?

Yes. I really enjoy the natural light.

Does the tank stay fairly even lit during the day?

I get great light from approx 10 am to 3 pm. Equivalent to Halide type shimmer etc. I do us supplimental T5 HO light, as you really need some Actinic lights to bring out the Blue's and Greens in your SPS. Now the Reds and Yellows pop incredibly well with just the Tubes... Just a little too "Natural" and washed out for my taste...

In your opinion, what looks better, halides or the the tubes?

Halides are awesome. No doubt. But they are expensive to run, and are HOT... My tubes run very cool, and on a Partly Cloudy to Mostly sunny day, they deliver quite a punch. Guess I am trying to do my part at saving some energy and a few bucks, so instead of giving them to Mr. Edison, I can buy corals instead :)

[Frankysreef]

I use a window,+ 4 250 watt mh.. check my gallery for pics, and I do have substantial growth and colors.

[JR719]

Jim,
Thanks for the info. I am still doing a little research. I found a company that make a 4 in 1. I am looking at that one if I go thru with it.

Frank,
Nice corals. My tank will be in the center of the room, so no windows for light.

I am thinking of the tubes with halides inbetween for a just in case situation. We go several days with heavy overcast at times so I'll need some light.

Thanks for the input guys.

JR

[JMBoehling]

Here is a couple movies of my reef with Natural sulight and (02) 54 Watt T5's...

My 90 Reef with (02) 10" Tubular Skylights (http://s71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/JMBoehling/?action=view&current=noon.flv)

Here is a movie looking up the tubes...

Let the Sunshine... (http://s71.photobucket.com/albums/i122/JMBoehling/?action=view&current=Tubeoscopy.flv)

hope this helps..

Jim