SolaTubes for reef tanks - Page 20

JMBoehling · 05/26/2005, 12:11 PM

Nathan,

Appreciate it.. Just hope everyhting turns out as planned... Initial growth indicates all should work out just fine...

It ius amazing how COOL this light is from the tubes. I think normal AC setting will keep my tank in check temp wise throughout the summer..

I'll keep you updated from time to time..

As far as the holes, nothing a weekend of patching wouldn't take care of... She doesn't mind the holes and actually digs my setup now that all the water changes stay in the mud room... No more salt water on hard wood floors or carpets...

Appreciate your feedback!

Phoneguy982 · 05/26/2005, 01:03 PM

I live in Fla and was thinking of putting in 3 solatubes as opposed to buyng 3 250 MH setups. My problem would be the length of the tubes. Anyone that has them....How long are the tubes? I have a cathedral type cieling so I would say 5' to the ceiling then I still need to go to the south side of my house. Maybe 15' total length without actually measuring. Will this work?

corro · 05/26/2005, 01:18 PM

re you talking about Photosynthetically Active Radiation or PAR Watts? The Photosynthetically Active Radiation would be in the same range as natural sunlight. PAR Watts do not apply because it is not electrically powered.

I am wondering about Photosynthetically Active Radiation .. which I would think would be different from just walking outside and taking a reading. I am wondering if there is a loss due to the size of the tubes, the distance the light is traveling down the tube, and the covering on the tube. I also think it would be interesting to see how readings compare to MH bulbs, in the tank itself.

JMBoehling · 05/26/2005, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Phoneguy982
I live in Fla and was thinking of putting in 3 solatubes as opposed to buyng 3 250 MH setups. My problem would be the length of the tubes. Anyone that has them....How long are the tubes? I have a cathedral type cieling so I would say 5' to the ceiling then I still need to go to the south side of my house. Maybe 15' total length without actually measuring. Will this work?

Mine are the 10" round tubes and my overall length is 10 ft on the tube... I thing the major issue is not the length as much as how many turns you take... If you have the space, go for the 14" tubes, I'm sure they would look incredible... Even at 15' assuming a straight shot, 14" tubes would be worth every penny spent...

Phoneguy982 · 05/26/2005, 01:37 PM

Now I have to figure out the cost. I have a couple of grand and if it drops my electric bill $20-$30 a month and saves me from buying bulbs every year, my wife will be more than happy to part with the $ now for the long run. Do you get the shimmering effect? I would end up with 2 45* bends max per tube and might reach 15'. Will 3 14" be good for a 150? Thanks for your help.

Ehydo · 05/26/2005, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by corro
re you talking about Photosynthetically Active Radiation or PAR Watts? The Photosynthetically Active Radiation would be in the same range as natural sunlight. PAR Watts do not apply because it is not electrically powered.

I am wondering about Photosynthetically Active Radiation .. which I would think would be different from just walking outside and taking a reading. I am wondering if there is a loss due to the size of the tubes, the distance the light is traveling down the tube, and the covering on the tube. I also think it would be interesting to see how readings compare to MH bulbs, in the tank itself.

I thought that that was checked about a year ago in this thread but I am not positive.

corro · 05/26/2005, 01:39 PM

oh .. thanks. I'll scan back . BIG thread. LOL

JMBoehling · 05/26/2005, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Phoneguy982
Now I have to figure out the cost. I have a couple of grand and if it drops my electric bill $20-$30 a month and saves me from buying bulbs every year, my wife will be more than happy to part with the $ now for the long run. Do you get the shimmering effect? I would end up with 2 45* bends max per tube and might reach 15'. Will 3 14" be good for a 150? Thanks for your help.

Tubes will run your approx $ 300 each give or take 20 bucks plus installation unless your doing it... I did mine and their not that difficult assuming you've got Asphalt Shingles and not Tile or Slate...

I think (03) 14" Tubes would look great, just watch the placement of the tubes in relationship to any support bracing on your tank...

As far a shimmering, it shimmers like crazy... Looks like your diving a reef..

Good Luck...

You may want to look through this post as there other people on this thread that have similiar tanks using Solatubes (Or any other brand of tubular skylight)... FYI.. I used the Sun'tek version from Home Depot (Now Gordan..)

mborn · 05/26/2005, 01:59 PM

Hey JMBoehling, your setup's looking great!

JMBoehling · 05/26/2005, 02:05 PM

MBorn,

Thanks... What's your take on Tubular Skylights... Are you still having great success on your 300 with (04) 14" Tubes?

mborn · 05/26/2005, 06:12 PM

Quote:

What's your take on Tubular Skylights... Are you still having great success on your 300 with (04) 14" Tubes?

I like them very much. So far I have no regrets using them as the sole lighting source for my tank. After watching the tank over the course of the day for a couple of weekends to see how the light changes as the sun moves across the sky it was pretty easy to place corals according to their lighting requirements.

The corals have adapted well to the setup. The monti's are continuing to grow well and the acro growth rates have picked up quite a bit. The tank is still pretty new but as it's getting more established it's getting better and better.

Now that we're getting some summer like weather here in SD the tank is getting more direct sunlight and a longer photo period so I'm keeping a close eye on the corals to make sure nothing gets burned. So far everything is going great.

JMBoehling · 05/26/2005, 06:42 PM

Mborn,

Very similiar experience I am having with my setup... My tank is relatively new, about 8 months old ( SPS for 3 months) and I finally am getting everything fine tuned. (Water Temp, Macro Cultures in Refugium, Added another skylight, Increasing Water Movement, etc...). I feel very optimistic that in 6 months my corals will be experiencing some incredible growth as well as coloring up a bit. Please keep me updated with your experience as I will with mine.

mborn · 05/26/2005, 07:08 PM

Will do.

chindapol · 05/27/2005, 03:35 AM

thanks for lots of sweet pic, I think it's heen years that we follow this thread!

frugalreefer · 07/07/2005, 01:59 PM

I've been keeping up with this thread for awhile now and have been planning on buying two tubes for my 120gal. Estimated cost of $1100 installed.

mborn: can you post updated pics or growth rates for us of your 300gal?

Or anyone else using "tubular skylights"

Thanks

JMBoehling · 07/07/2005, 03:06 PM

frugalreefer (and all ),

Here are a few recent shots of my tank.. (You can view them in my Gallery as well..)

Everything continues to grow very well and I am still very happy with installing the Tubular Skylights. During Peak Sunlight approx 11 am to 3 pm, my tank looks incredible.. (Not trying to be arrogant, just descriptive as possible..)

I have experienced a set back or two not related to lighting that have created some slowing of my coral growth:

1.) Faulty heater setting and almost cooked everything approx 2 months ago

2.) My Alk was down to 6.5 Dkh, and PH at 7.6.. Dripping Kalk now so this is fixed

Other than that here is the best progression shot I have of a Brown Dig Monti

BEFORE:

AFTER:

I've got some Acro's showing some nice polyp extension and growth now that my PH and Alk are corrected.. Hope to post some pics of them soon..

Later,

Jim[

Chihuahua6 · 07/09/2005, 01:56 PM

Jim what brand tubes are you using? What size? Any diffusers or intensifiers? What other lights are on the tank? How long have you been using the tubes? How is the light output during the cooler season? What is that wood thing on top of your tank on an angle? It looks like it's meant to hold the actinics but why is it angled?
I am planning a 400 gal with tube lights. I am hoping to use no supplemental lighting except for maybe some actinics depending on the color.

JMBoehling · 07/09/2005, 02:20 PM

Brand = Suntek (Home Depot)
Size = 2-10" tubes
No Diffusers
I have (02) Coralife twin 65w PC's.. Currently run 03 Actinic and Bright Blue in them
Using the tubes for 9 Months
Light output in cool season appears to be equal or a little less.. It is interesting, the lower winter sun angle actually appears to put more light in my tunnel

The wood thing is a brace i had to make to fit the 10" Solar Tubes and by Coralife PC's.. 18" just isn't enough space, so I had to get creative

On a 400, I would plan on 4 - 16" tubes as a minimum..

Keep me updated..

Jim

ediaz · 07/11/2005, 09:54 AM

I saw this at Home Depot and though about it, well I have proof now, do you guys think it could be installed on the side of the house, through a wall, not in the roof?

Ed

Herpervet · 07/11/2005, 10:44 AM

I finally got my 300 cycled up and running after numerous hold-ups including a leaking seam so this is at least 18 months late and probably longer.

I need more rock. The large ugly cave will be hidden by rocks later. ("crushed oyster shell-crete")

Two Natural light brand 21 inch tubular skylights. This was about as close together as they could be.

They are very bright during 11am to 3pm. The picture doesn't do it justice at all.

Herpervet · 07/11/2005, 10:51 AM

No filter

Blue filter (roscolux 60) This transmits around 60% of the light.

Photo color didn't turn out right and with this filter the light is more of a cool, crisp white.

Shoestring Reefer · 07/11/2005, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Herpervet
Two Natural light brand 21 inch tubular skylights. This was about as close together as they could be.

Why couldn't they be closer?

Chihuahua6 · 07/11/2005, 11:58 AM

Herpervet where do you live and what time of day were the photos taken? Where did you purchase the tubes? Are you going to add any supplemental lighting?
Thanks for sharing. I can't wait to get mine going. The house should be done toward the end of September. The tubes need to be ordered but I don't know which brand to go with, SunTunnel or SolaTube. One goes with the slope of the roof and one mounts straight up with a dome. The roof slopes to the South so I don't know if it's relevant which I choose. I remember the SunTube website mentioned they had some sort of intensifier to make it brighter but I can't find it on the website any longer.

delnino · 07/11/2005, 12:37 PM

Earlier in this post I plugged Natural Light tubes. I have installed 6 of them myself and am really impressed with the kit. Nothing like the HD ones and not much more $. None are over tanks but one is over a lizard cage. I see that people are often not using any diffusers. I think dust in the tubes is a huge concern and some sort of cover should be used. The silver oxide coating is extremely reflective and needs to be kept this way for maximum efficiency. Alternative Energy Store is where I got mine from, can't remember the exact URL. Am planning a tall, slender seagrass bed refugium, lit with a 13" or perhaps 18" tube.

grimmjohn · 07/11/2005, 06:16 PM

Courtesy of Dr. Mac

cheers,

grimmjohn

05/26/2005, 12:11 PM	#476
JMBoehling Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 2,353	Nathan, Appreciate it.. Just hope everyhting turns out as planned... Initial growth indicates all should work out just fine... It ius amazing how COOL this light is from the tubes. I think normal AC setting will keep my tank in check temp wise throughout the summer.. I'll keep you updated from time to time.. As far as the holes, nothing a weekend of patching wouldn't take care of... She doesn't mind the holes and actually digs my setup now that all the water changes stay in the mud room... No more salt water on hard wood floors or carpets... Appreciate your feedback! __________________ Richmond Reef Club Current Tank Info: 90 Gallon AGA, Bare Bottom, (02) 10" Skylights, 216 Watts T5HO, (04) 4 watt cree LED's, Deltec AP600 Skimmer

05/26/2005, 01:18 PM	#478
corro Premium Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: utah Posts: 1,050	re you talking about Photosynthetically Active Radiation or PAR Watts? The Photosynthetically Active Radiation would be in the same range as natural sunlight. PAR Watts do not apply because it is not electrically powered. I am wondering about Photosynthetically Active Radiation .. which I would think would be different from just walking outside and taking a reading. I am wondering if there is a loss due to the size of the tubes, the distance the light is traveling down the tube, and the covering on the tube. I also think it would be interesting to see how readings compare to MH bulbs, in the tank itself. __________________ You want a toe? I can get you a toe, believe me. There are ways, Dude. --Walter Sobchak Current Tank Info: 120 mixed 3x250w 20K ROIII --- 60 cube / 24" 250w Maristar .. 24" T5 TekLight .. 10 g cube / 150w 20k ROIII

05/26/2005, 01:39 PM	#482
corro Premium Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: utah Posts: 1,050	oh .. thanks. I'll scan back . BIG thread. LOL __________________ You want a toe? I can get you a toe, believe me. There are ways, Dude. --Walter Sobchak Current Tank Info: 120 mixed 3x250w 20K ROIII --- 60 cube / 24" 250w Maristar .. 24" T5 TekLight .. 10 g cube / 150w 20k ROIII

05/26/2005, 02:05 PM	#485
JMBoehling Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 2,353	MBorn, Thanks... What's your take on Tubular Skylights... Are you still having great success on your 300 with (04) 14" Tubes? __________________ Richmond Reef Club Current Tank Info: 90 Gallon AGA, Bare Bottom, (02) 10" Skylights, 216 Watts T5HO, (04) 4 watt cree LED's, Deltec AP600 Skimmer

05/26/2005, 06:42 PM	#487
JMBoehling Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 2,353	Mborn, Very similiar experience I am having with my setup... My tank is relatively new, about 8 months old ( SPS for 3 months) and I finally am getting everything fine tuned. (Water Temp, Macro Cultures in Refugium, Added another skylight, Increasing Water Movement, etc...). I feel very optimistic that in 6 months my corals will be experiencing some incredible growth as well as coloring up a bit. Please keep me updated with your experience as I will with mine. __________________ Richmond Reef Club Current Tank Info: 90 Gallon AGA, Bare Bottom, (02) 10" Skylights, 216 Watts T5HO, (04) 4 watt cree LED's, Deltec AP600 Skimmer

05/26/2005, 01:03 PM	#477
Phoneguy982 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: PSL Florida Posts: 760	I live in Fla and was thinking of putting in 3 solatubes as opposed to buyng 3 250 MH setups. My problem would be the length of the tubes. Anyone that has them....How long are the tubes? I have a cathedral type cieling so I would say 5' to the ceiling then I still need to go to the south side of my house. Maybe 15' total length without actually measuring. Will this work?

05/26/2005, 01:37 PM	#480
Phoneguy982 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: PSL Florida Posts: 760	Now I have to figure out the cost. I have a couple of grand and if it drops my electric bill $20-$30 a month and saves me from buying bulbs every year, my wife will be more than happy to part with the $ now for the long run. Do you get the shimmering effect? I would end up with 2 45* bends max per tube and might reach 15'. Will 3 14" be good for a 150? Thanks for your help.

05/26/2005, 01:59 PM	#484
mborn Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Escondido, CA Posts: 346	Hey JMBoehling, your setup's looking great!

05/26/2005, 07:08 PM	#488
mborn Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Escondido, CA Posts: 346	Will do.

05/27/2005, 03:35 AM	#489
chindapol Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Amsterdam Posts: 61	thanks for lots of sweet pic, I think it's heen years that we follow this thread!

07/07/2005, 01:59 PM	#490
frugalreefer Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: SoCAL Posts: 174	Any update Pictures? I've been keeping up with this thread for awhile now and have been planning on buying two tubes for my 120gal. Estimated cost of $1100 installed. mborn: can you post updated pics or growth rates for us of your 300gal? Or anyone else using "tubular skylights" Thanks

07/07/2005, 03:06 PM	#491
JMBoehling Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 2,353	frugalreefer (and all ), Here are a few recent shots of my tank.. (You can view them in my Gallery as well..) Everything continues to grow very well and I am still very happy with installing the Tubular Skylights. During Peak Sunlight approx 11 am to 3 pm, my tank looks incredible.. (Not trying to be arrogant, just descriptive as possible..) I have experienced a set back or two not related to lighting that have created some slowing of my coral growth: 1.) Faulty heater setting and almost cooked everything approx 2 months ago 2.) My Alk was down to 6.5 Dkh, and PH at 7.6.. Dripping Kalk now so this is fixed Other than that here is the best progression shot I have of a Brown Dig Monti BEFORE: AFTER: I've got some Acro's showing some nice polyp extension and growth now that my PH and Alk are corrected.. Hope to post some pics of them soon.. Later, Jim[

07/09/2005, 01:56 PM	#492
Chihuahua6 Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: West Hempstead, NY Posts: 2,124	Jim what brand tubes are you using? What size? Any diffusers or intensifiers? What other lights are on the tank? How long have you been using the tubes? How is the light output during the cooler season? What is that wood thing on top of your tank on an angle? It looks like it's meant to hold the actinics but why is it angled? I am planning a 400 gal with tube lights. I am hoping to use no supplemental lighting except for maybe some actinics depending on the color. __________________ Leah Amanda Current Tank Info: First salt tank 1985, current tank 150 g acrylic

07/09/2005, 02:20 PM	#493
JMBoehling Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 2,353	Brand = Suntek (Home Depot) Size = 2-10" tubes No Diffusers I have (02) Coralife twin 65w PC's.. Currently run 03 Actinic and Bright Blue in them Using the tubes for 9 Months Light output in cool season appears to be equal or a little less.. It is interesting, the lower winter sun angle actually appears to put more light in my tunnel The wood thing is a brace i had to make to fit the 10" Solar Tubes and by Coralife PC's.. 18" just isn't enough space, so I had to get creative On a 400, I would plan on 4 - 16" tubes as a minimum.. Keep me updated.. Jim __________________ Richmond Reef Club Current Tank Info: 90 Gallon AGA, Bare Bottom, (02) 10" Skylights, 216 Watts T5HO, (04) 4 watt cree LED's, Deltec AP600 Skimmer

07/11/2005, 09:54 AM	#494
ediaz Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Grand Rapids MI Posts: 1,128	I saw this at Home Depot and though about it, well I have proof now, do you guys think it could be installed on the side of the house, through a wall, not in the roof? Ed __________________ The Ediaz I'll just leave it blank

07/11/2005, 10:44 AM	#495
Herpervet Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 675	I finally got my 300 cycled up and running after numerous hold-ups including a leaking seam so this is at least 18 months late and probably longer. I need more rock. The large ugly cave will be hidden by rocks later. ("crushed oyster shell-crete") Two Natural light brand 21 inch tubular skylights. This was about as close together as they could be. They are very bright during 11am to 3pm. The picture doesn't do it justice at all.

07/11/2005, 10:51 AM	#496
Herpervet Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 675	No filter Blue filter (roscolux 60) This transmits around 60% of the light. Photo color didn't turn out right and with this filter the light is more of a cool, crisp white.

07/11/2005, 11:58 AM	#498
Chihuahua6 Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: West Hempstead, NY Posts: 2,124	Herpervet where do you live and what time of day were the photos taken? Where did you purchase the tubes? Are you going to add any supplemental lighting? Thanks for sharing. I can't wait to get mine going. The house should be done toward the end of September. The tubes need to be ordered but I don't know which brand to go with, SunTunnel or SolaTube. One goes with the slope of the roof and one mounts straight up with a dome. The roof slopes to the South so I don't know if it's relevant which I choose. I remember the SunTube website mentioned they had some sort of intensifier to make it brighter but I can't find it on the website any longer. __________________ Leah Amanda Current Tank Info: First salt tank 1985, current tank 150 g acrylic

07/11/2005, 12:37 PM	#499
delnino Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 15	Earlier in this post I plugged Natural Light tubes. I have installed 6 of them myself and am really impressed with the kit. Nothing like the HD ones and not much more $. None are over tanks but one is over a lizard cage. I see that people are often not using any diffusers. I think dust in the tubes is a huge concern and some sort of cover should be used. The silver oxide coating is extremely reflective and needs to be kept this way for maximum efficiency. Alternative Energy Store is where I got mine from, can't remember the exact URL. Am planning a tall, slender seagrass bed refugium, lit with a 13" or perhaps 18" tube.

07/11/2005, 06:16 PM	#500
grimmjohn Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 1,388	Courtesy of Dr. Mac cheers, grimmjohn __________________ They always come back Oh Lord...I'm not ready for this sort of thing. Last edited by grimmjohn; 07/11/2005 at 06:34 PM.