Solatube Lighting System?

I came across this web site Solatube Daylighting System and Tubular Daylighting Devices for residential or commercial daylighting and sunlighting needs are the smart, green and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional skylightsthis morning and thought that this may be a great idea for a reef tank. I did some research and saw that a guy in Romania is using this lighting system for his 1300+gal reef tank. I also saw a thread here from Amcarring and Tangster but that was discussed in '07. How is that working out for you guys?

Through the couple yrs that I've been into reef tanks, I've come to realize that i get best overall success with natural sun light being my main source of light for one of my reef tanks.
The pros that I see are:
1. less heat
2. no more big electricity bills (for us who are running MH's)
3. the most natural time cycle one could aim for

And the cons:
1. Algae Galore
2. Dampened light on overcast days
3. More algae

Personally, I could deal with the algae with a huge fuge, a couple scrubbers and a couple lawnmower blennies.
Has anyone else tried using these Sola Tubes?
Opinions?

 

Personally I've always wanted to do this and plan on doing so when I own a house (hard to do in california ). Not sure I agree about algae galore - I really think that depends on your system (fish, filtration, water parameters) and how/where these tubes - where they are facing (compass wise) etc.. it's hard to say. But boy I'd like to try.

@annick - I'd love to see an update toO!

hitching along.

matt

 

That would be awesome if I didn't get so much algae from natural sunlight. I like the idea for a reef tank.

 

I hear ya, I definitely plan on using this lighting system one day as well. I was concerned about the algae problem since my reef tank that is fed by natural sunlight is ALWAYS covered in diatoms and green algae. But I honestly can't say that I've ever done a water change on that tank lol:
By compass wist, what do you mean, If it get direct sunlight, will it promote more algae growth than if it gets indirect light?

 

Matt-

My mother has a house for sale in Cali, 1400 Sq. Ft.

It is a STEAL at $775,000. ;D

 

I'd sell it & be moving to the eat coast. Now that would get you a big house.

 

Its been on the market for 2 years. Plus I'm on the east coast...she can stay over there. I love her but 3000 miles is good.

 

@FOD - sorry... that is a bit rich for my blood.
@missionsix - i put a tank in a greenhouse, never filled, cracked before I could due to a sloped floor.

BACK TO THREAD

matt

 

I've seen pictures of this done with tanks before. I specifically remember one was a sphere type tank that sat under the tube. I could see doing this for a fish only tank, but I don't now how much consistent light you will get. I would feel that many corals would brown out.