Naturally Lit Reef Tanks

[Reef Pets]

I'm in the process of moving my shop and for once I have the opportunity to install Solar Tubes and would really like some feedback from those that have naturally lit reef tanks. I would supplement with blue LED or T5 actinics.
I'm not one for change therefore the idea is sketchy to me but I feel it would be completely worth the time and effort to give this a try.
Thoughts and feedback is appreciated.

 

[Knapp870]

Where are you located? I just watched a couple YouTube videos on tidal gardens set up. They set up in a greenhouse thinking the same thing, but found Ohio sunlight was too variable and actually too strong during either summer or winter I do to remember and sps browned out. They since moved to artificial lighting and got everything colored up. Might be worth watching the video and contacting them?

 

[reef_junkie]

This really only works if your located near the equator +/- a couple hundred miles. That's the sweet spot where the color temperature is naturally 14,000k- 18,000k. It does work in Florida but I believe thats about as far north of the equator as you can be.

 

[Reef Pets]

This really only works if your located near the equator +/- a couple hundred miles. That's the sweet spot where the color temperature is naturally 14,000k- 18,000k. It does work in Florida but I believe thats about as far north of the equator as you can be.

Thanks for the info. I plan to add blue LEDs or actinic T5 for coral and spectrum. Not sure if that would work or help.

 

[DracoKat]

I remember reading a build where someone has done this. Can't remember where.. if I find it, I will report back

 

[Lionfish Lair]

A friend of mine did this years ago with a seahorse/reef tank. I was quite awesome.

 

[DracoKat]

I sent you a PM to the thread I referred to. I didn't want to post it here because I am not sure if its allowed or not (its not on this site)

 

[Reef Pets]

Where are you located? I just watched a couple YouTube videos on tidal gardens set up. They set up in a greenhouse thinking the same thing, but found Ohio sunlight was too variable and actually too strong during either summer or winter I do to remember and sps browned out. They since moved to artificial lighting and got everything colored up. Might be worth watching the video and contacting them?

I'll certainly look into the videos. It will be set up in South Carolina

 

[Shep]

I would maybe try it out on a small set up for to test for viability

 

[dragon99]

This is a long thread, and kinda sad, but he's using natural sunlight.
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/our-400-gallon-in-wall-natural-sun-lit-reef.93875/

 

[DracoKat]

This is a long thread, and kinda sad, but he's using natural sunlight.
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/our-400-gallon-in-wall-natural-sun-lit-reef.93875/

thanks for posting that! I found it on another site, didn't know he created it here.

 

[Reef Pets]

Thanks guys! I believe Ill give it a try on one tank. I know its possible I just hate to find out that I can't find the sweet spot for supplementation. I've never focused on fast growth, I focus mainly on color which is what has me concerned.

 

[Ike]

This really only works if your located near the equator +/- a couple hundred miles. That's the sweet spot where the color temperature is naturally 14,000k- 18,000k. It does work in Florida but I believe thats about as far north of the equator as you can be.

Where are you getting this information? It's totally wrong... One of the first large scale aquaculture facilities was a greenhouse in Michigan. You could grow a reef with light tubes anywhere inhabitable on the planet. The color temperature of unfiltered sunlight is nowhere near 14,000-18,000k near the equator, or anywhere else on the planet for that matter. The color temp of sunlight is about the same near the equator as it is in Michigan...

Reef Pets, as long as you don't mind browner looking corals and some rather yellow light I say go for it!

 

[reef_junkie]

*edit because I'm not trying to start a fight.

 

[WilRams]

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/aquaviva-110gal-solatube-reef-tank-build.155312/

Pacific East Aquaculture does it here in MD as well.

 

[Ike]

I won't agree that youre right in the least since you have failed to provide any proof, I have also failed to show proof. If light is all the same across our planet then why do warm water corals show dramatic differences from Florida to Australia (very near the equator) I'm not a biologist nor have I studied the equtoral kelvin wave but to say "your corals will be fine at 6,500k but they'll be brown" is confusing. I don't know a single reefer who's invites others to bear witness to his prized brown corals. I'm not looking for a fight but I'll defend myself.

*edit because I'm not trying to start a fight.

No need to fight, we can have a healthy debate... The color temp of sunlight is in the 5500-6500k range depending mainly on if it's overcast. This does not vary based on latitude.The reason why corals and reefs are more abundant nearer the equator is mainly the temperature of the water. Corals will be healthy as can be with 6500k light, and may be quite colorful, but the kelvin of the light won't show off their colors very well... There's no problem with the color of the light, just our eyes and perception of what's pretty

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Awesome Gary and can't wait to see the finished product!

 

[BoneXriffic]

This really only works if your located near the equator +/- a couple hundred miles. That's the sweet spot where the color temperature is naturally 14,000k- 18,000k. It does work in Florida but I believe thats about as far north of the equator as you can be.

Going north would lower or raise the kelvin? Lower might be benificial, to my understanding 65k will grow the heck out of some corals with halides. Just not nice color

Should have read more my statment is irrelevant