So guys, not trying to start an argument just something I've noticed when looking at just about every tank build of a plywood tank the lighting inside just seems very dull/washed out and overall flat when compared to all-glass tanks. I am debating building my own vs. buying since I would like to go larger than can fit down my basement stairs and my only option would be to build my own, but I just want to make sure that it isn't something in the tank itself that's causing the colors to be dull and flat before I make my decision. Couple things I could think of that might be causing this is lack of glass all around to reflect back in the light that would normally create backlighting around fins/plants etc. and fill in shadows. Also could it be that the extra depth of these larger aquariums make it feel more "foggy" ? Or maybe it's all in my head or the cameras used are of lower quality/older? (A lot of threads are from many years ago). I would love to see pictures that show fish is really clear detail with vibrant colors. Am I imagining this or is this a real thing?
Why do Plywood tanks lighting look flat.
- Thread starter mjovic
- Start date
It's both. In the lighting industry the calculations used to determine how much light is required to illuminate a given cavity is based on something called a reflectance factor and it takes into effect the floor, walls and ceiling. A plywood tank almost never has highly reflective interior surfaces so it would require more light in order to make it appear similar to the light level of an all glass tank.
Light is also a factor of distance and water attenuates light quicker than does air... which is why deep tanks that are planted always have to have some serious poke in the fixtures over the tank.
Light is also a factor of distance and water attenuates light quicker than does air... which is why deep tanks that are planted always have to have some serious poke in the fixtures over the tank.
You're never going to get the same effect re lighting between all glass and plywood tanks. My fibreglass tank is similar to what you'd get with a plywood build. It probably doesn't help that the whole interior is black. But even so, I'm very happy with the lighting on mine and it's only a simple 4ft led fixture.
Ahh yes. This makes sense. Thanks for confirming. The aesthetic is something that it seems I would need to embrace if I went with a larger plywood build. Lighting appears more "true to nature" and not as dazzling as glass tanks I am used to. Hmm, so much to consider!
That's a really cool looking tank! Feels like I'm looking into a river or something. How big is your tank?