solartubes for a planted tank.

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T

tidioute06

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Feb 13, 2009
24
0
1
AZ
So i tried doing some internet searches and asking over at aquaria central but I've had no luck getting answers.
If you have a tank measuring 8ftx3ftx3ft would it be feasible to use 4-6 solartubes as the lighting source for plants. I'm guessing because the use natural sunlight that you'd be ok.
Anyone tried this? I'm looking for first hand experience.
 
Seems like an expensive project. I've installed a few of these. Rigid type is 275.99,flexible is 437.00.
That's in Canada for home depot. Prices will be lower down there in the US.

If you're going to cut 4 to 6 holes in your roof,maybe you could go with one big skylight.
Cheaper and easier.
 
Yes this is feasible but I have not tried this myself. My last house had 3 solar tubes, my new house has 2 of them. I'm very familiar with these products. They give off a lot of light, I live in Arizona so this is relative. I always wanted to try this right over a tank. Before my last move I had a built in wall tank that I wanted to drop the solar tube right down to just above the top of the tank. It was a 6' long tank and I planed to put three solar tubes above it. I'm certain it would of given off enough light to grow anything.
 
LOL I never got to the pricing part.........just the thinking about it drinking a beer part. Price might be a factor :)
 
BadOleRoss;3974640; said:
Thats why you never plan fish tank stuff while drinking beer!
Click to expand...


LOL so true
 
BadOleRoss;3974640; said:
Thats why you never plan fish tank stuff while drinking beer!
Click to expand...

You mean you actually plan fish stuff without a beer in your hand? Blasphemy!!! :p
 
Well I live in Glendale Arizona. It's sunny 360 days a year. Thats why i'm thinking solar powered planted tank. Plus the heat factor and electric bill. One big skylight might work but wouldn't you need to somehow concentrate the light.. Just throwing around ideas now...
 
Personally I think solartubes are overpriced duct material. I would put in a skylight, as far as concentrating the light, I don't think it will matter if it is over the tank. I would however get the kind of skylight that has blinds in it because you could end up with too much light.
 
Is there such a thing as too much light with a 36" deep tank?
I understand what your saying though. Nothing like a huge algea bloom to dampen the spirits.
 
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