gone solar - Page 9

mborn · 09/03/2008, 07:01 PM

Oops. Iâ€™ll get a few photos together when I get home this evening.

GUILLO1 · 09/03/2008, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mborn
I have 14â€ tubes so I cut ~15â€ diameter circles from the filters. I take the plastic domes off the top of the tubes and place the filter circles over the top of the tubes and then place the domes back on (at the time of year I use the filters I donâ€™t use the semicircle reflectors, I only use those in winter). Since the filters are a larger diameter than the tubes, the edges get pinched down between the plastic dome and the exterior lip of the tubes and are held in place. I currently donâ€™t have any pictures of this. Iâ€™ll get some pictures of them this weekend if youâ€™d like, as I donâ€™t have time to go on the roof and pull the domes off in the morning before work, and itâ€™s getting dark when I get home in the evening and I donâ€™t want to be on the roof at that time.

Mborn so you place the filters way on the top of the dome. I think it would be better if you would place the filters on the bottom part of the tubes. Don't you think you will get more light this way.

matona · 09/03/2008, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by hobogato
great matt, dont forget to post some pics - look forward to seeing it!

I'll be happy to share... but I haven't even seen it during the day. I installed on Monday afternoon, and by the time I was finished the sun was well on its way down. Since then I've only seen it first thing in the morning before work, and late afternoon after work.

Can't wait to check it out on the weekend, then maybe I can post some pictures.

-Matt

clowninaround1 · 09/04/2008, 12:06 AM

this question may have been answered, but do you foresee any deterioration of the top plastic/acrylic outside on the roof? how often do you clean it?

MarineGirl411 · 09/04/2008, 12:33 AM

This is such an awesome thread. Has anyone asked if this is possible for people that live in the Northern part of the US??? I live in WA State and would love to try something like this. It would probably not be plausible during the entire year, but maybe sometimes? Just wanted to know.

mborn · 09/04/2008, 01:42 AM

GUILLO1, Iâ€™ve tried placing the filters on the bottom of the tubes directly over the tank too, and I really havenâ€™t noticed a difference in the intensity of the light. Although, I havenâ€™t measured the light with a meter so there very well could be a variation. Thereâ€™s no attic space over my aquarium room and my tubes are only 3.5 feet from roof to tank and in the summer they are very bright. So my main reason for using the filters is to cut down on intensity. Also, theyâ€™d get coated with dried salt from spray from the tank and Iâ€™d have to take them off and clean them every few weeks. When theyâ€™re up top they stay perfectly clean and I can forget about them until I take them down in winter. Here are a couple of pictures of green corals under the solatubes with filters. Thereâ€™s no supplemental blue or actinic lighting, just filtered tubes. Since this is hobogatoâ€™s thread and my tank isnâ€™t an SPS dominated tank, Iâ€™m going to post some FTS giving a brief summery of the progression of my solatube tank in the solatube thread in the advanced forum.

ransomed4ever · 09/04/2008, 11:35 AM

been following along for a while, congrats on thread of the month

Poseidon · 09/04/2008, 03:20 PM

Bravo!!!!

Tagging along, I am very interested in this for a future home, I don't think the landlord of my townhouse would go for it now!

Reefer08 · 09/04/2008, 03:34 PM

What happens when it rains? There is always a freak chance of raining a small amount in the summer?

murfman · 09/04/2008, 04:38 PM

I routinely give my tank "hurricane" time and turn off the lights and leave the tank dim.

Tedelicious · 09/04/2008, 06:17 PM

Saw this on thread of the month and have been through the past 9 pages. Amazing! I'll definitely be tagging along.

Rickyrooz1 · 09/04/2008, 06:17 PM

Awesome thread!

Jojoyojimbi · 09/04/2008, 07:59 PM

murf i love your quote, too bad too many knuckleheads tried to put out their c4 by stepping on it or we could have still used it to cook with

mxett · 09/05/2008, 01:38 AM

I've been watching this thread for a while, and have seen a similar result in Australia. I am getting a quote for 4 solatubes over my 4'x4'.

We'll see what happens but I think I will make the jump to green lighting!

hobogato · 09/05/2008, 07:50 AM

great! could you post some before and after pics when it is done?

murfman · 09/05/2008, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jojoyojimbi
murf i love your quote, too bad too many knuckleheads tried to put out their c4 by stepping on it or we could have still used it to cook with

That is just cleaning out the gene pool!!!!

GUILLO1 · 09/05/2008, 09:31 AM

I installed 3 14" tubes a few days ago, this is what what tubes flashings installed look like

Phxkeller · 09/05/2008, 10:43 PM

Hobogato - NICE JOB!!

Love this thread. I've been considering cutting up my brand new house for 1 year now. for my 300g. Im thinking 3 14" or possib 2 18" solar tubes. my tank is 96" L x24" W x30" H.

My 250W MH x3 150W x2 are not cutting it... and I live in SUNNY Arizona. Save on power and get a natural sunrise/sunset affect without spending $1000 on a ACLS light controller

guillo1 - what size tank are you using these for and how deep is it ..

hobogato · 09/06/2008, 08:27 AM

nice job guillo

thanks phxkeller - your tank is about the same footprint as mine, so three 14" tubes would work well. you may get dark areas with two 18" tube, but i am not sure.

was picking up toys off of the floor this morning and looked up at the tank - thought it would make a neat pic, so here it is.....

UnderwaterMike · 09/06/2008, 04:06 PM

dude that's a nice shot and a great thread. congrats on thread of the week and Keep us updated. i love the shots. i can't wait to do the same so i'm going to be coming to you for any questions i may have down the road.

fishdoc11 · 09/06/2008, 04:27 PM

UnderwaterMike,

To Reef Central

Chris

sfsuphysics · 09/06/2008, 04:47 PM

Guillo what type of roof is that? Looks like some really long asphalt roll or something.

My biggest issue with poking holes in my roof is I have an EPDM membrane roof (very low pitch) as a result it's not as easy to make water tight again as asphalt shingles

elvictre · 09/06/2008, 05:08 PM

Very cool tank. I also run 2 14" solatubes on my 525 but I also run 3 400 MH and 2 250 MH (only 3 hours on the 250's). My tubes only get 3 hours of direct sunlight in the winter and something like 5 hours in the summer so I needed the MH's and 440 watts of actinic (the wife wouldn't let me reposition the house...lol). Either way I feel like there is no substitute for natural sunlight.

hobogato · 09/06/2008, 05:18 PM

wow! you cant make a post like that without including some pics of that beast! sounds incredible.....

Quote:

Originally posted by elvictre
Very cool tank. I also run 2 14" solatubes on my 525 but I also run 3 400 MH and 2 250 MH (only 3 hours on the 250's). My tubes only get 3 hours of direct sunlight in the winter and something like 5 hours in the summer so I needed the MH's and 440 watts of actinic (the wife wouldn't let me reposition the house...lol). Either way I feel like there is no substitute for natural sunlight.

elvictre · 09/06/2008, 05:56 PM

I can't capture the tank in pics that well. I have a new digital camera on the way but here is what I have.

The dimensions are 120x48x24 so it's hard to get the entire tank in a pic. It's still young. I got it running nov 07 and have been working on it slowly since.

09/04/2008, 12:33 AM	#205
MarineGirl411 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 2,583	This is such an awesome thread. Has anyone asked if this is possible for people that live in the Northern part of the US??? I live in WA State and would love to try something like this. It would probably not be plausible during the entire year, but maybe sometimes? Just wanted to know. __________________ I am a reefaholic and there is no cure. =) Current Tank Info: 90 gallon reef, Cardiff Nano Seahorse tank.

09/04/2008, 03:20 PM	#208
Poseidon Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Swartz Creek Posts: 728	Bravo!!!! Tagging along, I am very interested in this for a future home, I don't think the landlord of my townhouse would go for it now! __________________ Just say no to CRABS! Current Tank Info: 85 Gallon mixed Reef. Halide/LED combo lighting.

09/04/2008, 06:17 PM	#212
Rickyrooz1 Acropora Nut Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Newtown, PA Posts: 2,453	Awesome thread! __________________ 120 Gallon Acropora dominated tank, barebottom, APEX Controller, ATI Sunpower 8x54w, Skimz SM163, Jebao DCT 6000 return pump & two Jebao OW-40. Current Tank Info: SPS Dominated

09/04/2008, 07:59 PM	#213
Jojoyojimbi Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Boynton Beach Posts: 597	murf i love your quote, too bad too many knuckleheads tried to put out their c4 by stepping on it or we could have still used it to cook with __________________ My tank was electrocuted when the lights fell in, I'm only keeping Freshwater now Current Tank Info: Electrocuted my saltwater when lights broke, only fresh now

09/05/2008, 10:43 PM	#218
Phxkeller Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: N. Phoenix Posts: 715	Hobogato - NICE JOB!! Love this thread. I've been considering cutting up my brand new house for 1 year now. for my 300g. Im thinking 3 14" or possib 2 18" solar tubes. my tank is 96" L x24" W x30" H. My 250W MH x3 150W x2 are not cutting it... and I live in SUNNY Arizona. Save on power and get a natural sunrise/sunset affect without spending $1000 on a ACLS light controller guillo1 - what size tank are you using these for and how deep is it .. __________________ "The clock of Life is wound but once...." Current Tank Info: 300G Mixed reef

09/03/2008, 07:01 PM	#201
mborn Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Escondido, CA Posts: 346	Oops. Iâ€™ll get a few photos together when I get home this evening.

09/04/2008, 12:06 AM	#204
clowninaround1 Moved On Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 3	this question may have been answered, but do you foresee any deterioration of the top plastic/acrylic outside on the roof? how often do you clean it?

09/04/2008, 01:42 AM	#206
mborn Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Escondido, CA Posts: 346	GUILLO1, Iâ€™ve tried placing the filters on the bottom of the tubes directly over the tank too, and I really havenâ€™t noticed a difference in the intensity of the light. Although, I havenâ€™t measured the light with a meter so there very well could be a variation. Thereâ€™s no attic space over my aquarium room and my tubes are only 3.5 feet from roof to tank and in the summer they are very bright. So my main reason for using the filters is to cut down on intensity. Also, theyâ€™d get coated with dried salt from spray from the tank and Iâ€™d have to take them off and clean them every few weeks. When theyâ€™re up top they stay perfectly clean and I can forget about them until I take them down in winter. Here are a couple of pictures of green corals under the solatubes with filters. Thereâ€™s no supplemental blue or actinic lighting, just filtered tubes. Since this is hobogatoâ€™s thread and my tank isnâ€™t an SPS dominated tank, Iâ€™m going to post some FTS giving a brief summery of the progression of my solatube tank in the solatube thread in the advanced forum.

09/04/2008, 11:35 AM	#207
ransomed4ever Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Sterling, Illinois Posts: 332	been following along for a while, congrats on thread of the month

09/04/2008, 03:34 PM	#209
Reefer08 Moved On Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 2,812	What happens when it rains? There is always a freak chance of raining a small amount in the summer?

09/04/2008, 04:38 PM	#210
murfman Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 4,670	I routinely give my tank "hurricane" time and turn off the lights and leave the tank dim.

09/04/2008, 06:17 PM	#211
Tedelicious Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 5	Saw this on thread of the month and have been through the past 9 pages. Amazing! I'll definitely be tagging along.

09/05/2008, 01:38 AM	#214
mxett Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Melbourne Australia Posts: 384	I've been watching this thread for a while, and have seen a similar result in Australia. I am getting a quote for 4 solatubes over my 4'x4'. We'll see what happens but I think I will make the jump to green lighting!

09/05/2008, 07:50 AM	#215
hobogato Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 1,517	great! could you post some before and after pics when it is done?

09/05/2008, 09:31 AM	#217
GUILLO1 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: California Central Coast Posts: 692	I installed 3 14" tubes a few days ago, this is what what tubes flashings installed look like

09/06/2008, 08:27 AM	#219
hobogato Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 1,517	nice job guillo thanks phxkeller - your tank is about the same footprint as mine, so three 14" tubes would work well. you may get dark areas with two 18" tube, but i am not sure. was picking up toys off of the floor this morning and looked up at the tank - thought it would make a neat pic, so here it is.....

09/06/2008, 04:06 PM	#220
UnderwaterMike Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Dallas Posts: 12	dude that's a nice shot and a great thread. congrats on thread of the week and Keep us updated. i love the shots. i can't wait to do the same so i'm going to be coming to you for any questions i may have down the road. __________________ member of DFWMAS PBITAWA Current Tank Info: 55g and 25g Mixed reefs.

09/06/2008, 04:27 PM	#221
fishdoc11 catch and release Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Old Hickory,TN Posts: 13,237	UnderwaterMike, *To Reef Central* Chris __________________ "Try to learn something about everything and everything about something" -- Thomas H. Huxley Current Tank Info: 70 gallon mixed reef

09/06/2008, 04:47 PM	#222
sfsuphysics Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: San Francisco Posts: 9,103	Guillo what type of roof is that? Looks like some really long asphalt roll or something. My biggest issue with poking holes in my roof is I have an EPDM membrane roof (very low pitch) as a result it's not as easy to make water tight again as asphalt shingles __________________ Mike

09/06/2008, 05:08 PM	#223
elvictre Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 294	Very cool tank. I also run 2 14" solatubes on my 525 but I also run 3 400 MH and 2 250 MH (only 3 hours on the 250's). My tubes only get 3 hours of direct sunlight in the winter and something like 5 hours in the summer so I needed the MH's and 440 watts of actinic (the wife wouldn't let me reposition the house...lol). Either way I feel like there is no substitute for natural sunlight.

09/06/2008, 05:56 PM	#225
elvictre Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 294	I can't capture the tank in pics that well. I have a new digital camera on the way but here is what I have. The dimensions are 120x48x24 so it's hard to get the entire tank in a pic. It's still young. I got it running nov 07 and have been working on it slowly since.