Interesting Thought - Artificial Skylight for a Reef Tank?

[AetherealKnight]

Hi there! I just I had an interesting thought about using artificial skylight to light up a reef tank.

Not that I would do it. But would it be possible to use a very bright artificial skylight and install it on a ceiling, giving it the impression that you have sunlight shining on your reef tank? Only several companies make these lights, such as Coleux, and they're pretty darn expensive but also pretty realistic. Though when you're spending that much I suppose it'd be more cost effective to just buy actual reef brands than build a room that has an artificial skylight. But they do look pretty nice imo.

 

[mtfish]

Definitely doable and has been done. Usually the ones I have seen use something to concentrate the light to the tank. Full spectrum for sure!

 

[Reefering1]

Look into "solar tubes"

 

[Reefer Matt]

Hi there! I just I had an interesting thought about using artificial skylight to light up a reef tank.

Not that I would do it. But would it be possible to use a very bright artificial skylight and install it on a ceiling, giving it the impression that you have sunlight shining on your reef tank? Only several companies make these lights, such as Coleux, and they're pretty darn expensive but also pretty realistic. Though when you're spending that much I suppose it'd be more cost effective to just buy actual reef brands than build a room that has an artificial skylight. But they do look pretty nice imo.

Do you mean a light fixture that looks like a skylight?

 

[AetherealKnight]

Do you mean a light fixture that looks like a skylight?

Yeah pretty much

 

[Reefer Matt]

Yeah pretty much

I haven’t seen one commercially made, but I bet it could easily be dyi using light fixtures inside the faux enclosure set to a full spectrum setting. It might be tricky to get enough par, depending on your coral goals.

 

[areefer01]

Look into "solar tubes"

This is what I was going to suggest also. I've seen a few displays use them.

 

[areefer01]

I haven’t seen one commercially made, but I bet it could easily be dyi using light fixtures inside the faux enclosure set to a full spectrum setting. It might be tricky to get enough par, depending on your coral goals.

Getting light down to the display would be the challenge not to mention spread management. They would be looking at something that can focus light like the Kessil 500x or similar. Not sure the juice would be worth the squeeze when that high and open.

 

[AetherealKnight]

This is what I was going to suggest also. I've seen a few displays use them.

That's interesting, never heard of these before, I suppose they can concentrate light down to your reef tank instead of a ordinary skylight?

 

[areefer01]

That's interesting, never heard of these before, I suppose they can concentrate light down to your reef tank instead of a ordinary skylight?

Basically, yes. There are a few hobbyist using them for natural lighting over their reefs. One example below. You can do a search on Solatube and see how they work better than I could explain it. They have a few different options now which is nice. Not sure how intrusive they are to the roof and attic but they seem pretty small yet deliver a lot of light.

Monster Build - Our 400 Gallon In Wall Natural Sun-Lit Reef

Hi guys my enjoyment for aquariums started over 30 years ago as a child, when I would help my father care for his aquariums aquarium equipment has come a long way since then. My first personal aquarium was 37 gallons, over the years I had 155 fresh water African Cichlid tank and a 10 year old...

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