[saltjunky]

I want to get some input on the placement of your tank because I'm thinking about puting my new 180 in our sun room is this a good idea lots of natural sun light should help right?

 

[Odikov]

the only concern that i have if you have it in the sun room might be temperature. if you will be running MH it would'nt be much a prob on winter.

 

[saltjunky]

I'm going to be runing 3 MH 250 watts and runing the air in the summer.

 

[Taylor_made]

Sun is not real good for reef tanks, sounds crazy huh? When sun comes in through windows then hit the tank walls, normally an unwanted algae occurs. If it just a little bit of sun, then no big deal, but don't put the tank where it will receive a lot of sun. Heat can also be a issue, chillers are expensive and if your tank is put into the right room, not necessary, in my opinion. I do like a tank in a room that the whole family uses all the time, if people have to go out of their way to view the tank, after the initial infatuation wears off, only you will be enjoying the tank. If it is in a high traffic area, everyone enjoys it. Even with company, if you have to lead them out of the normal area's they will look at the tank and oo and ah, then go back to the party. Well these are just my opinions, but before you add a drop of water you have the time to pick the perfect place.

Dan

 

[evo8]

Have to agree with Dan 100%. When I first started in this hobby back in 2000 I had a 29 gal freshwater tank that was in the corner near the front window and a 29 gal reef tank on the opposite side of the room that received no natural sun. The fresh tank was always quite a bit warmer during the day then the reef tank and had a bad algae problem on the sides of the glass that were exposed to the hot New Mexico sun. Now my new tank is right next to the TV in the living room. I think I stare at it more then the TV.

 

[peakessandbox]

sunlight

I just went to Tropicorium this weekend they use lots of sunlight in there tanks. I would like to know if any MR's use natural sunlight to light there reef tank? I left the store amazed about what I seen. How nice the corals looked and how much current they have over there tanks.
The only problem would be controlling temperature, should be easy with a chiller.

 

[Taylor_made]

I talked with Ray from the Trop (Ray Perrin, Dicks son) he told me that the "green house" is not all that it is cracked up to be. They still use halides and temp control is very difficult, he told me if they could do it again, it would not contain the green house ceilings. If I remember right Dick originally used those rooms to raise flowers (Orchids I think but not sure) and then they switched to coral farming. I too have always admired that set up and was a little surprised at Ray's response.


Dan