Fiber Optic Solar Condensers and tank lighting applications
I think we can agree that tank lighting is one of the most controversial topics in reefkeeping. I think if we had the $ to front the electric bill and ability to export heat we’d all be using metal halide. It isn’t because it’s the most efficient, but because it most closely approximates real sunlight. There’s just no way around it… if you want full spectrum light, you have to pay for the power.
But, what if we used fiber optic condensers to channel light from a nearby window – or better yet roof top array. Not too many people want to cut holes in their ceilings for solar tubes; fiber optic condensers could be a great, non-invasive method to get natural sunlight into your tank.
These systems are a bit expensive, but maybe there’s a DIY solution that we could start playing with.
http://www.sunlight-direct.com/
http://www.monotsukuri.net/japan/himawari/himawari.htm
There are a lot of unanswered questions here, like whether the fiber can truly transmit broad spectrum light, what the losses are, and what array size you'd need to get started.
I think we can agree that tank lighting is one of the most controversial topics in reefkeeping. I think if we had the $ to front the electric bill and ability to export heat we’d all be using metal halide. It isn’t because it’s the most efficient, but because it most closely approximates real sunlight. There’s just no way around it… if you want full spectrum light, you have to pay for the power.
But, what if we used fiber optic condensers to channel light from a nearby window – or better yet roof top array. Not too many people want to cut holes in their ceilings for solar tubes; fiber optic condensers could be a great, non-invasive method to get natural sunlight into your tank.
These systems are a bit expensive, but maybe there’s a DIY solution that we could start playing with.
http://www.sunlight-direct.com/
http://www.monotsukuri.net/japan/himawari/himawari.htm
There are a lot of unanswered questions here, like whether the fiber can truly transmit broad spectrum light, what the losses are, and what array size you'd need to get started.