why dont more reefers use light movers

[tlc]

it seems like everyone is upgrading to larger systems. wouldnt a light mover make sense. after reading sanjays article on reflectors it is obvious that no reflector distributes spectrums evenly. i would think a light mover would provide a more balanced spectrum to our corals. light movers have been used for years in indoor hydroponic sytems. the advantages are less lights needed, more balanced spectrum, more growth, and you can bring the lights closer to the plants. wouldnt the same benefits apply to corals??

 

[Len]

Digital Oceans used to sell a light track system, but people didn't take to the idea. I think there are many reasons why people don't opt for these systems. To start with, require a good deal of space to implement, and most people don't like unslightly motorized rails above their aquariums, nor do they have means to suspend them above the tank (no one I know has a 3 feet tall canopy ) These systems also don't increase the amount of light over a given area. They effectively split the same energy over a greater area over time, so any given point will be receiving less overall energy for any given day. Also, I don't know how appreciative fish, corals, and clams would be to constanting shifting light source.

Light movers are efficient if you have a large area to cover and if your organisms don't care (much) about drastically changing light conditions. Works for plants, but I think responsive animals are an entirely different story.

 

[MattM]

Also, I don't know how appreciative fish, corals, and clams would be to constanting shifting light source.

Then someone better rush out and stop the Sun!

 

[tlc]

i would think the shifting would be benefcial. acting like cloud simiulation. in addition i think it would spread the spectrum of lighting resulting in healthier corals. i am planning on building a large grow out tank about 1200 gallons for frags and mother colonies if i can use less bulbs to achieve the same results that would save big money. it woks great in the indoor horticulture sector i would think the results would be just as good for corals. seems like an open area for coral propagators...

 

[Len]

Heh. I guess I should've put it in context of a short time frame. And I need spelling lessons as well ("constanting"?) :lol:

 

[Len]

For strictly a coral propagation farm, it might work out. It's just not a practical solution to display tanks in people's bedrooms or living rooms. The hydroponic systems I've seen in action all move at a good pace, and I can't imagine fish or clams (or any other more responsive animal) preferring this situation. I know Digital Ocean's motor unit was slowed down signifcantly, so I guess this can be a nonissue properly implemented for reef tanks. The size though is still a sticking point.

Regardless of practicality or its effects on certain species, you have to consider the fact that the overall amount of light over any given area in a day will be less then if you used multiple sources. I'm also not convinced cloud cover simulation has any appreciable utility for captive reefs.

 

[wombat1]

I have one at home that I can't easily fit in my hood. I like having areas that don't get much light where I can put shrooms and polyps, and also having a high light area where I can put SPS. A light mover would just create mediocre light all over my tank. It would provide light to all parts of an SPS coral's branches, however, which would be nice.

 

[Robin Goodfellow]

hi.
I agree with Len on issue of "cloud simulation."

A light mover would just create mediocre light all over my tank.

Not true. You can make the track to move over half of the tank, so you will have some dim spot for your 'srooms.

It is useful if you want to use one single 1000W MH to light a 6 ft. tank, for example. If you want a stationary setup, the bulb will need to be pretty high in order to cover the whole tank. With mover, you can bring the bulb closer to the tank top and don't have to worry about melting the acrylic, spot lighting , etc.

 

[tlc]

my goal is to grow corals and frags, aesthetic of the tank is not important. i plan on having 2 tanks probably 8-12 ft long each. one highlight tank and one lower light tank. my goal of the light mover would be to maximize lighting while using less wattage. light rails have worked wonders in the hydroponic field i would suspect the same for corals

 

[wombat1]

How many lights do you plan on using? I think you would have to have the same # of bulbs/wattage, regardless of the mover.

 

[Robin Goodfellow]

hi.
With movers, less bulb will be needed if hi-watt setup is used. High watt bulb is more efficient (PAR/Watt), and cost less ($/Watt for both bulb and ballast), and this is why hydroponics uses movers.

 

[tlc]

if i go with a 8 foot tank probably 2-3 lights, if 12 foot than 3-4 lights. i am still months away from this project. heck i have not even started building the house.

 

[liquid]

Where do you guys get your light rails?

Shane

 

[Robin Goodfellow]

hi.
Most hydroponics shops, both local and web, have movers.

 

[Lynn]

I added one on my 7' softie/fish tank last month! I just set it up on a 2x4 frame and run it between my 4 pc's. I really like the look it gives...kinda like sunshine coming in and out of behind a cloud.
I'm going to build a canopy to hide it all one of these days soon!
here's a picture (nightime)

 

[holeinone1972]

http://www.southtexashydro.com/catalog/ ... oducts.htm

Check out the sun twist on this page. I am thinking of using this on my new 4 x 6 ft5 system. You can hook up to 5 halides to it.

Rob

 

[tlc]

lynn, what type of light are you using and how are your corals responding?

 

[wombat1]

PM me if anyone wants to buy one. Mover, rail and all.
Matt