Tank Placement

[rememberme]

I am thinking of starting a bigger tank (72"x24"x24") and am thinking of putting it in a conservatory. I know everyone will say "no you shouldn't" - but a few queries come to mind...

Would the corals do better under sun light rather than Metal Halide... Surely the sun is natural??

If I cover the back with black card and the sides with black card (or paint) the direction of the sun will rarely shine into the front of the aquarium if at all - wouldn't this be ok so long as I keep it cool during summer?

I could also use blinds, or make a curtain that goes around the tank. I really want it to be in the conservatry as it is a BIG tank and it is the only place in the house that has a strong concrete floor.

Could somebody give me some feedback or ideas?

As For The Sunlight Question Go With Metal Halides...
I Wouldnt Paint It Black Becuase The Water May Look Black, Im Not Sure Though...
I Would Use Blinds

[rememberme]

Ok thanks for the reply, but why metal halides? The sun must be infinatly more powerful...

I hear that painting it black is becoming more popular because the darker colours make the fish less agressive...

Blinds will probably be used.

[Paidbychrist0825]

Metal Halides produce a more powerful light( ie the color temp is higher) and the MH bulb will have higher amounts of the light hitting the corals. Plus, your colors will be MUCH better with MH v. normal sunlight

[jman785]

Part of what PaidbyChrist said, is true.

The sun, by far, is the best natural light you can use for growing corals. I know hundreds of hobbyists who use what they call "SunTubes" which are basically sky lights, to grow coral with....they are pretty cool because the sun is reflected down in a beam I guess you could say. Metal Halides are good because they do produce a good bit of light, and they probably would have more light hitting it, unless your growing operation, was entirely outdoors, like a few of my friends, this does well, but some problems I think of, when they say outdoor coral growing is, how long does it take the coral to adapt from going to natural sunlight, back to MH? So things like that, you should definently keep in mind. If you do place your corals outside, prepare yourself for an excellent growth rate. Good Luck on your decision...please feel free to ask away, with any questions you might have as well.