Aquarium Bulb (lighting) Types

Aquarium light bulbs include:

* T-12, a standard bolt, 1-1/2 "wide bulb. This generally use a higher wattage bulb

* T-8, a standard bolt, a "wide focus. Compared with the T-12, 48" T-12 is used 32 watts, while a 48 "T-8 uses 32 watts.

* T-5, usually about 13 mm in diameter. This is a mini pin bulb usually uses fewer watts per lumen that many of T-8 bulbs.

* T-2; These bulbs are the latest in technology however. Measuring only 7 mm and allow several bulbs in a small space. A watt 13 20 inch T-2 bulb (6400 K) produces 950 lumens, which is 73 lumens per watt in a small space!

Quite bluntly, these lamps T2 and accessories are on the best bulbs in a small space I've seen! These are very useful for small planted tanks or Nano reef or shelf for bettas breeders. I hope these new T-2 lamp to sweep the smaller aquarium hobby because of its very high efficiency and out put.

* VHO, which means very high performance. " These come in T-5 through T-12 standard fluorescent tubes and energy pact latest (usually 4-pin) lamps, such as the new generation of Via Aqua Helios VHO. The new Helios come in a variety of sizes with capacities up to 180 watt lamps less than 40 centimeters in length, to envy of many metal halide (although not in depth of penetration). These new higher output VHO fixtures / lamps have a greater production of Kelvin and lamps Power generation Previous VHO / accessories of similar size. These can be used both for marine reef applications and planted freshwater aquariums (these are not new VHOs scheduled for full release to the public until early 2008).

* PC, which means "compact power." These bulbs come in scheme pin square pin arrangements, and increasingly popular standard incandescent lamp ballast auto "screw" type. These bulbs, along with T-5 usually be more efficient.

A new compact power, in my opinion, is impressive and even planted aquarium reef aquarium (in addition LED and metal halide) is the self-ballasted lamps SHO PC. The 105 watt bulb daylight SHO out 6,300 lumens and is comparable to a 525-watt bulb Standard (Click image for a link). This goes out to 60 lumens per watt, but this is a misleading guide because it can fit many more of these bulbs in an area reflectors as well as more efficient use.

OHSS can be mounted in the hood, with a standard incandescent fixture or better, hung as a pendant light reflector similar to metal halides are commonly installed

* Metal halide (MH); These are the support reigning "kings" reef aquarium because of the depth of penetration, production, spectrum, and especially the beauty and the amount of living coral to help. Even the new T-5 lamps can not reach the depth of penetration and the total output of these lights.

Metal halide work through a mixture of gases and halide other elements. Actual production of the light comes from the small bubble of gas is held in place by metal wires and / or support. The electricity that runs between them and small gas bubble, which is heated, similar to an incandescent filament. This is one reason why the metal halide bulbs emit more heat than other bulbs.

The downside is the heat produced by the MH lights, often resulting in the need for fans and even chillers. Two more sizes often used are the 10,000 K 175 watt and 250 watt 20,000 K for deep tanks (over 30)

* LED: The new reef compatible LED is likely to have on the market as they become more readily available, the price comes down and watts per lumen up. These lights do not have heat problems and are very compact. LED lights may be more appropriate for the deposit of aquatic life, lighting and reef tanks because they offer superior flexibility compared with traditional fluorescent lighting. When the LEDs are operating, the photometric radiation remains in a narrow band of the electromagnetic spectrum. Photometric specific wavelengths are often beneficial to some aquatic plants and reef tanks. Control of specific wavelengths is possible through a core network of colored LED lights connected to a digital LED controller. Since LEDs emit light only in very specific direction, the installer have the option to illuminate an area determined by a simple rotation of the casing tube made of polycarbonate. The waterproof case also provides circuitry LED with adequate protection against moisture and chemicals found in fish tank or reef aquarium.

So far, there are views found in larger units such as the version of Solaris that replace the MH. The manufacturer claims of Solaris "PAR light output levels equal a 400W MH 20k. It uses 40% less energy than the 400W MH 20k fixtures it replaces. The life of the LEDs is approximately 50,000 hours, so it almost eliminates metal halide and fluorescent bulb replacements. All heat is radiated up and out of the tank, so it does not heat the water as metal halide or fluorescent. This eliminates the need for refrigerators. "However the data shows 20 lumens per watt MH lamps provide about 50 lumens per watt output.

To more information about aquarium lighting, peas, see this URL from which this short article: "The lighting of the aquarium and How work? "

About the Author

By Carl Strohmeyer

BioCube 14 Nano Aquarium Upgraded with LED Lighting