Bulb Lamp Reef
Aquarium Bulb (lighting) Types
Common aquarium bulbs include the:
*T-12; a standard pin, 1-1/2” wide bulb. This bulb will generally use more watts
*T-8; a standard pin, 1” wide bulb. As compared to the T-12, a 48” T-12 will use 32 watts, while a 48” T-8 will use 32 watts.
*T-5; Generally around 13 mm in diameter. This is a mini pin bulb which generally uses even less watts per lumen than many than T-8 bulbs.
*T-2; These bulbs are the latest technology yet. They measure only 7 mm and allow for several bulbs in a small space. A 13 watt 20 inch T-2 Bulb (6400 K) produces 950 lumens which is 73 lumens per watt in a very small space!
Quite bluntly, these T2 lamps and fixtures are about the best bulbs in a small space I have seen! These are very useful for small planted aquariums or Nano Reefs or even shelves for betta breeders. I expect these new T-2 lamps to sweep the smaller aquarium keeping hobby due to their extremely high efficiency and out put.
*VHO; this stands for “Very High Output”. These come in T-5 thru T-12 standard fluorescent tubes and in the newer power compact (usually 4 pin) lamps such as the New generation Via Aqua Helios VHO . The new Helios come in a variety of sizes with outputs up to 180 watts out of lamps under 40 inches in length, which rival many Metal Halide (although not in depth penetration). These new higher output VHO fixtures/lamps have higher Kelvin and wattage output than previous generation VHO lamps/fixtures of similar size. These can be used for both marine reef applications as well as freshwater planted aquariums (these new VHOs are not scheduled for full release to the public until early 2008).
*PC; this stands for “Power Compact”. These bulbs come in straight pin arrangements, square pin arrangements, and the ever more popular self ballasted standard incandescent fixture “screw in” type. These bulbs along with T-5s tend to be the most efficient.
A new Power Compact that in my opinion is awesome for planted aquariums and even for reef aquariums (as an addition to LED or Metal Halide) is the self ballasted SHO PC bulbs. The 105 Watt SHO Daylight bulb puts out 6300 lumens and is comparable to a 525 watt Standard bulb (click on the picture for a link). This comes out to 60 lumens per watt, however this is a deceptive guide, as you can fit many more of these bulbs in a given space and also utilize more efficient reflectors.
The SHO can be mounted into your hood using a standard incandescent fixture or better, hung as a pendant light using reflector similar to how Metal Halides are commonly installed
*Metal Halide (MH); These are the reigning “Kings” of reef aquarium due to depth penetration, output, spectrum, and over all beauty and amount of coral life they help support. Even the newer T-5 lamps cannot achieve the depth penetration and overall output of these lights.
Metal Halide work via a gas mixture of halides and other elements. The actual light production comes from the small bubble of gas that is held in place by metal wires and/or supports. The electricity running between them and the small gas bubble, heats them, similar to an incandescent filament. This is one of the reasons that Metal Halide bulbs give off more heat than other bulbs.
The downside is the heat that MH lights produce, often resulting in the need for hood fans and even chillers. Two sizes I most often have used are the 10,000 K 175 watts and the 20,000 K 250 watts for really deep tanks (over 30”)
*LED: The new reef compatible LED is likely to take over the market as they become more readily available, the price comes down and watts per lumen come up. These lights do not have the heat problems and are very compact. LED lights may prove to be more suitable for aquatic life tank-lighting and Reef Tanks because they offer superior flexibility when compared with traditional fluorescent lighting. When LED lights operate, the photometric radiation remains within a narrow band on the electromagnetic spectrum. Specific photometric wavelengths are often beneficial to some aquatic plant life and Reef Tanks. Controlling specific wavelengths becomes possible through a basic network of colored LED lights connected to a digital LED controller. Since LEDs emit light only in very specific direction, the installer has the option to illuminate a precise area by simply rotating the polycarbonate tube casing. The water resistant casing also provides the LED circuitry with adequate protection against moisture and chemicals found within the fish tank or Reef Tank.
So far the there are mixed reviews on the larger units such as the Solaris that replace the MH. The manufacturer of the Solaris claims “PAR light output levels equal to 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 away from the tank; therefore, it does not heat the water like Metal Halides or Fluorescents. This eliminates the need for Chillers.” However data shows 20 lumens per watt, MH bulbs provide around 50 lumens per watt as the output.
For more information about aquarium lighting, pease see this URL from which this article is snipped: “Aquarium Lighting and How it works”
About the Author
By Carl Strohmeyer
12 Gallon Saltwater Nano Cube Reef! UPDATE!
|
|
60″ 5 ft T5 Aquarium Light Hood Coral Reef 8 Lamps 80W Bulb 640W Used R58 Marine $169.95 |
|
|
400W 14000K METAL HALIDE AQUARIUM & REEF BULBS LAMPS $23.99 |
|
|
175W 20000K METAL HALIDE AQUARIUM & REEF BULBS LAMPS $23.99 |
|
|
250W 14000K METAL HALIDE AQUARIUM & REEF BULBS LAMPS $23.99 |
|
|
175W 14000K METAL HALIDE AQUARIUM & REEF BULBS LAMPS $23.99 |
|
|
250W 20000K METAL HALIDE AQUARIUM & REEF BULBS LAMPS $23.99 |
|
|
8 T5 ACTINIC 4′ F54T5/HO AQUARIUM/REEF LIGHT BULB! HIGH OUTPUT LAMP 4 FOOT BLUE $56.88 |
|
|
60″ 5 ft T5 Aquarium Light Hood HO Marine Coral Reef 8 Lamps 80W Bulb 640W Used $179.95 |
|
|
250W 20K DE Metal Halide Bulb Lamp Reef (FC2) $26.50 |
|
|
150W 10K HQI Metal Halide Bulb Lamp Reef $17.50 |
|
|
150W 20K HQI Metal Halide Bulb Lamp Reef $19.00 |
|
|
250W 14K HQI Metal Halide Bulb Lamp Reef (FC2) $29.50 |
|
|
3 Coralvue Reflector Metal Halide Reef Light 175 Watt Mogul Lamp Bulb MINTY $599.00 |
|
|
250W 14K HQI Metal Halide Bulb Lamp Reef E40 type $25.50 |
|
|
60″ 5 ft T5 Aquarium Light Coral Reef 8 Lamps 80W HO Bulb 640W Used R58 Marine $169.95 |
|
|
400W 14K HQI Metal Halide Bulb Lamp Reef $33.00 |
|
|
250W Purple Blue SE Metal Halide Bulb Reef Lamp $28.50 |
|
|
150W 20K HQI Metal Halide Bulb Lamp Reef $17.50 |
|
|
250W 14K HQI Metal Halide Bulb Lamp Reef (FC2) $26.00 |
|
|
150W 20K HQI Metal Halide Bulb Lamp Reef $12.99 |
|
|
250W 20K SE Metal Halide Bulb Reef Lamp E40 $21.00 |
|
|
250W 20K DE Metal Halide Bulb Lamp Reef (FC2) $24.50 |
|
|
60″ 5 ft T5 Aquarium Light HO Coral Reef 8 Lamps 80W Bulb 640W Used R58 Marine $169.95 |
|
|
60″ 5 ft T5 Aquarium Light Hood Coral Reef 6 Lamps 80W Bulb 480W Used R56 Marine $159.95 |
|
|
T5 GROW LIGHT COMPLETE w T5HO BULBS 2 4 6 8 lamp 24″ 48″ Fluorescent Veg Bloom $94.95 |
|
|
T5 GROW LIGHT COMPLETE w T5HO BULBS 2 4 6 8 lamp 24″ 48″ Fluorescent Veg Bloom $164.95 |
|
|
T5 GROW LIGHT COMPLETE w T5HO BULBS 2 4 6 8 lamp 24″ 48″ Fluorescent Veg Bloom $194.95 |
|
|
T5 GROW LIGHT COMPLETE w T5HO BULBS 2 4 6 8 lamp 24″ 48″ Fluorescent Veg Bloom $119.95 |
|
|
T5 GROW LIGHT COMPLETE w T5HO BULBS 2 4 6 8 lamp 24″ 48″ Fluorescent Veg Bloom $169.95 |
|
|
T5 GROW LIGHT COMPLETE w T5HO BULBS 2 4 6 8 lamp 24″ 48″ Fluorescent Veg Bloom $239.95 |
|
|
T5 GROW LIGHT COMPLETE w T5HO BULBS 2 4 6 8 lamp 24″ 48″ Fluorescent Veg Bloom $299.95 |
|
|
T5 GROW LIGHT COMPLETE w T5HO BULBS 2 4 6 8 lamp 24″ 48″ Fluorescent Veg Bloom $134.95 |
|
|
1000 W 20K METAL HALIDE AQUARIUM LAMP REEF BULB $49.79 |
|
|
1000 W 14K METAL HALIDE AQUARIUM LAMP REEF BULB $49.79 |
|
|
1000 W 10K METAL HALIDE AQUARIUM LAMP REEF BULB $49.79 |
|
|
175 W 175 WATT 14K METAL HALIDE AQUARIUM LAMP REEF BULB $24.37 |
|
|
175W 175 10K METAL HALIDE AQUARIUM LAMP REEF BULB $24.37 |
|
|
MH 250 250W HQI DE 10K METAL HALIDE LAMP REEF BULB $24.37 |
|
|
MH 250W 250 14K METAL HALIDE AQUARIUM LAMP REEF BULB $24.37 |
|
|
250 W 250 20K METAL HALIDE AQUARIUM LAMP REEF BULB $24.37 |
|
|
250 W 250WATT 10K METAL HALIDE AQUARIUM LAMP REEF BULB $24.37 |
|
|
400W WATT 14K METAL HALIDE AQUARIUM LAMP REEF BULB $24.37 |
|
|
175 WATT 20K METAL HALIDE AQUARIUM LAMP REEF BULB $24.37 |
|
|
MH Metal Halide Bulb HQI 250 Watts 10000 K 10K FC2 DE Lamp Coral Reef Daylight $10.95 |
|
|
MH 250 250W HQI DE 14K METAL HALIDE LAMP REEF BULB $24.37 |
|
|
150 watts Metal Halide Bulb MH Lamp HQI Aquarium Mairne Coral Reef 15000K 15K DE $10.95 |
|
|
150 watt 12 K HQI DE MH Aquarium Reef Bulb Lamp 150W $19.60 |
|
|
175W 10000K METAL HALIDE AQUARIUM & REEF BULBS LAMPS $23.99 |
|
|
250W 10000K METAL HALIDE AQUARIUM & REEF BULBS LAMPS $23.99 |
|
|
400W 10000K METAL HALIDE AQUARIUM & REEF BULBS LAMPS $23.99 |
|
|
NEW 400W 20K METAL HALIDE AQUARIUM LAMP REEF BULB $28.88 |
|
|
250W Purple Blue SE Metal Halide Bulb Reef Lamp $24.00 |
|
|
24″ Bulb Polished DIY Reef T5 Parabolic Light Reflector w/Integrated Lamp Clips $13.45 |
|
|
36″ Bulb Polished DIY Reef T5 Parabolic Light Reflector w/Integrated Lamp Clips $13.45 |
|
|
48″ Bulb Polished DIY Reef T5 Parabolic Light Reflector w/Integrated Lamp Clips $17.95 |
|
|
250 Watts Metal Halide Bulb HQI 20000 K 20K Coral Reef Blue 250W FC2 DE Lamp $11.95 |
|
|
9W/18W/36W UV Light Lamp Sterilizer Aquarium Clarifier Pond Fish Reef Tank Bulb $34.90 |
|
|
9W/18W/36W UV Light Lamp Sterilizer Aquarium Clarifier Pond Fish Reef Tank Bulb $49.90 |
|
|
400W WATT 10K METAL HALIDE AQUARIUM LAMP REEF BULB $24.37 |
|
|
400W WATT 20K METAL HALIDE AQUARIUM LAMP REEF BULB $24.37 |
|
|
70 W 14000K Metal Halide Aquarium Bulb Lamp Light Reef $8.99 |
|
|
HQI 150W DE 10K METAL HALIDE AQUARIUM & REEF BULBS LAMP $23.99 |
|
|
HQI 150W DE 20K METAL HALIDE AQUARIUM & REEF BULBS LAMP $23.99 |
|
|
HQI 250W DE 10K METAL HALIDE AQUARIUM & REEF BULBS LAMP $23.99 |
|
|
HQI 250W DE 14K METAL HALIDE AQUARIUM & REEF BULBS LAMP $23.99 |
|
|
HQI 250W DE 20K METAL HALIDE AQUARIUM & REEF BULBS LAMP $23.99 |
|
|
HQI 70W DE 10K METAL HALIDE AQUARIUM & REEF BULBS LAMPS $23.99 |
|
|
HQI 70W DE 14K METAL HALIDE AQUARIUM & REEF BULBS LAMPS $23.99 |
|
|
HQI 70W DE 20K METAL HALIDE AQUARIUM & REEF BULBS LAMPS $23.99 |
|
|
400W 20000K METAL HALIDE AQUARIUM & REEF BULBS LAMPS $23.99 |
|
|
250 Watt Metal Halide Bulb HQI 10K,14K,20K Coral Reef FC2 DE Lamp AQUARIUM LIGHT $23.99 |
|
|
250 Watt Metal Halide Bulb HQI 10K,14K,20K Coral Reef FC2 DE Lamp AQUARIUM LIGHT $23.99 |
|
|
250 Watt Metal Halide Bulb HQI 10K,14K,20K Coral Reef FC2 DE Lamp AQUARIUM LIGHT $23.99 |
|
|
36W 36 Watt Compact UV Sterilizer Bulbs Lamp Pond Reef 2G11 $15.97 |
|
|
250W 250 WATT 10K,14K, 20K METAL HALIDE AQUARIUM LAMP REEF BULB light FC $11.95 |
|
|
250W 250 WATT 10K,14K, 20K METAL HALIDE AQUARIUM LAMP REEF BULB light FC $11.95 |
|
|
250W 250 WATT 10K,14K, 20K METAL HALIDE AQUARIUM LAMP REEF BULB light FC $11.95 |
|
|
4x 36W Compact UV Sterilizer Bulbs Lamp Pond Reef 2G11 $24.99 |
|
|
60″ 5 ft T5 Aquarium Light Hood HO Marine Coral Reef 6 Lamps 80W Bulb 480W Used $169.00 |
|
|
96 Watt Iridius H20 10K 96W Power Compact PC Lamp/Reef Aquarium Bulb Set of (4) $80.97 |
|
|
Brightest MR11 12 Volt AC DC 10 5050 SMD LED Bulb Wide Angle 160 Lumen 2.1 Watt, white, 1113WH $8.00 This is our brightest MR 11 bulb. It has 10 high-powered led bulbs, which produce about a 3 watt Luxeon bulb. The light pattern is perfect for illuminating displays or even just adding accent lighting yet it is still bright enough to be used anywhere. LED bulbs are compatible with all types of magnetic transformers but not all electronic transformers. Many electronic transformers require a minimum… |
|
|
10W 12V HALOGEN BULB WITH G4 BASE $0.01 10 watt JC type halogen light bulb. 12 volt, G4 Base…. |
|
|
LEDwholesalers 10 Watt LED Waterpoof Outdoor Security Floodlight 12 Volt DC, 3701W-12V $21.41 This outdoor security light is fully waterproof and uses 12 volts DC. It only uses 10 watts of power and still produces a large amount of light. Use it in the dark areas of your house to give it that extra light. This light is very energy efficient, has a very long life and does not produce very much heat. Light output colors comes in cool white color (5800-6200K). Bulb Type:Outdoor waterproof sec… |
|
|
Brightest MR11 12V 10 SMD LED Bulb Wide Angle This is our brightest MR 11 bulb. It has 10 high-powered led bulbs, which produce about a 3 watt Luxeon bulb. The light pattern is perfect for illuminating displays or even just adding accent lighting yet it is still bright enough to be used anywhere. LED bulbs are compatible with all types of magnetic transformers but not all electronic transformers. Many electronic transformers require a minimum… |
|
|
Dorcy 41-1682 H3 – 6V 75 Watt Halogen Replacement Bulb $0.01 41-1682 6-Volt 75-Watt H3 Halogen Replacement Bulb… |
|
|
Sony VPL-BW7 3 LCD Digital projector $899.99 Watch your favorite TV show, play your favorite game, or watch the big game on an even bigger screen with the Sony VPL-BW7 Projector. Sporting 3LCD panel technology, an output of 2,000 lumens, and a contrast ratio of up to 1000:1, the VPL-BW7 delivers WXGA (1280 x 800) HD 720p resolution, giving you an outstanding viewing experience…. |
|
|
Targus Digital TG-RSVL Video Light $0.28 TG-RSVL Universal Camcorder Video Light… |
|
|
Pilgrimage to the West (Definitive Edition) (Chinese Edition) $12.99 When you need the ultimate in lighting for your aquarium, nothing illuminates like metal halide. This spectacularly bright bulb mimics the high-intensity light of the midday sun while producing the same refracted shimmering, dappled look of natural sunlight. With the highest light-output-per-watt you can find, this double-ended halide lamp brings out vibrant colors and keeps your corals, plants, o… |
|
|
Red Dust (Chinese Edition) $9.99 Metal Halide Lamp Characteristic: Crispy brilliant white lighting |
|
|
Princeton Tec 40 Incandescent Handheld Bulb The halogen bulb version of our Impact XL provides superior light-output-to-weight ratio. With the same ruggedness and rubber overmold as the Impact XL, the halogen bulb provides a warmer light underwater. This light is great for backup, or as a primary daytime light, as the warm light is phenomenal for restoring lost colors on the reef. With a classic dive light look and feel, the twist-activated… |