Reef Aquarium Lighting - Power Compact Reef Lighting
Power Compact Reef Aquarium Lighting
Compact fluorescents, sometimes referred to as Power Compacts, are available in various intensities and sizes and are somewhat similar to standard fluorescents. They are similar in principle, but they incorporate two smaller tubes shaped like a "U" to produce a brighter, more intense light. You can install a retrofit kit into many existing standard fluorescent hoods/canopies to take advantage of the brighter light of compact fluorescent bulbs.
Compact fluorescent systems come in two lamp base styles:
square pin and straight pin socket bases. The lamp base styles
are not interchangeable so be sure you know which lamp base
type your fixture requires before you purchase your bulbs. The
most common base types used are:
1. 2 pin configuration
2. 4 pin straight configuration
3. 4 pin square configuration, often
referred to as Panasonic or Japanese style
In comparison, compact fluorescent lighting is more energy
efficient, producing more light output and lasting longer, than
standard fluorescent lighting. Their bulbs are also
smaller in size, so you'll be able to install more bulbs
into a hood or canopy. In general, most reef aquarium
hobbyists use a combination of compact fluorescents and metal
halide bulbs to illuminate their tanks.
Like standard fluorescents, compact fluorescent bulbs produce
heat. When using multiple bulbs, you’ll need to
incorporate adequate ventilation and/or a coolant system/fan in
your hood or canopy. Regular use diminishes both the
intensity and spectrum of the light produced by the bulb.
Being the case, you'll need to change your compact
fluorescent bulbs on a regular basis (usually every 12-24
months).
