Fluorescent Bulbs

It is not possible for fluorescent lamps to exactly replicate sunlight, which covers all areas of the spectrum at very high levels of output. Most lamps can actually achieve only a very small proportion of this light output, across a part of the spectrum.

Arcadia have identified the precise parts of the spectrum that are necessary for specific aspects of fishkeeping and have produced a series of lamps with spectral distributions designed to fulfil these requirements and optimise the available light output in these areas.

The Arcadia Original Tropical lamp is designed specifically to bring out the red and blue peaks of natural daylight that are necessary for photosynthesis. (Photosynthesis is the process of putting together - by means of light - two simple substances: carbon dioxide and water, to form carbohydrates, the basic food of all living organisms, and to release oxygen as a by-product).

The spectrum created also has the effect of highlighting the fluorescent features of fish such as neon and cardinal tetras, platys and guppies, bringing out and enhancing their highly attractive natural colours, making them appear to shine even more brightly.

The lamp tends to have a purple/pinkish tinge, which creates a very warm appearance in the aquarium, which many aquarists are familiar with.

The two wavebands which optimise both photosynthesis and chlorophyll synthesis have been enhanced in the Arcadia Original Tropical lamp. The effect of these wavebands is to actively promote healthy and well-balanced plant growth. The lamp also has the effect of bringing out the red and brown colours which often occur in aquarium plants such as ludwigia.

Until now, most lamps offering higher light output have been multi-purpose, i.e. both for freshwater or marine aquariums, and as such they have tended to be a compromise around what is actually required. As already stated, a fluorescent lamp can never match the sun’s output, but by careful formulation it is possible to maximise light output in the selected wavelengths of light, to achieve very good results.

In the natural tropical freshwater environment, the ideal light is generally closer to overcast daylight (7000K) than say from a marine reef environment (typically 10000K), where the main objective is to replicate light at a depth of 5 - 10 metres, where the water appears blue. High plant growth in fresh water environments often creates a very natural, green appearance.

The Arcadia Freshwater lamp, has been specially formulated to combine a uniquely created colour temperature of 7,500K (Kelvin), peaking in the green part of the spectrum, with a very high light output. It also provides superb colour rendition, enhancing all the beautiful natural colours to be found within a typical freshwater aquarium and creating an attractive viewing environment for the fishkeeper. Being a true tri-phosphor lamp, the quality of light is excellent and provides long and stable life characteristics.

In short, this lamp provides a unique solution for the tropical freshwater fishkeeper, with superb light output levels. The Arcadia Freshwater lamp brings out the natural colours of fish and pleasing greens of plants whilst vividly enhancing other associated plant colours, giving the viewer the ideal conditions in which to observe the aquarium and its inhabitants. The individual peaks of the spectrum are similar to the pattern required by plants for their photosynthesis of chlorophyll. This therefore offers an improved growth opportunity for the plants.

Through sunlight, nature manages to provide the right balance for growth and also make colourful animals and plants look bright and attractive for the viewer. We can replicate this effect by combining two specific lamp types together.

For freshwater tropical tanks, where plant growth and colourful fish are the main objectives, we recommend the use of the Arcadia Original Tropical and Arcadia Freshwater lamp together. This combination not only accentuates the reds and blues with the correct peaks for photosynthesis for plant growth, but also highlights the greens of plants and brings both good visibility and excellent colour rendition.

The intensity of the sun around coral reefs is very high. To attempt to replicate this intensity with fluorescent tubes it is necessary to achieve the highest lumen output and the correct spectrum.

Many white lamps are unable to provide the necessary levels of light output combined with the correct colour to really enhance and enliven the appearance of the marine aquarium.

The Arcadia Marine White lamp has a colour temperature of 9,500K (Kelvin) and an exceptional lumen output combined with very good colour rendition. The tri-phosphor formulation provides consistent long life and stability of output at these high levels of performance.

These factors make it the ideal choice for the serious marine aquarist, with excellent levels of light throughout the aquarium and extraordinary clarity for viewing the constantly changing marine environment.

A high proportion of light energy is concentrated in the area between 400 and 480nm, which also assists in the promotion of zooxanthellae production to encourage coral and invertebrate growth.

The other peaks across the spectrum allow the true, vibrant and natural colours of the fish, corals and invertebrates to be enhanced and to really stand out.

To really achieve the best results for marine aquariums, we recommend the combination of Arcadia Marine White and Marine Blue Actinic lamps.This will provide the benefits of excellent light output levels coupled with the correct spectrum to support

symbiotic algae,allowing good growth of the corals and invertebrates whilst greatly improving the overall lighting and appearance of the aquarium, with fluorescent effects as well.

For a marine aquarium to realistically represent reef life, it is essential to provide the best conditions for corals and invertebrates to thrive. Most important in this is the survival of zooxanthellae, a specific form of algae, which symbiotically assists the invertebrates to feed and remove waste matter.

In nature, the sun provides over 100,000 luxlux (lumen per sq. metre). At depths of typically 5 to 10 metres, where many of the corals and invertebrates are found, the visible light to be seen, is basically only in the blue wavebands, thus the familiar blue appearance. All the other wavelengths, particularly reds have been absorbed and filtered out by the salt water. This remaining blue light is the light which invertebrates have evolved to utilise for zooxanthellae symbiosis.

The Arcadia Marine Blue Actinic lamp range has been created to provide the specific spectrum (400 - 480nm) necessary to achieve the blue chlorophyll absorption for zooxanthellae symbiosis to develop.

This concentration of light energy in the so called 'actinic' range peaking at 420nm, is essential for the survival and good health of fish, corals and invertebrates in marine aquariums.

Another important element of the Arcadia Marine Blue Actinic lamp is the UV output present, which creates a very pleasant fluorescent effect on corals, invertebrates and exotic marine fish. When used at night with no other lamps, the effect is of a dark moonlit night with the vivid colours of the corals and invertebrates fluorescing brilliantly.

When used in conjunction with the Arcadia Marine White lamp range, the high levels of light output create a most realistic marine reef environment. This combination gives the most natural and pleasant appearance and highlights the fluorescence and bright colours of the fish, corals and invertebrates, along with the correct spectrum output at the required wavelengths to achieve the reproduction of the symbiotic algae, zooxanthellae.

- 220 240v
- Promotes coral, invertebrate and plant growth
- High intensity
- Photosynthetic deep marine spectrum
- Total illumination for living corals, marine algae and freshwater plants
-8 Sizes available

- 220/240w
- Intensifies fish colours
- Promotes plant growth
- Photosynthetic growing lamp
- Stimulates plants
- Promotes colour highlights in fish
-8 Sizes to choose from

- 220 240v
- T8
- Promotes marine reef life
- Standard intensity
- Visible actinic blue spectrum
- Simulates deep marine light
- Stimulates marine growth
-6 Sizes available

The vitamin D type derived from plants is vitamin D2 and is not suitable for proper calcium metabolism. For the best results, vitamin D3 must be obtained from regular exposure to UVB light, either from natural sunlight or the Arcadia D3 Reptile lamp.

High in UVA light for behavioural contentment...
It is now known that reptiles can see light in the UVA (320-400 nm) range. What a reptile sees affects its appetite. Reds are redder and greens are greener. A reluctant feeder needs UVA light to stimulate its appetite.

UVA is also needed to induce reproductive behaviour. Lizards have been found to possess ultra violet reflectance patterns on their skin, which indicatereproductive glands in particular. Female panther chameleons seek out UV light when preparing to lay eggs. Depriving a reptile of UVA light would be like making it live in a darkened room.

The Arcadia D3 Reptile lamp has a high UVA output (30%), providing all the elements which are so vital to the welfare of the reptiles.

A snake's behaviour can also benefit from UVA, even though they do not need UVB to synthesise vitamin D3.

Compared to nature...
As a full spectrum lamp, the Arcadia D3 Reptile lamp simulates sunlight. This provides high colour rendering for enhanced viewing of your reptiles and their environment. The colour temperature of 6,500K is similar to sunlight in a typical desert environment. The D3 lamp also helps plants grow in the vivarium or terrarium, where these are present.

Tips on use...

It is important to note that sufficient vitamin D3 is not enough in itself to avoid metabolic bone disease. Reptiles should also be fed foods rich in calcium and phosphorous.

Do not use a glass or protective lens between the lamp and the reptile - this will reduce the UV light, that your reptiles need.

For the larger terrarium with many plants, we recommend you also try the Arcadia Freshwater lamp, which really brings out the greens of your plants.

Why UVA?
Unlike humans, who have 'trichromatic' vision, enabling us to see only three primary colours - red, green and blue, we now know that many reptiles, amphibians and other species, have 'tetrachromatic' vision. This enables them to see the shorter UVA wavelengths of the spectrum that form a part of natural sunlight.

This UVA, or fourth primary, can be critical for the behaviour, including reproduction and feeding - life without UV would be the equivalent of us seeing everything in black and white, only worse.

Tips on use
 
Do not use a glass or protective lens between the lamp and the species as this will filter out most of the UV.

It is important that the Natural Sunlight Lamp is replaced each year due to UV phosphor deterioration.

Do not rely on lighting to provide all the Vitamin D3 synthesis needed. An appropriate diet and supplements are also important.

Fix the lamp at the top of the vivarium. The addition of an Arcadia Reflector will ensure that all the light is focused downwards and the intensity is increased.

For nocturnal species, make sure that there is an area where they can shelter away from the light and give them the necessary period of darkness each day.

Use in conjunction with the Arcadia Freshwater Lamp or Arcadia Original Tropical Lamp to enhance colour rendition and growth for planted and 'wet' vivariums.