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Metal Halide Aquarium Lighting |
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Written by Leon Huang
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Saturday, 13 August 2005 |
Metal Halide Aquarium Lighting
Metal halide technology is not for the mainstream hobbyists, but yet
there is no other lighting technology that provides as much light
intensity in limited space as metal halides. They are also the only
type of lighting that can create “glitter lines”, which are
aesthetically desirable.
Who needs metal halide aquarium lightings?
A single metal halide fixture is capable of providing several hundred
watts of light energy. Thus metal halide lightings becomes a necessity
as aquariums become deeper, especially those with a depth of 3 feet and
above. No other aquarium lighting technology has the intensity to reach
such depth. And for reef hobbyists that keeps highly demanding corals,
metal halides' intense illumination will be required for success.
"Metal halide aquarium lightings are the only lightings capable of
producing glitter lines."
What other benefits of metal halide aquarium lightings?
Have you ever seen aquariums that has these beautiful rippling light
effects in them? Those wonderful looking lines of shadow and light
rippling throughout the aquarium? This effect is called “glitter
lines”. These are created through water surface agitation and “point”
light sources, which is exactly what metal halide lightings are. And
for aquarium lightings, metal halides are the only lightings capable of
producing these glitter lines. You have to see it to realize how
beautiful it is!
Metal halide aquarium lightings need to be mounted on fixtures and kept
a distance above the aquarium. Although this can be seen as a
disadvantage, it is actually advantageous from an aesthetic point of
view. Some of these fixtures are really gorgeous!
The disadvantages of metal halide
Firstly, they cost a lot compared to fluorescent lightings. And
secondly, they are VERY hot! Good air circulation is a must, and it is
even better to have cooling fans for it. And because of the intense
amount of heat it produces, the aquarium water's temperature will
increase. So cooling down the water to offset the increase is
important. It is recommended to use a chiller for this purpose, as
there is a limit to how much temperature that fans can drop, no matter
how many you use. Another benefit is that chillers do not cause water
evaporation like fans do.
Conclusion
If you are the economic mainstream hobbyist, stick to fluorescent
lightings. But if you have the cash to spare, stylish fixtures and
breathtaking glitter lines awaits you! |
