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 only 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 fulfill 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.

All tubes are 25mm (1 inch) in diameter,
except for 9 inch 6 watt & the 12 inch 8 watt, which are 5/8 inch

AND NOW  : FOR THE EVEN SMALLER TANK :

NEW : 9" Original Tropical Lamp : 6 watt

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.

Re-creates moonlight ambience

Blue actinic light
UVA creates fluorescence
Moonlight effect

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.

All tubes are 26mm (1 inch) diameter

Superb light output

Powerful penetrating white light
Accentuates natural fish colours
Colour replicates reef environment

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.

All tubes are 26mm (1 inch) diameter