Aquarium and Terrarium Basics
Many people evaluate aquarium and reptile lamps in terms of
"brightness" and "color-temperature". In the aquarium and reptile
biosphere this terminology is erroneous and misleading. The term
"brightness" refers to radiant energy that is capable of exciting the retina of
the human eye and producing a visual sensation. "Color-temperature" is the
summation of blue, green and red spectral output as charted in color space.
Life Sustaining Radiant Energy
The primary function of lighting in the aquarium and terrarium is to
provide life sustaining radiant energy to the biosphere. Considering that the photo
responses of the inhabitants present in the biosphere are considerably different than that
of the human eye, "brightness" and "color temperature" are not the
correct evaluations of aquarium and reptile lamps.
Major Photo Responses
Required in the Biosphere
The
action spectra of the five major photo responses of the aquarium and terrarium biosphere
show utilization of energy in three spectral regions:
400 to 500 nm
600 to 700 nm
700 to 800 nm
As shown
in the graph, these regions are outside of the photopic visions (response of the human
eye). The transmission of light in water must also be taken into consideration in
developing the lighting spectrum for the aquarium biosphere. In general, shorter
wavelengths penetrate deeper. Therefore, the actinic wavelengths are more prevalent in the
normal marine environment while the longer red wavelength is limited in its depth of
penetration and presence in the marine environment.
Radiant Energy for Color Appearance
Once the
primary life sustaining factors have been achieved for the individual biosphere, it's
desirable to create a pleasing presentation to the human eye. In the most modern lighting
systems, this is accomplished by producing high color rendering light output. Color
rendering is the proper mixing of light in the three "primary" color areas of
blue (450 nm), green (540 nm) and red (611 nm). The scientific combination of light output
in these three areas will create a high degree of color rendering accuracy, resulting in
the enhancement of the true colors of the fish and corals in the aquarium biosphere.
The
ultimate objective is lighting that provides life sustaining spectral energy while
providing vibrant color enhancements. This achievements cannot be described by
"brightness" or "color-temperature". It must be created by a
scientific and artistic combination of phosphors.
Voltarc Brand Aquarium and
Reptile Lamps
Satisfy These Requirements
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