In the aquarium lighting sector, most manufacturers and retailers are steadily moving toward the energy efficiency of LEDs, but this hasn’t stopped some companies from running with relatively new metal halide technology. The latest and greatest rendition of the popularized metal halide lamps comes in the form of twin arc bulbs, which as the name suggests is like two metal halide bulbs wrapped into one. And interestingly enough, it’s a company best known for their LED lighting that’s standing behind the technology. Reef Brite has teamed up with renowned lighting specialist Tullio DellAquila to bring metal halides to a whole new level. The first product out of the gate is their Reef Brite TWIN-ARC metal halide lamp, which was shown off at the Marine Aquarium Expo over the weekend.
So, what’s so special about a double arc metal halide? For starters, the arcs can be two different colors, essentially giving users the ability to have the intense growth of white bulbs and the deep blue colors of the higher kelvin bulbs all in one lamp. This alone should cut down on the need for supplemental actinic lighting, which saves on equipment costs and electric bills.
The dual bulb colors not selling you? Well the twin arc metal halides are also said to be more energy efficient than standard bulbs. Reef Brite calls this lamp “the most energy efficient and economical” light available. We don’t know exact specifications on this claim as of yet, but believe me, we’re digging. Another claim we’ve heard is that these lamps barely get warm to the touch, even after hours of use. This, perhaps, is an indicator of the lamp using less energy and running more efficiently.
These lamps are currently availalbe through Reef Brite and its distributors, with lamps coming in single ended bulbs of 175, 250, 400, and 1000watt models. As for color options, each bulb comes in 10K, 14K, and 20K configurations, along with a 10K/20K dual color configuration.
Special thanks to Joe Savoy for the photos.
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