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.
\t\tThis 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.
