Arcadia lighting and accessories

Fluorescent Reflectors

A lit fluorescent tube emits rays of light from all around its circumference. When such a tube is over an aquarium, any rays emitted from the top half of the tube are directed away from the water and are wasted. With a suitable reflector behind the tube it is possible to obtain the maximum efficiency from the tube and otherwise lost light energy is re-directed to where it is required - into the aquarium.

All Arcadia reflectors are manufactured from sturdy corrosion-resistant aluminium and are designed to be easily mounted on the aquarium hood by inserting the lamp clips through slots in the reflector. The reflector can then be angled to direct the light.

Series 4 Halide Light Units

The slimline Series 4 range of pendant lights are the most recent addition to the Arcadia range of quality aquarium lighting products.

Improvements on previous Arcadia products include:

• An improved slimline profile
• Built in light timers
• Improved ventilation, eliminating the need for fans
• Choice of colours - silver or black

For more information on halide lighting, see next section.

The diagram below shows the halide lamp (centre) fitted in a unit containing two fluorescent tubes but the Series 4 is available in a range of sizes to suit your aquarium.

In all but the mini versions, they are supplied with supplementary lighting from fluorescent tubes and with a choice of adjustable timers.

The great strength of the range is its flexibility. Due to its many variable options, it does not matter whether your tank is large or small, marine or freshwater - there is a series 4 pendant to suit.

Metal halide lamps

Metal halide is commonly accepted as the best substitute for nature when it comes to aquarium lighting. The exceptionally high light output when compared to other lamp types such as fluorescent tubes makes them a very effective light source, particularly for the larger tank set-up.

Commonly used in marine aquariums, they can also be a very useful asset in freshwater tanks - particular those where good plant growth is desired.

Many people only associate metal halide lamps with marine aquariums but that is not necessarily the case. Plants in freshwater aquariums need a light that contains wavelengths used for photosynthesis, offered at sufficient strength to the tissue of the plant. In many cases, suitable light can be provided by using appropriate fluorescent tubes but in cases of certain specialist species with a high light demand, or in the case of a deep water aquarium, it can be difficult to satisfy the light requirements of the tanks flora simply by using fluorescents. In such cases, the use of a suitable metal halide lamp can provide a solution.

The Arcadia 5,200Kelvin lamp will promote photosynthesis of aquatic plants whilst at the same time creating the visual effect we would expect to see in a clear, shallow freshwater stream.

FLUORESCENT TUBE HOLDING SPRING CLIPS

• Available in T5 and T8 sizes
• Supplied in packs of 4

FLUORESCENT STARTER SWITCHES

• Replacement starter switches required for magnetic ballast controllers
• Available for single lamps or for running twin lamps

REDUCING RINGS

• Required to convert T12 (1.5”/38mm) IP64 lamp holder leads to T8 (1”/26mm) lamps
• Supplied in packs of 2
• Comes complete with a pair of T8 plastic spring clips