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Compact Fluorescent Fixtures for Aquariums

Compact fluorescent fixtures (CFF) are the improved versions of standard fluorescent lights used in aquariums. The compact fluorescent fixtures produce a higher concentration of light when compared to traditional fluorescent fixtures. Although the light concentration in CFF is relatively lesser than that of metal halides, they are increasingly replacing the expensive metal halides for reef and salt water aquarium setups that require more focused lighting.

Physical Structure
- A fluorescent lighting fixture uses a traditional fluorescent tube. The compact version of the fixture uses a fluorescent tube bent in half. As a result, the four pins of the tube are at one end, unlike the standard tube in which there are two pins at each end. A compact fluorescent lamp is not compatible with a normal fluorescent fixture and needs an electronic ballast designed specifically to match its pin configuration and wattage.
Advantage
- The major advantage of a compact fluorescent tube is its high light output relative to its physical size and energy consumption. The Energy Policy Act (EPACT) of 1992 paved way for the ousting of fluorescent lighting fixtures, as they consume more energy. The lumen to watt ratio of CFF is sufficient to meet the EPACT requirement. EPACT is the US Government's policy to reduce the energy consumption of houses and buildings, as well as to promote technological advances that offer energy conservation. The CFF was approved by EPACT since a single CFF in an aquarium provides light that is equivalent to two standard fluorescent fixtures.
CFF in Reef Tanks
- Reef aquariums need actinic lighting and full spectrum daylight lighting in equal proportions. For the former, any lamp mentioned as actinic will be sufficient. An actinic bulb could be an Actinic, a True Actinic, a 7100K Actinic or a 4200nm Actinic. For day lighting, the most efficient bulb for corals is the 10,000K bulb, followed by any 6700K, 8800K, 12000K, 14000K and 20000K bulbs.
  
  In situations where there is a single row of bulbs, one will need a 50-50 lamp to ensure that full spectrum daylight and actinic light is distributed evenly. In such a bulb, half of the compact bulb is actinic, while the other half provides full spectrum daylight.
CFF in Freshwater Tanks
- Freshwater planted tanks generally make use of 5500K, 6500K or 6700K bulbs. On the other hand, fish-only tanks can use any bulb as fish do not need much light to live. Typically 6700K bulbs, which are closest to daylight, are used in fish tanks but essentially any lighting can be used depending on the aesthetics required.

Nature