Aquarium Lighting Faq JBJ

 

What are compact fluorescents?

Why are JBJ Compact Fluorescents better than traditional fluorescent tubes?

What are Kelvin degrees?

Why are Blue Actinics used for reefs?

What bulbs are used in JBJ lights?

Does JBJ offer "retrofits"?

How long do compact fluorescent bulbs last compared to traditional fluorescent bulbs?

Why is aluminum alloy used as the outer shell instead of ABS plastic?

Why are compact fluorescent lighting preferred over metal halides?

What is the difference between electric (magnetic) and electronic ballasts?

Are compact fluorescents cooler than metal halides?

Who else sells JBJ lights besides independent retailers?

Are JBJ lights safe against salt creep?

How do I figure out how much light I need for my tank?

Can I use JBJ lights for my live plants?

What type of warranty do you give on your lights?

How do I find the nearest JBJ authorized dealer?



















































Q. What are compact fluorescents?

A. Compact fluorescents are the latest technological advancement in single-ended fluorescent tubes. These tubes contain enriched rare earth phosphors that produce maximum light output while being very energy efficient.

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Q. Why are JBJ Compact Fluorescents better than traditional fluorescent tubes?

A. JBJ Compact Fluorescents produce three times the light output and illuminate 2.5 times longer spectrum and intensity life.

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Q. What are Kelvin Degrees?

A. It's the measurement of the color temperature that a light produces. A lower temperature indicates a warmer light that has more yellow, while higher temperature would indicate a cooler light that has more blue in color appearance.

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Q. Why are Blue Actinics used for reefs?

A. Blue Actinics is the most effective light color that can penetrate the furthest into aquariums. This color not only benefits invertebrates and corals, but also re-creates the effects of dawn and dusk.

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Q. What bulbs are used in JBJ Lights?

A. We offer 6500K and 10,000K daylight bulbs, which simulate the natural color of the sun. We offer 7100K blue bulbs to enhance the beneficial effects on corals and invertebrates. We also offer a half-blue/half-white bulb made specifically for fish tank customers who want the same colors of power compacts, without the higher price and excess heat.

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Q. Does JBJ offer "retrofits?"

A. We offer our new Retrofit Deluxe. It comes standard with many newly added features while still being competitively priced. See the Lighting Systems section for more info.

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Q. How long do compact fluorescent bulbs last compared to traditional fluorescent bulbs?

A. Compact fluorescents should be replaced every 16 months. Replacement is vital for the health of our livestock. Traditional fluorescent tubes need replacement every 6-9 months due to the decline in spectrum and intensity. Compact fluorescent last an average of 2.5 times longer with longer performance.

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Q. Why is aluminum alloy used as the outer shell instead of ABS plastic?

A. Aluminum alloy is used because it dissipates heat quicker than any other material. The aluminum alloy shell is also engraved with extra lines to add surface area for faster dissipation. This material also allows the light to be resistant to corrosion and is very lightweight.

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Q. Why are compact fluorescent lighting preferred over metal halides?

A. Although metal halides are considered the best possible light that resembles the natural sun, there are many disadvantages to their usage. Metal halides can be very expensive, hot, and consume much more energy than compact fluorescents. It has been proven that compacts can keep delicate corals such as acroporas alive for years with success.

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Q. What is the difference between electric (magnetic) and electronic ballast?

A. Conventional electric ballasts are usually larger, very hot, and use more energy to illuminate. Electronic ballasts are cool, small, lightweight, and about 20% more energy efficient. JBJ uses ELECTRONIC ballasts in their light systems to ensure the most advanced technology for end users.

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Q. Are compact fluorescents cooler than metal halides?

A. JBJ compact fluorescents are all equipped with a built-in electronic ballast, which allows the bulbs to run cooler and reduce the risk of bulb burnouts associated with overheating. Metal halides run off a magnetic ballast which are very hot and produce a tremendous amount of heat. Many of our lighting models come standard with built-in fans. See Light Systems for more information.

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Q. Who else sells JBJ lights besides independent retailers?

A. No one—JBJ Light Systems can only be found at your local independent retail shops.

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Q. Are JBJ light bulbs safe against salt creep?

A. JBJ includes an acrylic lens to safeguard against any chance of salt creep. Connector pins are also sealed with rubber in case of any water splash. All lighting is made out of German aluminum alloy, which will not rust or corrode.

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Q. How do I figure out how much light I need for my tank?

A. It depends on many factors, such as depth from light source, what type of animal is being kept, and if reflectors are being used. The average is 3-5 watts per gallon for a reef tank.

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Q. Can I use JBJ lights for my live plants?

A. Yes, our Venice model incorporates 6500K, 10,000K or blue/white combo daylight bulbs that perfectly suit live plants while giving the aquarium a very natural look.

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Q. What different colors are the light hoods offered in?

A. Our light hoods are offered in a glossy black baked enamel finish.

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Q. What type of warranty do you give on your lights?

A. We warranty our light bulbs and ballasts for 6 months from the date of purchase. You must have the original receipt. See Warranty Info for more details.

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Q. How do I find the nearest JBJ authorized dealer?

A. Please e-mail us for the nearest JBJ dealer.

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