Aquarium Products

Aquaray Solid State Lighting

What is Solid State Lighting?

Solid State Lighting (SSL) refers to a type of lighting that utilises light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as sources of illumination rather than electrical filaments or gas. The term "Solid State" refers to the fact that light in an LED is emitted from a solid object - a block of semiconductor - rather than from a vacuum or gas tube, as is the case in traditional incandescent and fluorescent lamps. Unlike these traditional lighting systems however, SSL creates visible light with reduced heat generation or parasitic energy dissipation leading to greater efficiency and lower energy costs. In addition the solid state nature of LED technology provides for greater resistance to shock, vibration and wear thereby increasing its lifespan considerably to more than 5x that of traditional lamp units.

What are the Benefits of AquaRay Solid State Lighting Systems?

AquaRay Solid State Lighting Systems have so many advantages over traditional lighting systems and can be used on all types of aquarium setups, from tropical to reef tanks. When you first install an AquaRay light unit above your tank you will immediately see the main benefit of this new technology. Unlike fluorescent lamps, AquaRay lighting delivers a directed, or "point" source of light, and the passage of this light through water is comparable with what would be seen in nature under direct sunlight. In other words, visible beams of light will pierce the water and reflect the movement of the water surface, producing a more natural and eye-catching effect in the aquarium itself. Until now, this effect could only be replicated with very powerful (and expensive) light sources such as metal halides.

Tank with 1 x Reef White AquaBeam 500 lamp unit

This effect is further enhanced by the contrast and moving shadows that are created on surfaces and aquarium décor in the aquarium - for the first time you will really feel you have a piece of the Amazon or the Great Barrier Reef in your own living room!

The benefits you will enjoy from ownership of an AquaRay Solid State Lighting System do not stop there. You will be helping to reduce your own future impact on the native environments of your tank inhabitants by investing now in the most environmentally-friendly lighting system available to the home aquarist.

• Up to 50,000 hours lamp life (equivalent to 6x standard fluorescent lighting) with no significant deterioration in spectral quality and less than a 20% reduction in light output.

• Low voltage and cool running. Uses a safe, low voltage DC supply, requiring no noisy fans and ensuring minimal heat transfer to the aquarium water, reducing the need for additional cooling systems.

• Highest useable and visible output of light per unit of energy consumed (all visible and directed). Tests have shown that a 12w AquaBeam produces up to 33% more illumination at 50cm than a 24w compact fluorescent aquarium fitting.

• Lowest running costs and carbon footprint of any lighting system available. An AquaBeam 500 lamp unit will cost less than £7 per year to run and will operate under normal aquarium conditions for up to 10 years before needing replacement. All AquaRay products are made by TMC in the UK, reducing unnecessary transport costs and further lowering the carbon footprint of your lighting system.
They are also environmentally safe, using NO MERCURY and are backed by a 5 YEAR GUARANTEE (1 year on power supply).

• Reduced light spillage around the aquarium with all the light directed to the aquarium, without scatter from inefficient reflectors and large, clumsy light fittings.

• Unique light-weight, waterproof design and flexible mounting options including over tank hanging and wall mounting, making them suitable for replacement, retrofit and new install.

• Future- proofed to include digital capability and compatibility. Unlike most fluorescents and metal halides, AquaRay light units have the capability to be digitally controlled and future AquaRay developments will include timer functions, dimming and colour changing to suit your mood and application.

The AquaRay AquaBeam 500 is a compact, 12w lighting strip - an affordable, modular design which gives the aquarist the flexibility to add on modules as required. This is available in the following combinations:-

AquaBeam 500 Single: 1 x 12w aquarium lighting strip

AquaBeam 500 DuoTwin: 2 x 12w aquarium lighting strips (same colour)

Both Available in: • Tropical White • Full Spectrum • Natural Daylight • Marine White • Reef White • Marine Blue • Reef Blue

AquaBeam 500 Duo Combo: 2 x 12w aquarium lighting strips (different colours)

Available in: • Tropical White/Marine White • Marine White/Reef Blue