The first commercially available LUXIM LIFI plasma arc light is coming to the aquarium market sooner than we expected. The Seashine™ aquarium light series by Stray Light Optical Technology, based in Scottsburg, Indiana, is debuting sometime in the early part of this year making way for a whole new lighting revolution in the hobby. Based on the LUXIM plasma lighting technology, the Seashine fixture is already in use at the Monterey Bay Aquarium and will soon be available to hobbyists everywhere. More details and specs after the break.
A more efficient lighting option than traditional metal halide systems, the Seashine provides 180-percent higher PAR value than that of a 10,000K 400W MH fixture and using just 290W. The unit also fires up pretty quickly, achieving full brightness in 40 seconds. With a Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) of 5,300K at 100 percent, the Seashine will give you a wide spectrum of lighting possibilities. When dimmed below 50 percent, the Seashine emits a pleasant blue hue we seek in aquarium lighting with the benefits of natural sunlight at the top end.
On top of that, the Seashine will feature either on-board dimming controls or a remote cord controller allowing for dimming from 20 to 100 percent. They offer integration for commercial systems as well as a plethora of other custom controlling solutions with features controllable via a mobile phone.
Gone are the days of replacing MH bulbs every six to nine months, with an effective lifespan of 25,000 hours, the Seashine with provide over six years of use running at 12 hours a day. Besides the energy efficiency gained, the light fixture produces less hear and near infrared radiation that MH bulbs allowing for less reliance on chillers and other cooling devices.
These lights also will be customizable to your tank’s needs with a variety of stock reflectors or the ability to create a custom reflector to fit odd-shaped tanks or other lighting effects. The standard reflector will give 55 degrees of spread with other options including a 100-degree flood, a 30-degree deep and a 55- by 30-degree rectangular reflector.
A nice touch with the light is the warranty and support the company provides. The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for five years and three years on electronics and lamp components.
We are waiting to hear back from the company on suggested retail pricing and when the first units will ship and will provide more information as soon as its available. The company will begin taking pre-orders for the Seashine at the end of January.
