The ZooMed Powersun H.I.D. Metal Halide UVB Lamp is a new high intensity discharge lighting system that was originally designed for reptiles and terrariums. This full spectrum metal halide system consists of a pendant with a built-in 70 watt metal halide ballast, and a specially designed PAR38 socket metal halide lamp.
Despite having been built with reptiles in mind, this smaller metal halide pendant could actually provide a nice PAR boost in our blue-heavy LED and fluorescent lighted aquariums, not to mention a big boost in the ultraviolet end of the spectrum. To be clear, most reefers will not, and probably should not, consider this product as a primary light source. But for shallow reefers who want to grow SPS corals at breakneck speed, this is a pretty cool light.
First of all, the small form factor and built-in ballast makes this light much more manageable than conventional metal halide pendants. The reduced size also allows this light to be mixed in between now conventional LED lighting fixtures. Our blue-heavy LED lights are perfect for maximizing coral coloration, but for shallow water corals and clams, a broad spectrum with an extra dose of ultraviolet light could be greatly beneficial for boosting both color and growth.
ZooMed’s Powersun H.I.D. actually consists of a pendant and a lamp which are sold seperately. The lamp has a PAR38 socket and a customized shape which offers a broader light spread than typical PAR38 metal halides, and plenty of dimples and diffusing to minimize any potential hotspots, good for both reptiles and corals.
It is possible to use other 70 watt metal halide lamps with this fixture, but these are mostly available in lower kelvin, and more concentrated light distribution. If you’re not interested in getting extra UV for shallow water corals, these warmer colored metal halides could help to accentuate the pinks and purples of an aquarium which is primarily lit with LED Lights.
We don’t expect too many mainstream reefers to get excited about a new metal halide lamp, but for those of us with very big tanks, or pining for a more balanced lighting spectrum over their corals, the small 70 watt ZooMed Powersun H.I.D. Metal Halide UVB Lamp could be the perfect supplemental lighting. [ZooMed]
