For the first time plasma lighting technology is being experimented with over reef aquariums. These tiny tic-tac sized lamps tout up to 140 lumens per watt, making it arguably the most efficient aquarium light source sans natural sunlight. To get you up to speed on the technology, take a moment and watch this brief video by c|net highlighting Luxim’s plasma lamp.

Chris Clough, maker of Aqua Illumination ‘AI’ LED lights, has begun testing this technology using what looks to be a Luxim plasma lamp very similar to their LIFI 31-02 unit. EDIT: Via Chris, they are utilizing the Luxim STA-40 Series.

EDIT: The STA-40 Series uses 249w and pushes out 22,000 or 19,200 lumens (88 l/w or 77 l/w) while still dimmable from 20-100%. It is also rated for 30,000 hours, much more than the 10,000 hours life of the  31-02 unit.  See the updated spectral graph below for the 40-02 and 40-01 models.

Todd at Cherry Corals who has his hands on the AI test unit, has stated that when dimming the lamp the spectrum becomes much more blue. See for yourself in the image gallery where the plasma lamp is mounted in an Lumenarc reflector:

• AI Plasma Prototype 1
• AI Plasma Prototype 2
• AI Plasma Prototype 3

This is still very new technology and AI is said to be testing the waters as Plasma technology comes into frutation. In the meantime check out this architecture plasma spotlight that Luxim is already making. I’ll take two,  better do a patent search first. Two thumbs up to energy efficient lighting solutions and to Aqua Illumination for experimenting with this tech so early on.

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