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Aim Bio Lux Dophin LED‑Bio Lux
R 97.00
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Aim Bio Lux Dophin LED‑Bio Lux
The Bio Lux line is a lighting series for aquariums sold in South Africa (by Akwa, Dophin, etc.). There are both fluorescent and LED versions.
Bio Lux means the light is intended to mimic natural daylight (full spectrum) and may include a small amount of UV, to help with plant growth, fish health, and potentially suppressing some bacteria or algae.
Key Specs & Variants
Here are some of the variants and their specifications that are available (or I found listed). Not every size is listed, but several are:
| Variant | Length Size | Power | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bio Lux Fluorescent | 36 893 mm | 30 W | Full spectrum fluorescent & includes a small UV component. For larger aquariums |
| Dophin LED‑1088 BIO LUX | 35 cm | ~12 W | LED, multiple spectrum, 120° dispersion, adjustable mounting feet, suitable for fresh & marine tanks. |
| Dophin LED‑1089 BIO LUX | 45 cm | ~17 W | As above, bigger size, higher power. |
| Dophin LED‑1090 BIO LUX | 60 cm | ~20 W | Multiple spectrum, LED, 120° light dispersion, extendable bracket legs. Good for longer tanks. |
Strengths
From what I gather, the Bio Lux line offers several advantages:
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Spectrum & Quality: The multiple spectrum LED options are more versatile (you can choose Bio Lux, Marine, RGB etc.), meaning you can get lighting more tailored to either plant growth or fish aesthetics.
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Efficiency: LED versions are more energy‑efficient and generate less heat than fluorescent lamps, so lower operating cost.
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Modularity Flexibility: Many LED variants come with adjustable mounting feet or extendable brackets, allowing them to span different tank widths.
Limitations What to Watch Out For
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Brightness Output for Deep or High Demand Tanks: If your aquarium is deep, or you have demanding plants corals, the wattages and LED output listed might not be enough. 20 W for 60 cm is decent for moderate light but may fall short for high‑intensity needs.
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Spec Clarity: I did not find consistent PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) or lux values for all models; likewise for colour temperature (Kelvin). That makes it harder to know exactly what full spectrum means in each case.
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Fluorescent vs LED Lifespan & Maintenance: Older fluorescent lamps degrade faster, need more frequent replacement; LED versions generally will last longer, but lighting quality still drops over time.
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Suitability with Sensitive Fish Corals: For sensitive marine species or very light‑needy corals, you’ll want to double check whether the spectrum, intensity, and penetration are sufficient.
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UV Content: The fluorescent version says it contains a small amount of UV light to kill harmful bacteria and algae, which could be useful but also could stress or harm certain species if not appropriate you'd want to ensure it’s safe for your tank inhabitants.
Overall Verdict
If I were you, here’s how I’d judge whether a Bio Lux lamp is right:
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If your tank is shallow to moderate depth (say < 50‑60 cm), with plants that are not extremely demanding, or fish that don’t require special lighting, then a mid‑level LED Bio Lux (e.g. the 45‑60 cm ~17‑20 W models) could work well.
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If you want strong lighting for dense planted tanks, or want to grow corals marine species, you might need something more powerful (or multiple LEDs) or a lamp with well‑documented PAR lumen output.
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Also check the local cost vs expected lifespan: an LED may cost more upfront but last much longer and use less electricity.
