Compact Fluorescent Aquarium Lighting

Compact fluorescents, sometimes called power compacts, are brighter and more energy efficient than normal output fluorescent bulbs.

Compact fluorescents are single ended, unlike traditional fluorescent bulbs which are double ended.

The basic components involved in assembling a compact fluorescent lighting systems are:

1. Compact fluorescent bulb
2. Ballast
3. Lamp sockets and brackets
4. Reflector

The three most common base types used for compact fluorescents are:

1. GX23 - 2 pin configuration
2. 2G11 - 4 pin straight configuration
3. 4 pin square configuration, often referred to as Panasonic or Japanese style

Compact fluorescents are available in multiple shapes, twin, quad, triple, and square to name a few. The most common bulb shape used in aquarium lighting is the twin followed by the quad.