Page 23 - PDZA Sustainable Aquarium Brochure

LIGHTING: ENERGY USE & CONSERVATION

All exhibit area and tank lighting at the Pacific Taking advantage of the inherent controllability
Seas Aquarium will feature advanced LED-based of LED, we employed programmable lighting
light sources. LEDs offer many advantages over controls to select light levels for various species
more traditional light sources such as metal halide and displays while using the same equipment
or fluorescent. Advantages include variable from tank to tank in most cases. This simplifies
spectral color output, significantly more efficient installation and maintenance while maximizing
energy use, superior optical characteristics and flexibility. Programmable systems also allow for
controllability, as well as extended life. These more dynamic lighting environments that may
things help minimize maintenance and make LED better mimic the natural world. Timed dimming
attractive in spite of potentially higher initial costs. and color controls may be used to emphasize or
minimize the dimensionality of exhibit tanks as
At the New Pacific Seas Aquarium, we employed well as emulate sunrise, sunset, passing clouds,
a variety of LED sources providing static white and the frequent variability of daylight that
light, color temperature (warm or cool) tunable oceanic species experience in nature.
white light and red/green/blue/white color.
The goal is to engage the public more fully in
experiencing the interaction with the underwater
world and supporting the mission of the
aquarium. Tuning the color spectrum of each light
source allows us to compensate for the natural
characteristic of water to absorb warmer red
colors in the spectrum earlier than cooler blues.
Adding some measure of red back in creates a
more vivid viewing experience.

CASE STUDY: THE PACIFIC SEAS AQUARIUM AT POINT DEFIANCE ZOO & AQUARIUM 23