What Lighting to Put in Your Aquarium
Lighting is always a requirement for aquariums. Not only does it highlight the fish and the dcor but it also serves the ecosystem in the tank, particularly if you have decided to add fresh plants to your tank.
The easier way to set up an aquarium is to get the full tank setup. This usually includes the lighting, along with the other necessary equipment. Although this setup might be cheaper, it is much more advisable to choose your own lighting so that you can customize it according to the size of your tank and the needs of your selected fish and plants.
The normal aquarium light needed for a gallon of water is about 2-3 watts. If you have fresh plants, they will need more light than what is adequate for an aquarium that has plastic or artificial plants. But you have to be careful in putting in more lighting. While some fish enjoy a brightly lit home, some fish are stressed with too much light. There is also the worry of more algae growth when there is more light.
For a freshwater aquarium, your choice is between incandescent and fluorescent bulbs. The incandescent type gives of a yellowish glow that is not very close to natural light, but they are inexpensive, and can be a good choice for smaller aquariums. Incandescent bulbs do emit heat, so be sure to place a thermometer in the tank to monitor the water temperature.
Fluorescent light is much more appropriate for an aquarium with live plants. They come in tubes or compact bulbs. The light they emit is more natural looking and does not produce any significant heat. If you have more fresh plants in your tank, you might need more than 3 watts per gallon of water. When purchasing a fluorescent tube, be sure that the length will fit into your aquarium hood. A compact fluorescent bulb, on the other hand, is equipped to fit into any plug designed for incandescent bulbs.
You also need to know about light spectrum. Fluorescent lights have specialized spectrums for your aquarium needs. Full spectrums gives out all the required wavelengths of light that is best for your fish and fresh plants. Different parts of the spectrum have distinctive effects on the different contents of your aquarium. Tropical fish grow brighter with purple-tinted lights. Aquatic plants grow better under the orange-red light.
Aquarium lights need to be turned off at night to emulate their natural habitat. You can use submersible LED lights with subdued colors to light them up when you have the main lights off. This allows the fish to experience night while allowing you to watch them without disturbing their natural routine. The LED lights will also add color and accent to your fish or decor.
Aquarium bulb replacement is an important and unavoidable part of the maintenance of your aquarium. The bulbs should be replaced yearly even if they are still working because they gradually dim with time.
If you choose the right aquarium light, it will not only add color and artistry to your aquarium, it will also serve you well in keeping your fish and plants healthy.
Leonard Boyler has been keeping fish for more than two decades. His favorite products make aquarium care and maintenance so easy from start up to clarifying cloudy fish tanks. To learn more about how to keep water clear and fish healthy, please visit ONEdersave.com.
