Choosing the right aquarium lighting can be a challenge because of the range of choices available. A good way to limit your choices is to learn about some of the reasons for installing aquarium lighting. Once you learn about them, you will have a better idea of which lights to get.
There are several reasons for installing aquarium lights. You can install them for aesthetics, to increase visibility, and to ensure photosynthesis for the survival of reefs and coral. For aesthetics purposes, aquarium lighting can be used to highlight certain areas or aspects of your tank. So if you have fish or tank decorations that you want to display, aquarium lighting can help you do that. Aquarium lighting always makes the view from outside the glass only more interesting.
In most cases, aquarium lighting is installed because of need. In tanks that also contain coral and other invertebrates, lighting becomes essential to ensure the healthy living conditions of these organisms. This is because you need the right amount of light energy to initiate photosynthesis to keep corals alive. Usually, fish-only tanks do not need much lighting, while reef tanks need specific types of lighting. So if you have reefs and or coral or plan to have them in your tank, you should put more attention to the type of lighting to install.
Other practical considerations for selecting aquarium lighting would be the size of your tank and the type and number of fish in the tank. For example, you may want to have the lights mimic the light present in tropical waters if you have tropical fish.
Other considerations would be the size of the tank, the number and type of fish you have in the tank. For example, you may want to put in lights that mimic sunlight for tropical fish. Now that you have an idea of some of the reasons for installing aquarium lights, here are the types of aquarium lights available for you. These differ in the lights that they provide, the purpose that they serve, and the advances in lighting technology.
These lights are inexpensive and can provide appropriate lighting to your tank. The downside is that these lights can become very hot and can break down easily. Another disadvantage is that these consume a lot of electricity. In the long run, these lights can cost more with regular use. At present, it is not recommended to use these kinds of lights when there are better options available.
Compared to other types of aquarium lighting, these lights provide more illumination. Though more expensive, fluorescent lights make is an investment if you're after durability, cool operation, and efficient use of electricity. You can get them as tubes or as a set from your fish stores. There are also fluorescent bulbs available if you have only bulbs for your lighting setup. Another advantage is that new fluorescent lights are more energy efficient, while also giving more illumination.
These lights are the lights of choice for people who own reefs and corals. Since these lights produce light at a specific wavelength, you can get a light that emits the right wavelength to induce photosynthesis. The only disadvantage is that these lights also heat up fairly quickly. You may need to install a cooling fan to keep the lights from overheating. Another thing to consider is that these lights can also heat up the water temperature; you might also need a chiller for your tank.
Next on list are metal halides. These give out lights of stronger intensity and of a specific wavelength. This makes it a good choice for people who have corals and reefs in their tanks. Since you can find the right wavelength for your needs, ensuring the health and survival of the corals and reefs are assured. Just be aware that these lights burn very hot and can consume lots of energy. You may need to install cooling fans beside the lights and chillers in your tank to maintain the correct water temperature. - 29953
There are several reasons for installing aquarium lights. You can install them for aesthetics, to increase visibility, and to ensure photosynthesis for the survival of reefs and coral. For aesthetics purposes, aquarium lighting can be used to highlight certain areas or aspects of your tank. So if you have fish or tank decorations that you want to display, aquarium lighting can help you do that. Aquarium lighting always makes the view from outside the glass only more interesting.
In most cases, aquarium lighting is installed because of need. In tanks that also contain coral and other invertebrates, lighting becomes essential to ensure the healthy living conditions of these organisms. This is because you need the right amount of light energy to initiate photosynthesis to keep corals alive. Usually, fish-only tanks do not need much lighting, while reef tanks need specific types of lighting. So if you have reefs and or coral or plan to have them in your tank, you should put more attention to the type of lighting to install.
Other practical considerations for selecting aquarium lighting would be the size of your tank and the type and number of fish in the tank. For example, you may want to have the lights mimic the light present in tropical waters if you have tropical fish.
Other considerations would be the size of the tank, the number and type of fish you have in the tank. For example, you may want to put in lights that mimic sunlight for tropical fish. Now that you have an idea of some of the reasons for installing aquarium lights, here are the types of aquarium lights available for you. These differ in the lights that they provide, the purpose that they serve, and the advances in lighting technology.
These lights are inexpensive and can provide appropriate lighting to your tank. The downside is that these lights can become very hot and can break down easily. Another disadvantage is that these consume a lot of electricity. In the long run, these lights can cost more with regular use. At present, it is not recommended to use these kinds of lights when there are better options available.
Compared to other types of aquarium lighting, these lights provide more illumination. Though more expensive, fluorescent lights make is an investment if you're after durability, cool operation, and efficient use of electricity. You can get them as tubes or as a set from your fish stores. There are also fluorescent bulbs available if you have only bulbs for your lighting setup. Another advantage is that new fluorescent lights are more energy efficient, while also giving more illumination.
These lights are the lights of choice for people who own reefs and corals. Since these lights produce light at a specific wavelength, you can get a light that emits the right wavelength to induce photosynthesis. The only disadvantage is that these lights also heat up fairly quickly. You may need to install a cooling fan to keep the lights from overheating. Another thing to consider is that these lights can also heat up the water temperature; you might also need a chiller for your tank.
Next on list are metal halides. These give out lights of stronger intensity and of a specific wavelength. This makes it a good choice for people who have corals and reefs in their tanks. Since you can find the right wavelength for your needs, ensuring the health and survival of the corals and reefs are assured. Just be aware that these lights burn very hot and can consume lots of energy. You may need to install cooling fans beside the lights and chillers in your tank to maintain the correct water temperature. - 29953
About the Author:
Guss Fitzgerald is a hobbyist who has kept aquarium fish for many years. He has gained much of his understanding of the various types of aquarium lighting from studying books and his own personal experience. To learn more about keeping a fish tank consider visiting MarineDepot.com.
