Types of Aquarium Lighting for Your Fish Tank Needs

With the number of aquarium lighting available, it may be difficult to choose the right one for you. Though that may be the case, you just need to remember the main reason you need aquarium lighting. There are different uses for aquarium lighting and knowing what you want to do with them would make your selection easier.

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.

The more important issue is the type of fish and creatures that you have on your tank. This is true if you have corals, reefs, and other invertebrates. Since these creatures need light of specific intensity and wavelength, having the right amount of light ensure that these will survive in your tank. You can also use aquarium lighting to reflect the natural environment of some types of fish. For example, you can use bright lights to simulate the heat of the sun for tropical fish. Though not really essential, this kind of lighting can help new tropical fish adapt to their new environment. Also part of the consideration is the number of fish you have and the size of your tank.

The types of aquarium lighting are categorized based on the need that they address and the technology that made them. Here, you can find the general types of aquarium lighting available and the specific use of each.

Incandescent lights are the traditional aquarium lights. They are not expensive, but if you add their operation and care to the total cost, they can cost more in the long run. They burn hot and break down easily. Also, these lights eat up a lot of electricity.

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.

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