The Importance of Selecting the Proper Lighting for 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.

When buying an aquarium, getting a full tank setup means getting all the necessary equipment, and that includes the lighting. However, if you prefer to have a more customized setup, purchase separate lighting instead. The light you have to get will depend on the size of the tank and your selection of fish and plants.

The power of the aquarium lighting should be around 2 to 3 watts for every gallon of water in the tank. Keep in mind, however, that the lighting requirements for the aquarium with live plants would be more than that of the same aquarium with artificial plants. Be careful though, because more light is not always good for all fish. Some fish thrive in a brightly lit habitat, while some are bothered by too much light and end up being stressed. Furthermore, an environment with too much light causes algae to grow much faster.

For your lighting needs, you can choose between using fluorescent or incandescent bulbs. Incandescent bulbs are inexpensive, and therefore good for smaller aquariums, but their yellowish glow is not quite the same as natural light. They also generate heat so it would be a good idea to keep a thermometer handy, and monitor the water temperature regularly.

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.

The well-being of the fish and plants as well as the appearance of your aquarium depend on how well you have chosen your lighting. It is therefore important to make the selection with great care.

Leonard Boyler has been keeping fish for more than 20 years. His favorite products really make aquarium care and maintenance so easy everything from the start up to being able to clarify cloudy aquarium water. To learn more about how to keep water clear and fish healthy , please visit ONEdersave.com.