When you are first setting up your freshwater tank, you may be overwhelmed by the amount of equipment you need to keep it running. Not only does a freshwater tank require a filter and a heater, but you also need a quality lighting system to keep your tank healthy. If you purchased an aquarium starter kit…

Aquarium lighting can involve more than just the hood or canopy and the bulbs that come with it. See what other components may be necessary when making your decision on aquarium lighting.

When you are first setting up your freshwater tank, you may be overwhelmed by the amount of equipment you need to keep it running. Not only does a freshwater tank require a filter and a heater, but you also need a quality lighting system to keep your tank healthy. If you purchased an aquarium starter kit that came with all of your basic supplies, it probably also came with a hood and a standard fluorescent bulb. While this type of lighting is certainly adequate, somewhere down the line you may want to consider upgrading to a higher quality system for the benefit of your live plants and other tank inhabitants. When you do, you should also consider what aquarium lighting accessories might be useful to you.

Power Cords and Ballasts For Aquarium Lighting

Because running an aquarium requires the use of several pieces of equipment, it is essential that you have a high-quality power strip. Having a power strip will prevent you from overloading your wall sockets, a condition which can be very dangerous. Power strips will also protect your aquarium and your expensive equipment in the event of a power surge or short circuit which could fry your equipment if it is simply plugged into the wall. Modern power strips are not just good for plugging in electric equipment – they can serve additional functions such as that of an automatic timer. Some power strips come with a built-in automatic timer feature which shuts off power to selected outlets at a certain time of day. This feature is especially useful for aquarium lighting – it will save you the hassle of having to remember to turn your tank lights on and off at certain times every day.

Depending on the type of aquarium lighting system you are using, you may need to purchase a ballast. A ballast is simply an extra power source that some high-power lighting systems require. These devices serve to stabilize the current produced by gas-conducted lighting systems. Metal halide lighting systems are the most likely to require a ballast, but many VHO and SHO systems are likely to as well. Ballasts come in various wattages and are designed to accommodate different intensities of light, so be sure to purchase the right ballast for your particular lighting system.

Mounting Hardware For Aquarium Lighting

Unless you are using standard or compact fluorescent bulbs, you may need more than a basic aquarium hood to mount your aquarium lighting. Aquarium hoods are often only equipped for tube bulbs with a contact pin on either end and are thus completely incompatible with high-power bulbs like T-5, VHO and metal halides. Some aquarium light bulbs can be screwed into lamps and suspended over the surface of your aquarium. Before you purchase a lamp, decide what type of bulb you plan to use so you can be sure the two will be compatible. SHO, super high output, bulbs can often be screwed into standard incandescent light fixtures but compact fluorescents and other bulbs may require specialty fixtures. Depending on the type of lighting system you select, you have many options when it comes to mounting hardware. Mounting legs can be used to suspend a long lamp directly above the surface of the tank and suspension kits can be used to hang lights from a rod or rail installed above the tank.

Cooling Fans For Aquarium Lighting

If you have ever tried to change a light bulb while the lamp is still on, you know that light bulbs can get very hot. While this may not be an issue with most standard and compact fluorescent bulbs, certain high-output lighting systems produce a great deal of heat while they are running. To prevent this heat from affecting your tank temperature too drastically, it is wise to install a cooling fan. Cooling fans come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can often be clipped directly to the side of the tank. If you are using metal halide or VHO lighting in your tank, consider installing a cooling fan or chiller to counteract the heat produced by the bulbs.

Other Aquarium Lighting Accessories

For the aquarium hobbyist who has a demanding or inconsistent schedule, automatic timers are a very useful accessory. If you do not want to use a power strip with a built-in automatic timer, you can purchase a separate timer and plug your aquarium lighting system directly into it. Automatic timers make it easy for you to regulate the amount of light your aquarium gets – this is a great way to prevent excess algae growth resulting from too much light. Another accessory you might consider is a water chiller. Water chillers can be used to regulate the temperature in your tank if you are using a high-output lighting system such as metal halides. These lights produce a great deal of heat and, depending on the size of your system, a cooling fan may not be enough to prevent your tank from overheating.

When you look at a well-maintained freshwater aquarium, one of the first things you are likely to notice is the way the aquarium lighting reflects off the scales of the fish as they swim and how it illuminates the live plants and…

The options for aquarium lighting seem virtually endless! Learn important points to consider when choosing aquarium lighting so you can make an informed decision.

When you look at a well-maintained freshwater aquarium, one of the first things you are likely to notice is the way the aquarium lighting reflects off the scales of the fish as they swim and how it illuminates the live plants and other tank decorations. The lighting in an aquarium can mean the difference between a tank looking dull and drab or looking vibrant and healthy. Aquarium lighting serves to do more than just enhance the appearance of your tank, however – it also serves an important biological function. If you want to cultivate a beautiful and healthy freshwater aquarium you need to carefully consider the type of lighting you are going to use. Before you can make this decision, however, you should understand the importance of aquarium lighting and learn the basics so you can make an informed decision.

Functional Purposes of Aquarium Lighting

When it comes to the functional purposes of aquarium lighting, the most important thing to mention is that lighting is necessary to sustain numerous biological processes within the aquarium. Aquarium lighting provides the energy photosynthetic organisms need to thrive and grow. In the freshwater tank, these organisms may include plants and algae which utilize light as an energy source in the process of converting carbon dioxide into oxygen through photosynthesis. In order to thrive, plants require lighting of a certain intensity and spectrum. While tanks housing only fish may get by on as little as one or two watts of lighting per gallon, planted tanks need between 2 and 5 watts per gallon. Aquarium plants should receive between 10 and 12 hours of light per day and full-spectrum lighting is recommended.

Aesthetic Purposes of Aquarium Lights

One of the main functions aquarium lighting performs is to increase the aesthetic appeal of your fish as well as the tank itself. Certain types of lighting have been shown to enhance the coloration of aquarium fish and also help to promote healthy plant growth. Aquarium light bulbs are available in a variety of different styles which emit light at different wavelengths. Full-spectrum bulbs emit light from all wavelengths of visible light, approximating the effect of natural daylight. Bulbs designed specifically to enhance the coloration of fish typically emit light from the warmer end of the spectrum – namely red and yellow light. Some species of fish have reflective or metallic coloration which shows best under bright light while others are more likely to thrive under dim lighting.

Making the Right Choice

In order to get the most out of your aquarium lighting you need to choose the right type of lighting for your particular tank. The factors to consider when selecting tank lighting are the size of your tank, the type of tank and your tank inhabitants. Some types of aquarium lighting, such as standard and compact fluorescent bulbs, can be adapted to a wide range of tank sizes while others, such as metal halide lights, are only recommended for large tanks. The type of tank – fish only or planted – should also play a major role in your decision regarding aquarium lighting. Planted tanks require higher wattages of aquarium lighting and certain lighting systems are recommended to provide for the needs of aquarium plants.

Finally, you need to think about the requirements and preferences of your tank inhabitants when selecting an aquarium lighting system. Certain species of fish like Loaches and Discus fish can be intimidated by intense lighting, while other fish show better in bright lighting. Before you make a decision, research the needs of the fish you plan to keep in your tank in order to ensure that the type of lighting you choose will fulfill those needs. Keep in mind that there are things you can do to alter the lighting in your tank regardless what type of lighting system you purchase. Adding floating plants can help to diffuse aquarium lighting and installing pieces of driftwood can help create shaded areas where fish like Loaches may feel at ease.

When it comes to aquarium lighting, many novice hobbyists assume that the bulb that comes with their tank hood is all they will need. While this type of lighting may indeed work for a short period of time, you will eventually need to purchase…

Aquarium lighting is a confusing subject for many aquarium hobbyists, but if you understand the basic terms it does not have to be. Find the option that fits your needs with this basic lighting overview.

When it comes to aquarium lighting, many novice hobbyists assume that the bulb that comes with their tank hood is all they will need. While this type of lighting may indeed work for a short period of time, you will eventually need to purchase a replacement bulb. Aquarium lighting is a confusing subject for many aquarium hobbyists, but if you understand the basic terms it does not have to be. Terms like “wattage,” “full-spectrum” and “metal halide” might seem like gibberish, but if you take the time to learn the basics of aquarium lighting you will find that it is not such a complicated subject after all.

Common Aquarium Lighting Terms

Watt – The watt is a unit of power used to measure the rate of energy conversion. In terms of aquarium lighting, the size or brightness of a bulb is described in watts. Bulbs having higher wattages typically put out brighter light than bulbs with low wattages.

Full-Spectrum – The term full spectrum, when applied to light bulbs, simply means that the bulb emits light from all the wavelengths of visible light. These bulbs are also called daylight bulbs because the light they produce is similar to natural daylight.

Color-Enhancing – This term is used to describe a type of specialty bulb which emits light from the warmer end of the spectrum. This light helps to enrich the color of aquarium fish.

50/50 – This term is another name used to describe actinic white bulbs. These bulbs produce a blend of blue and white light that is ideal for marine aquariums. This type of lighting helps to promote photosynthetic coral growth.

Actinic – Bulbs that produce light in the blue spectrum are described as actinic. Because blue light is better able to penetrate deep water than white light, actinic bulbs are often recommended for saltwater reef tanks.

Types of Lighting

Incandescent – If you have a lamp or overhead light in your home, the chances are good that the bulbs are incandescent. Incandescent bulbs produce soft, natural light but they may also produce a great deal of heat. For this reason, incandescent bulbs are usually not recommended for aquariums.

Fluorescent – The most commonly used type of aquarium lighting, fluorescent bulbs are available in a variety of sizes and wattages. Not only are they widely available and easy to use, but fluorescent bulbs tend to be fairly inexpensive and some varieties are highly energy efficient. Compact fluorescent bulbs, for example, are very small but produce high-intensity light and require less energy than standard bulbs.

Metal-Halide – These bulbs put out high intensity, wide spectrum light ranging from 70 to 1000 watts. Metal Halide bulbs are ideal for reef tanks and larger aquariums but because they put out so much heat, they should be used only in conjunction with an auxiliary fan or chiller. Metal Halide lights are typically available in two styles having either a single- or double-ended screw base.

LED – One of the more energy efficient options in aquarium lighting, LED lights are gaining popularity in the aquarium trade. Though they require little energy, these lights put out bright light at a low wattage. The low wattage makes them perfect for nocturnal tank inhabitants, though they can be used in virtually any type of aquarium. In addition to being energy efficient, LED lights have a longer life-span than flourescent bulbs. The initial cost for LED fixtures, however, is much higher than flourescent fixtures.

T-5 HO – This type of aquairum lighting is one of the most advanced options available to aquarium hobbyists and it employs the use of thin fluorescent bulbs which measure about 5/8” in diameter. T-5 HO, or High Output, lamps produce light that is almost twice as bright as standard fluorescent bulbs and it also offers greater longevity. These lights are particularly recommended for planted tanks and, because they run cool, they do not require a fan. T-5 lighting is a popular choice used by many aquarium hobbyists.

VHO – This acronym stands for Very High Output and it is used to describe a type of specialty fluorescent bulb which produces up to three times more light than standard fluorescent bulbs. In order to produce such intense light, VHO bulbs require special fixtures and ballast – they may also require the use of a chiller because they can produce a great deal of heat. VHO bulbs are available in a wide range of sizes and wattages and can be found anywhere between 75 and 165 watts.

With the latest advancements in technology providing an array of choices in aquarium lighting, there’s surely an option to fit your needs.