Aquarium Lighting Introduction

Aquarium lighting is typically artificial such as via the use of light bulbs or fluorescent tube aquarium lighting. Natural sunlight is not only impractical (aquarium lighting should be from directly above) it can also lead to algae problems. Various factors determine the amount of light required for an aquarium. Some of the factors you must consider are:

• the type of fish and plants (fast growing plants need more light than slow growing plants)
• the height of the aquarium (the deeper the tank the more intense the light source needs to be in order to illuminate the bottom).
• the reflective qualities of the aquarium lighting
• the power of the bulbs to be used
• the water

Ultimately, the lighting of the aquarium like all the other factors depends on what you wish to do with your aquatic environment. If you simply want to watch your fish then a simple fluorescent tube should be sufficient, however, if you wish to grow corals and plants then more lighting will be needed. In addition, in their natural environment fish and other marine life would live in approximately 12 hours of light and 12 hours of night. Thus it is essential you try to simulate this as closely as possible by ideally setting timers to all your lighting. Remember all aquarium lighting should ideally be kept together under a hood; newer tanks come pre-fitted with fluorescent lighting.

Aquarium Lighting is arguably the most important part of a successful reef aquarium or planted freshwater tank. Not only do you need the appropriate amount of light, but it is essential that the colors given off are adequate for the reef species or plants. It is also amongst the most confusing and misunderstood of all aquarium supplies and equipment as there are just so may types. Here you'll find fluorescent aquarium lights, metal halide aquarium lights, compact fluorescent aquarium lights and specialty products like moonlight aquarium lights and lighting systems.

Type of aquarium lighting

There are two types of lights commonly used for aquariums: incandescent lighting and fluorescent lighting (fluorescent lamps). Incandescent lights cost less to buy but cost more to operate. Fluorescent lights are cooler and make more efficient use of electricity, so they are less expensive to operate. Most fish don't need a light above them in the aquarium. The light in the room is plenty of light for the fish. But many people prefer a lighted aquarium, so they can see the fish better.

Your aquarium lighting system must accomplish two distinct tasks. First, your lighting system must have the ability to sustain life and the life functions of each of your aquarium inhabitants. Second, the artificial light in your system must make your aquarium appealing and visually enjoyable to you, the viewer.

For fish only, smaller aquariums (55 gallons and less) a single strip, full spectrum fluorescent tube is sufficient. For larger aquaria, particularly those wider than 13 inches, twin tube strip lights are recommended.

Heavily planted aquariums, regardless of size, should have twin tube fluorescent lighting. This will allow the aquarium to be equipped with a full spectrum bulb to properly enhance the coloration of the fish, and a plant oriented bulb providing light in the red part of the spectrum promoting photosynthesis.

Various kinds of aquarium lighting types

Product Name: aquarium lighting
Place of Origin: China

Product Name: aquarium lighting
Place of Origin: China

Product Name: aquarium lighting
Place of Origin: China

Product Name: aquarium lighting
Place of Origin: China

Product Name: aquarium lighting
Place of Origin: China