| All aquariums need some sort of lighting. Lights in an | | | | considered a better option than incandescent bulbs |
| aquarium enhances the view, increasing the details | | | | for aquarium lighting, fluorescent lights emit a brighter |
| you can see in the tank décor as well as in the | | | | and whiter light. If you have a planted tank, you'll |
| fish themselves. When you purchase an aquarium, | | | | need fluorescent lights, since this type of light can be |
| you can opt to choose a full tank setup, which will | | | | utilized by plants. 2-3 watts per gallon should be |
| include basic lighting supplies. However, buying your | | | | sufficient unless your aquarium is heavily planted. |
| lighting setup piece by piece can provide you much | | | | Standard household fluorescent lights can be used on |
| more control over the individual lighting components, | | | | fish tanks; there are also specialized aquarium lights |
| so that you can purchase exactly the right lighting for | | | | that offer specific spectrums of light for different |
| your aquarium and for your fish. | | | | purposes. A "full spectrum" fluorescent light is ideal |
| When it comes to aquarium lighting, your choices | | | | for those who want brightly-colored fish and healthy |
| depend on the type of hood you have purchased, as | | | | plants, because it offers the widest range of |
| it will affect the style of bulb you'll be able to use. | | | | wavelengths. A light concentrated in the purple |
| You must also consider the lighting requirements for | | | | spectrum will bring out the colors of your tropical fish, |
| your fish as well as any live plants in the tank. | | | | while blue lights tend to increase the growth of algae. |
| Step one is to select light bulbs, which are measured | | | | Orange-red lighting is ideal for growing aquatic plants. |
| in watts. Most aquariums need about 2-3 watts per | | | | Halide lights are a third option for aquarium light |
| gallon of water, although planted tanks require slightly | | | | setups, although they are usually found only on |
| higher light levels than those with plastic plants. | | | | high-end aquariums. They are known for very bright |
| Although you may assume that brighter lights are | | | | lights, often hundreds of watts, and should only be |
| better, this is not always the case. Many fish enjoy a | | | | used on very large aquariums. Halide systems are |
| more subdued environment, and can become | | | | often used on saltwater tanks, which can require up |
| stressed out under intense lighting. Bright lights can | | | | to 8 watts per gallon, as opposed to the 2-3 watts |
| also increase the growth of algae, another great | | | | per gallon for a freshwater aquarium. |
| reason not to exceed the recommended wattage | | | | In addition to the main lighting system, you may also |
| for your aquarium. | | | | want an accent light. Submersible LED lighting in |
| In a freshwater aquarium, there are two main types | | | | almost any color imaginable can be used to accent |
| of lighting: incandescent, and fluorescent. Most | | | | your plants or tank décor. These lights allow you |
| incandescent lights come in the form of screw-in light | | | | to watch your fish in the dark, without interrupting |
| bulbs, each offering 15 to 25 watts of power. | | | | their daily patterns. |
| Incandescent lighting is known for a yellowish tint, | | | | No matter what type of light setup you choose for |
| and does not mimic natural light as well as other | | | | your aquarium, always remember to turn it off at |
| lighting options. This style of bulb is most popular for | | | | night. Fish need a night, like most other living |
| small aquariums because they are inexpensive and do | | | | creatures. In fact, many aquarium fish are nocturnal, |
| not emit very bright light. An incandescent bulb is not | | | | and will stay in hiding if you forget to turn off their |
| sufficient for aquariums with live plants. | | | | light. Get into the habit of turning off the aquarium |
| Fluorescent lights are more versatile, as they are | | | | lights when it gets dark, and back on when you get |
| available in both bulb and tube form, and can be used | | | | up in the morning, or put them on an automatic timer. |
| in almost all styles of aquarium hoods. Generally | | | | |