| No freshwater aquarium is complete without the | | | | - The recommended lighting for fish-only aquariums: |
| proper lighting. This is often overlooked. Not having | | | | Standard or power compact fluorescent systems. |
| adequate lighting could end up being a costly exercise. | | | | These use a minimum of 2-3 watts per every gallon |
| Without the correct lighting, plants and fish will wither | | | | of tank water. |
| and die. | | | | - For freshwater planted aquariums: Standard |
| You also need to consider that all lighting generates | | | | fluorescent, T-5HO, power compact and metal halide |
| heat. The more powerful lighting systems will | | | | HQI. These take a minimum of 4 watts per gallon; a |
| obviously generate more heat and would require | | | | higher ratio is best. |
| greater temperature control than less powerful | | | | - For marine reef aquariums: T-5 HO, VHO, Power |
| lighting. | | | | Compact, Metal Halide/HQI. Reef tanks require a |
| There is a vast choice of lighting. | | | | minimum of 4-6 watts per gallon and if your tank |
| Selecting the right lighting for a given situation is | | | | contains Coral, Anemones or Clams then increase it |
| important. These are three basic but different styles | | | | to 8-12 or more watts per gallon |
| of freshwater aquarium lighting. | | | | It is important that you know which Kelvin Rating to |
| There is the basic standard fluorescent light. This is | | | | make use of: |
| often used in smaller tanks where no plant life will | | | | - For fish you will need 5,500K to 20,000K depending |
| reside. This type of lighting is quite adequate for fish | | | | on the species. Deeper tanks will require actinics. |
| but not sufficient for plant life. | | | | - For plants you will need 6,500K to 18,000K. |
| Next you have the compact fluorescent light. This | | | | - For reefs you will need 9,000K to 20,000K with |
| can be used in tanks that contain upward of 55 | | | | actinics. |
| gallons or more. You can safely add plants when you | | | | Many enthusiasts recommend 10,000K. They say |
| use this type of lighting. | | | | they are the safest choice. These lights provide an |
| The third choice is the VHO or Very High Output. | | | | excellent crisp bright white that looks amazing. Most |
| This freshwater aquarium lighting is suitable for tanks | | | | aquarium owners feel this is the best choice for |
| that contain 100 gallons or more. If you want to | | | | viewing. Having a freshwater aquarium is regarded as |
| have plants then this type of lighting is suitable for | | | | a hobby and you will derive great pleasure from |
| them. | | | | having a tank that looks attractive and has functional |
| There are four criteria to consider regarding lighting | | | | and attractive lighting. |
| for a freshwater aquarium: | | | | If you duplicate natural lighting conditions it will greatly |
| | | | increase the survival and growth rates of your |
| 1. The number of lumens per watt | | | | aquatic life. Creating as close to realistic an |
| 2. Lumens per watt | | | | eco-system as possible will enable your plants and |
| 3. PAR and | | | | fish life and all its organisms to survive in an |
| 4. Watts | | | | environment that is as close to nature as possible. |
| As a basic rule of thumb here is a general overview | | | | You will get great pleasure watching your freshwater |
| of which lighting is suitable for various conditions: | | | | aquarium grow and prosper. |