| With the number of available options, finding the right | | | | Tropical fish are not used to prolonged periods of |
| aquarium light for your tropical fish tank can seem | | | | absolute darkness. For optimum health, aquarium |
| daunting, but it does not have to be. There are a | | | | lights that recreate nighttime conditions should also be |
| few general guidelines based on tank size and the | | | | purchased. Any DIY aquarium lighting plan should |
| plant and fish life that will be added that can | | | | include a lunar light that runs on a timer. These lights |
| significantly narrow a search. It is common for | | | | should be used for 12 hours each night, or anytime a |
| beginner aquarists to overlook the importance of | | | | house is dark. Lunar lights generally fall into a blue |
| good, consistent aquarium lighting for a tank, but the | | | | color spectrum and the effect of a dimly lit tank at |
| impact of the right, or wrong, light can have wide | | | | night can be breathtaking. |
| reaching consequences. For first time fish tank | | | | The most ambitious aquarists add reefs to their |
| owners, it is always best to start simple, introducing | | | | tropical tanks. Saltwater, reef containing tanks require |
| more complexity as confidence is gained. | | | | special reef aquarium lighting to flourish. Lighting must |
| Small tanks that will only host fish present the most | | | | be high intensity and fall into a very specific color |
| options for aquarium light bulbs. Fluorescent bulbs, | | | | spectrum. Experienced tank owners swear by metal |
| aquarium LED lighting, and even filament bulbs can all | | | | halide aquarium lighting for its ability to dutifully |
| be viable options. The least expensive bulbs are | | | | recreate reef conditions. A metal halide aquarium light |
| often fluorescent or filament. However, filament bulbs | | | | will be more expensive than most of the other |
| will generate a lot of heat, which may create | | | | options on the market, and will require more labor to |
| problems. LED bulbs are more expensive but are far | | | | install. However, this cost is a necessary expense to |
| more energy efficient, so for those who are | | | | maintain the health of a reef ecosystem. |
| eco-conscious or interested in reducing utility bills, | | | | The right aquarium light will make caring for your |
| these are the best choice. The mark of a good | | | | tropical fish easy. Online instructional videos are |
| aquarium light bulb is its ability to burn for more than | | | | available that can take anyone through the simple |
| 2,000 hours and not negatively affect a tank's | | | | systematic installation process to help you put your |
| temperature controlled water. | | | | light to immediate use. |