| On the basis of heat emitted by lighting, lighting can | | | | excesses the requirement. The general rule for fish |
| be divided into two categories being incandescent | | | | only aquariums is 1 watt per gallon water but this can |
| lighting and tungsten lights. Fluorescent lighting emits | | | | be increased up to 1.5 watts per gallon water. For |
| less heat and can help reduce electrical costs since | | | | instance if you have a 75 gallon aquarium then the |
| they act as power savers. Tungsten lighting on the | | | | ideal wattage would be 75 watts - 112.5 watts. If |
| order hand emit more heat and consume more | | | | you have a freshwater aquarium with plants then the |
| electricity. Fluorescent lighting is mainly available in the | | | | total desired wattage will depend largely on the |
| form of tubes of various sizes while incandescent | | | | number of plants and type of plants. Plant grower |
| lighting is mainly available in the form of screw on | | | | bulbs are beneficial for planted tanks since these |
| bulbs. | | | | bulbs emit a higher spectrum of light and this can help |
| Another difference in the two types of lighting is | | | | the plants grow better. |
| that uncolored fluorescent tubes emit white light | | | | UV lighting is another type of aquarium lighting is |
| while incandescent lighting emits yellow light. The cost | | | | needed for aquariums if you have a turtle, since |
| of fluorescent lighting is comparatively more | | | | turtles need UVB light to properly utilize calcium and |
| expensive than incandescent light and the cost for | | | | Vitamin D in their body. UVB light is required for your |
| incandescent lighting depends on the wattage and | | | | turtle aquarium if he does not get regular sun |
| spectrum of the tube light. Colored fluorescent light is | | | | exposure. |
| a good option for you if you want to see your fish in | | | | Metal halide lighting is used in salt water tanks and |
| a colored light such as pink and blue. Colored lights are | | | | heavily planted tanks, Metal halide lighting require an |
| also known to enhance the color of aquarium fish. | | | | electrical ballast to work and are expensive compared |
| It is important to know that both natural and artificial | | | | to the regular lighting used in fish only freshwater |
| light can cause algae in an aquarium if the light | | | | aquariums. |