Aquarium Lighting

Lighting is an important, and often overlooked, component of an aquarium. Proper illumination not only makes viewing the tank more enjoyable, but is also important for fish health. Many, especially first-time aquarium owners, are intimidated by the myriad of choices that are available for tanks, and either make incorrect choices or neglect it altogether.The white light we see is actually a combination of all the colors of the spectrum. In an aquarium setting, plants utilize the red/orange part, invertebrates flourish when illuminated with blue to violet, and vertebrates do the best with full-spectrum lighting. Since light does not pass easily through water, it is a good rule of thumb that deeper tanks require more intense light sources. For this reason, it is vitally important that you choose the proper type and wattage bulb for your tank.Fluorescent fixtures are by far the easiest way to light an aquarium. They are also available in a wide selection of colors, which makes them the most flexible in terms of displaying and highlighting aquarium residents. There are three basic types of fluorescent lighting, each with a specific function:Full Spectrum Lights are meant to mimic full daylight and provide food for growth to plants and coral. Intensity will vary with the application; freshwater plants need a full spectrum light, while reefs need intense full spectrum combined with actinic blue lights.Color Enhancing Lights are designed to display the colors of fish and plants. They have a yellow or pink hue to bring out the most vibrant colors in fish, plant or reef aquariums.Actinics are blue-toned and fulfill the requirements for coral growth by providing proper photosynthesis of symbiotic algae in corals.Not all fluorescent bulbs are the same, however. Be sure to purchase them at an aquarium shop and not the hardware store; the average bulb will not accentuate your tank's looks or health, and will even promote black algae growth. Compact Fluorescents are high-output lights that last longer and use less energy than regular fluorescents. They also require less space while still delivering proper lighting.Halides fixtures can be used for highlighting a particular part of the aquarium. Particular types of shallow water corals also thrive with this type of lighting. If this fixture is placed close to the water surface, it will need to have a UV light filter to reduce the harmful rays, as well to protect from splashes. Choosing the perfect light fixtures for your aquarium can be done by keeping in mind what your aquarium requires while allowing for your personal taste. By doing so, you will have a healthy and visually pleasing investment.