| A fish aquarium light compensates for the lack of | | | | - Freshwater plant bulbs; exclusively for |
| direct sunlight suffered by tanks kept away from | | | | freshwater fish tanks with live plants. This is to |
| light source. You need not be a limnologist to | | | | ensure fitness and health of live plants. Plants |
| provide the right light settings for the fish. A basic | | | | require a lot of exposure to daylight for good |
| understanding of light types and the | | | | health. This enables a reasonable nitrogen cycle, |
| recommended hours of light exposure for fish | | | | ideally the main reason for having live plants in |
| types is enough. | | | | tanks. |
| The lighting needs vary between freshwater and | | | | - Actinic fluorescent bulbs; these produce the blue |
| saltwater aquariums. The timing of exposure also | | | | spectrum. This is ideal for those fish species that |
| varies between fish only tanks, reef tanks, and | | | | do not like bright luminosity, used mainly as |
| live plant tanks. Too much radiance can induce the | | | | supplement to daylight. |
| growth of algae, while appropriate exposure | | | | - Metal halide bulbs; the most intense illumination |
| maintains the balance and growth of algae. | | | | for an aquarium. This is best suited for reef tanks |
| Too much luminosity can affect the health of the | | | | that require the radiance to be deep penetrating |
| fishes. It stresses them, decreases their activity, | | | | to enable overall reach. This is ideal for very deep |
| and overall growth. Use a light timer to ensure | | | | tanks and for those fish species that require very |
| appropriate timing, thereby preventing too much | | | | intense glow. |
| radiance to ensure pet health and growth. | | | | - Compact fluorescent bulbs; ideal for small sized |
| Any variety of light used to illuminate the | | | | aquariums. These last longer and they consume |
| aquarium is an aquarium light. However, not all | | | | less energy. The lighting thus provides good |
| have the right spectral range of energy that is | | | | intensity. |
| important for the health of the fish. The choice of | | | | - High output and very high output fluorescent |
| the spectra and watts should be differed for fish | | | | bulbs; these produce brightness that is more |
| types. Most of the bulb types given below are | | | | powerful than the normal intensity bulbs. This is |
| available in exclusive variants meant for fish only, | | | | ideal for freshwater tanks that are deep with lots |
| reef only, and live plant tanks individually. They are | | | | of live plants. |
| also available in varied watt ranges. | | | | - Incandescent bulbs; these produce a lot of heat |
| There are different types of aquarium lights they | | | | with a narrow range of spectrum. Therefore, not |
| are: | | | | used in normal aquarium sizes. However, it is ideal |
| - Standard fluorescent bulbs; best suited for those | | | | for reptile freshwater pets. |
| tanks that require low intensity lightening. These | | | | When you purchase a light for your aquarium |
| bulbs are available in different brands. The | | | | ensure that you have the appropriate fixtures. |
| recommended depth of the tank and the tank | | | | Consider your fish species, your tank volume and |
| volume differ between brands. It is ideal for | | | | the various other factors so you can choose the |
| species that need lesser intensity lighting. | | | | most suited fish aquarium light for your aquarium. |