| Lighting your saltwater aquarium can be one of | | | | provides an attractive shimmering effect that |
| the most difficult tasks for new hobbyists. Many | | | | allows you to grow almost any type coral. The |
| people planning their first saltwater aquarium | | | | disadvantages of Metal Halide lights are the |
| suffer from analysis paralysis. They get hung up | | | | amount of energy required to run the fixture and |
| trying to figure out what light fixture will work | | | | the amount of heat they produce. These lights |
| best for their aquarium. They consult their local | | | | can be expensive to run ten or more hours per |
| fish store and then online forums, but are | | | | day and you may have to purchase a chiller to |
| oftentimes lead down the wrong path. | | | | keep your aquarium cool if you live in a warmer |
| In 2010, there are really only a few lighting types | | | | climate. Metal Halide bulbs should be replaced |
| you should consider. If you plan to keep just fish, | | | | every six to twelve months. |
| also called a fish only aquarium you will be fine | | | | T5 Lighting has quickly become the top choice for |
| with the standard stock lighting that comes with | | | | most saltwater aquarists. The bulbs can be as |
| your aquarium. If you plan to keep a reef tank | | | | intense as Metal Halide, but they only use half the |
| with living coral, then consider the following | | | | energy. They also produce less heat and each |
| options. | | | | bulb needs to be replaced once per year. Another |
| Power Compact was definitely the most popular | | | | major advantage is you are able to control the |
| lighting solution from 2000 to 2005. It provided a | | | | color of the light spectrum because you have |
| substantial upgrade from the normal output | | | | multiple bulbs that can be replaced to make your |
| lighting. It is still featured on many tanks today, | | | | aquarium bluer or whiter. |
| but there are better and more cost effective | | | | Finally, you have LED Lighting. In 2010, this |
| options. | | | | technology is still too expensive for the average |
| VHO or Very High Output lighting. Do not even | | | | hobbyist. It provides the power and shimmer of |
| consider purchasing this type of light. The | | | | metal halide without the heat, and the ability to |
| technology is outdated. Parts and replacement | | | | control the color of bulbs like T5 Lighting. In the |
| light bulbs are becoming more difficult to find. | | | | next ten years, LED lighting will be the standard in |
| Metal Halide Lighting is still a very popular option. It | | | | the saltwater aquarium hobby. |