Choose the Best Aquarium Light With These 5 Must-Know Facts

Are you feeling that your aquarium is missing the elegance? Do you think your aquarium is not that classy, especially in the darkroom? Well, all these are probably because of wrong selection of aquarium lighting. It is not just the case for you; aquarium light selection is one of the most challenging tasks for the aquarium owners in general. Beginners often skip this to save cost, but due to the absence of attractive lighting, the aquarium and the livestock do not have the look or feel which they should have.

Facts:

•         Growth of aquarium plants (oxygen formation specifically) and health of fishes greatly               depend on the lighting

•         The primary reason for adding lights is to give a similar ambience to the natural habitat to         the fishes

•          Different fishes and aquarium plants have different light requirements, consider this before       adding the lights

Aquarium lighting has a direct reference to LED lighting, fluorescent lighting and metal halide bulbs, and if these three names are making you confused take a look at the five must-knows of aquarium lights below:

1. All about LED

LED lights have numerous mentions as the most inexpensive light in terms of power consumption. One more benefit of this light is the adjustments offered with it. Along with that, it is a compact light that comes with a waterproof feature so that you can look anything in the water. You can dim or brighten this light with just a tap in your smartphone too! Plus it has other features like

•           No heat issues which means no temperature problem in water

•           Color changing features

•           Shimmer effect that gives almost natural ambience to fishes

•          No gas emission

•           Beautiful and elegant look

•          Long-lasting

2. Know About Fluorescent Lighting

Compact fluorescent and standard fluorescent are the two variations here. If you don’t want the changing effects in the tank, you can opt for this one. It is a bit expensive in comparison to the LED, and it offers a constant - even glow in the tank. Standard ones can be added to saltwater as well as in the freshwater tanks. The compact florescent ones come in a portable size with an energy-saving feature.

3. Metal Halide - the Odd Choice

There was a time when metal halides were the only option. It comes with different features, but it is more expensive than fluorescent ones, and there is always a heat issue that can change the temperature of the aquarium. It is not a power-saving light, but if you want to provide a natural temperature you can use it. 

4. by a Window?

Well, owners often feel reluctant to ask this question, but adequate sunlight will promote algae growth and therefore, by a window for a long time is not a preferable place for the aquarium. For a specific time being, you can place the aquarium by a window and not use lights, but at night you need that.

5. How Long Lights Are Needed?

Well, whatever lights you are using you don’t need to switch that on throughout the day, as it may result in excessive algae growth that will give bad health to the fishes.  12 hours of light and 12 hours of dark are recommended for the aquariums; however, 12 long hours in constant light is not meant here. In a day, make sure you allow the fishes are in light for 12 hours at least.

Now, you have the idea of aquarium lights, and it is beyond doubt that LED lighting will get thumbs up here. Go for a colorful combination of the LED lights and place it in the aquarium to see your fishes doing different activities. Also, go through the guidelines before using it and try not to get these lights wet them to get a long-lasting service.