What are the four main aquarium lighting situations?
Read our experts’ descriptions about the different types of fish tank lighting to come up with a more informed decision.
- LED Lighting. This is the newest type of aquarium light.
- Fluorescent Lighting. Fluorescent Lighting is the most common lighting system used by aquarists all over the world.
- Metal Halide Lighting.
What are the different types of aquarium lights?
Aquarium light fixtures are generally grouped into four general categories (from oldest technology to most innovative): Normal output fluorescent lighting, compact fluorescent lighting, high intensity metal halide lighting, and LED (Light Emitting Diode) systems.
Are aquarium lights different?
Light spectrum is often given a Kelvin rating or “K rating”. Light sources that give off a yellowish or warm effect have a low Kelvin rating, while those that produce a crisp bluish-white or cool light have a high Kelvin rating. Most freshwater aquarium lights are rated between 5,500 and 8,000 Kelvin.
Which Colour light is good for aquarium?
Red, blue and green LEDs are in popular use for standard aquarium lighting since these light temperatures greatly enhance the colors of the objects inside the aquarium. The colors of aquatic plants appear much more rich and vibrant, red fish, shrimp and of course red-leaved stem plants look much flashier.
What is actinic lighting for aquarium?
Actinic is a term used to describe lighting which produces high levels of light in the blue wavelengths. This type of light is important in aquarium use as the blue wavelengths of light penetrate water far deeper than other visible wavelengths.
What’s the blue light for in a fish tank?
Adjustable light intensity: LED lights can be dimmed and programmed, allowing for a natural dimming at sunset and the reverse at sunrise. This is particularly good for nocturnal fish, as a dim blue light can be left on the tank to simulate moonlight and allow for feeding and viewing purposes.
Are black lights bad for aquariums?
Blacklights are a good option for nighttime viewing only, when you may not want to see anything in the aquarium other than those fluorescent glowing objects or fish.
What kind of light do you use in an aquarium?
You will find an overview of the most common types of aquarium lighting below: Actinic = Actinic light comes from the blue end of the color spectrum and this type of light is better for penetrating deep water than traditional white light. For this reason, actinic light is often recommended for large saltwater tanks.
Why is the light too intense in an aquarium?
A light that’s too intense may promote algae, especially in non-planted tanks. Where live plants are concerned, proper intensity and spectrum can make a difference between success and failure. Water depth is a factor, as well. Certain wavelengths, especially blue, penetrate deeper into water than others, and this can be critical to live plants.
How often do you need to change the light in an aquarium?
Aqueon offers strip lights and full hoods as well as a selection of bulbs for rectangular, hexagon and bowfront aquariums. Bulbs dim over time and should be replaced every 10 to 12 months. Rapidly becoming the most popular type of aquarium lighting, these energy-efficient lights offer features that aren’t available in other aquarium lights.
Are there any downsides to using fluorescent lighting in an aquarium?
The downsides are that fluorescent lighting emits heat (so a chiller may be required to maintain your desired water temperature) and these bulbs are not as long-lasting as more modern light sources such as LEDs.