How to Choose Freshwater Aquarium Lighting

Along with fish and clean water, good lighting is essential for freshwater aquariums. The right lighting can turn a simple fish tank into a living showpiece. Several choices are available, from a simple fluorescent bulb that illuminates the tank, to specialized high wattage tubes that allow hobbyists to grow lush underwater gardens. For the comfort of the fish, good aquarium lighting should also mimic the conditions that the fish would experience in the wild, including cycles of darkness and light.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium
  • Light hood or high wattage light strip
  • Fluorescent bulb
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine what kind of aquarium you would like to maintain. A tank for fish only requires minimal lighting and the light strip that comes with the tank's hood is enough light for those aquariums. Tanks for fish only can also go without dedicated aquarium lighting, if the room where the tank is located is well lit.

    • 2

      Calculate how many watts you need, if you would like a planted tank. A general rule of thumb is that planted tanks need three to four watts of light per gallon. However, very deep tanks may need more wattage to allow light to penetrate to the tank bottom and certain plants may need very bright light to thrive.

    • 3

      Choose the right color bulb for your tank. Aquarium fluorescent bulbs are classified by color temperature, which is expressed on the Kelvin temperature scale. Lower temperature bulbs appear more yellow to the human eye, while higher temperature bulbs appear bluer. A temperature rating of 5,500 degrees Kelvin to 7,500 degrees Kelvin is close to natural daylight and appropriate for freshwater planted aquariums. Higher temperature-rated bulbs are used for marine tanks.