Colors of Aquarium Fluorescent Bulbs

Part of keeping fish successfully is creating the correct environment for each species. The more accurately you can re-create those natural environments, the more successful you can be as an aquarium hobbyist. The right lighting is an essential part of successful fish keeping, and you can choose a number of colored lights to make your fish happier and healthier.

  1. Clear Bulbs

    • Clear bulbs are the most common for aquariums. When you purchase a new aquarium with a full lighted hood, the bulbs that are included are likely to be the standard clear ones. These lights let you enjoy the tank with a natural light and provide the fish with a natural environment that simulates normal sunlight conditions.

    Blue Bulbs

    • Blue bulbs can accurately re-create the conditions that deep-water fish need to thrive. If your freshwater or saltwater aquarium contains fish that come from deep-water environments, a blue florescent bulb can keep them happier and healthier. Those deep-water fish require different wavelengths of light than fish that swim closer to the surface, and a blue bulb can re-create those wavelengths more accurately than regular florescent aquarium bulbs.

    Red Bulbs

    • Red aquarium bulbs provide a less-intense and lower-temperature light than traditional clear and white florescent bulbs. Aquarium hobbyists can use red bulbs to simulate the conditions found in low-light environments, making fish species that live in those conditions more comfortable. It is important to note, however, that too much red light can stimulate the growth of algae. If you need to use red lights in your tank, watch out for excess algae growth, and remove it as necessary.

    Yellow Lights

    • Yellow lights produce a natural glow at a lower temperature than white light bulbs. This cooler light can help maintain a steady temperature throughout the tank, avoiding the hot and cold spots that can sometimes accompany traditional lighting. The cooler temperature of yellow aquarium bulbs also can reduce the growth of algae, since algae thrives under hot, bright lights. You can find yellow aquarium bulbs at your local pet store and aquarium retailer.