How to Set Up DIY Lighting for a Freshwater Aquarium

Your freshwater aquarium's lighting requirement will vary depending on a few things. First, you'll need more lighting in an aquarium with live plants as opposed to a fish-only aquarium. Secondly, the depth and general size of the aquarium will also affect your need for light. The rule of thumb is to provide 2 to 5 watts for every gallon in your aquarium---on the higher side for deeper tanks, on the lower side for more shallow or fish-only tanks. For a more customizable lighting setup, you may want to take a little time and build your own hood or canopy so you're not restricted to having just one or two lights, as many commercial hoods will allow.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium hood or canopy
  • Light fixture
  • Bulb clips (2 to 4 per light fixture)
  • Waterproof end caps (2 per fixture)
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Instructions

    • 1

      For fish-only or aquariums more wide than deep, purchase fluorescent bulbs. T12 and T8 fluorescent bulbs are the most common and inexpensive.

    • 2

      For deeper aquariums or those that require more light for plants, use intense-lighting fluorescent bulbs. These are called High Output (HO) or Very High Output (VHO).

    • 3

      Open the lid of the hood or canopy and secure the bulb clips to the underside at even intervals in a straight line.

    • 4

      Hook the light fixtures under the bulb clips.

    • 5

      Secure the waterproof end caps to the ends of the light fixtures.

    • 6

      Attach a timer to the outlet for your lighting. Set the timer to go off at the same time each day---this routine keeps your fish healthy and less stressed. Twelve hours of daylight is the standard for aquarium creatures, though some may need more or less.