How to Hang Aquarium Lights

Aquarium lighting is essential to promote growth of marine life, to mimic the effect of daylight and the seasons. Lighting is determined by the marine life because some organisms require a specific spectrum (such as clams and corals), which can't be supplied only by fluorescent lights. The lighting needs drive the selection and position of the light fixtures because some lights are very bright and need to penetrate to the bottom of the tank. Lighting canopies for standard tank sizes are convenient because they were designed with the fixtures set at a safe distance from the water surface.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium lighting canopy
  • Fluorescent light bulbs
  • Power strip
  • Plug-in timer
  • Optional: metal halide light bulbs, thermometer, water cooler, water heater, additional timer
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Install the fluorescent light bulbs in the aquarium canopy, making sure that when the canopy closed over the top of tank, the light bulbs are at least eight inches from the water surface.

    • 2

      Install the metal halide or actinic bulbs in the designated sockets, if needed.

    • 3

      Set the timer to turn on at a desired time in the morning (e.g., 6:00 a.m.) and set the time to turn off (e.g., 7 p.m.).

    • 4

      Plug the power cord for the lighting canopy to the timer.

    • 5

      Plug the timer into a grounded outlet in the power strip (which is plugged into an outlet).

    • 6

      Install a thermometer in the aquarium to monitor heat absorbed from the lighting and install an aquarium water cooler (and/or heater) if needed, to maintain the proper temperature range for your marine life.