Aquarium Lighting Information

Proper lighting contributes to the overall health of your fish, turtles and other aquatic animals. Additionally, fresh-water aquarium plants benefit from adequate lighting. Hoods and timers can be used to ensure that your tank receives ample light throughout the day.

  1. Effects

    • Aquariums are unnatural habitats for aquatic animals. Low-voltage lighting helps to replicate the species' natural environment, which reduces stress and improves the animals' health. The larger and deeper the tank, the stronger the lighting you will need. Choose full-color-spectrum lights that give off a white hue, as these lights mimic natural sunlight on outdoor water best. Fluorescent lights are popular aquarium lights designed to fit freshwater and saltwater tanks. Their polystyrene and water-resistant rubber design make them durable and long-lasting. They are designed for freshwater and saltwater fish and plants.

    Effects of Lighting on Plants

    • Colored lights help plants absorb carbon dioxide and emit oxygen. The carbon dioxide and water are combined with chemicals in the plants to produce simple sugars. During this process, plants receive more nutrients in their roots, which help extend the life of the plants. Different plants require different levels of light. Freshwater plants require about 1 to 1.5 watts of light per gallon of water. Saltwater plants need 3 to 4 watts of light per gallon of water. Buy normal-output (NO) lights for smaller freshwater tanks, about 40 gallons. Buy high-output (HO) lights for saltwater or larger tanks.

    Duration

    • Aquatic animals generally need 10 to 12 hours of light each day. Turn the aquarium light on at a set time each morning and off at a set time each night. This encourages sufficient sleep cycles and healthy behavior patterns in your pets. You can buy a hand-held timer that plugs into a wall outlet at the side of the aquarium. Multipurpose timers that come with surge protectors and an electrical power strip are available at most pet stores.

    Hoods and Fixtures

    • Hoods come with most large aquarium kits. Look for a hood that comes with a built-in reflector, lighting fixture, fluorescent bulbs, removable filter that lets you insert a heater or filter and a glass shield that keeps the bulbs, filter and heater from corroding if you have a saltwater aquarium. If you buy a lighting fixture separate from the tank, look for a compact fixture that includes a bulb that provides optimal color enhancement and is suited to the type of fish you have. A fixture that clips onto the top of the aquarium works well with 30-gallon or smaller tanks. The fixtures are low-wattage and low-intensity and include a bulb.

    Bulbs

    • Standard aquarium light bulbs emit normal levels of fluorescent light. These lights come with most aquarium kits. Reef-sun, marine and tropical sun lights are other bulb types. Tropical and reef-sun bulbs are best suited for freshwater fish and plants. Marine bulbs are best for saltwater fish and plants. Metal halide bulbs are designed for deep tanks, about 90 gallons or more. You can buy the bulbs in a range of 40 to 400 watts. Compact light bulbs are space savers and come in full-spectrum and white colors.

    Considerations

    • Aquarium water should remain between 78 to 80 degrees. You can get a submersible heater and thermometer combination unit. Typically you need 5 watts of heat for each gallon of water. If you have a 55-gallon or larger tank, keep an extra heater on hand during colder months should the aquarium temperature drop below 78 degrees.