Instructions
Make sure you have enough light for your fish and plants. Ask for advice if you're not sure.
Hoods already have the light built in, while canopies - two strips of glass connected with a plastic hinge - are separate from the lights. Consider a canopy over a hood, because it is easier to upgrade the lights.
Use fluorescent bulbs, which are cooler and use less electricity.
Avoid grow-lights, which will not only make your fish look oddly colored, but will also cause algae blooms.
Give your fish at least 12 hours of light a day.
Choose bulbs that equal 2 1/2 watts per gallon of tank water.
Watch the plants in the tank to determine whether your lighting is adequate. If the plants are growing, there's enough light; if the algae is growing out of control, there's too much light.
How to Choose a Light for an Aquarium
Lighting serves many purposes and is necessary for healthy fish and plants.