How to Choose a Light for an Aquarium

Lighting serves many purposes and is necessary for healthy fish and plants.

Instructions

    • 1

      Make sure you have enough light for your fish and plants. Ask for advice if you're not sure.

    • 2

      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.

    • 3

      Use fluorescent bulbs, which are cooler and use less electricity.

    • 4

      Avoid grow-lights, which will not only make your fish look oddly colored, but will also cause algae blooms.

    • 5

      Give your fish at least 12 hours of light a day.

    • 6

      Choose bulbs that equal 2 1/2 watts per gallon of tank water.

    • 7

      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.