Post by jocie1976 on Apr 22, 2015 21:18:11 GMT -5
There are a number of different options for lighting your tank. Below I will highlight them and which situations they are best for.
Fish-only Aquariums: Fish, artificial plants, decorative wood and/or ceramics
Recommended lighting system: Standard or a Power Compact fluorescent system
A lighting system between 1 to 2 watts per gallon should be sufficient to simulate a day-night cycle in a fish-only aquarium. Because the requirements of a fish-only aquarium are forgiving, you can choose the spectrum of bulb that best suits your preference. Avoid the use of standard hardware store bulbs, however, which promote the growth of brown algae.
Freshwater Planted Aquariums: Fish, live plants, decorative wood and/or ceramics
Recommended lighting system: Standard fluorescent, T-5 HO, VHO, Power Compact, Metal Halide/HQI.
Most of the freshwater aquatic plants available on the market originally came from shallow areas of rivers in Central and South America. Though the water there is generally murky, the plants experience full-spectrum light. Depending on the specific species of plants you plan to acquire, and the depth of your tank, you will need a standard fluorescent lighting system between 2 and 5 watts per gallon. Purchase only plants which your lighting system will support.
The heat generated by most of the more powerful lighting systems required for live plants is considerable. If necessary, raise the fixture slightly above the cover to provide extra space to promote air circulation. A small cooling fan can be used to efficiently dissipate heat from the fixture.
Marine Reef Aquariums: Fish, invertebrates, corals, and liverock
Recommended lighting systems: T-5 HO, VHO, Power Compact, Metal Halide/HQI
Many corals and invertebrates rely on light for a major portion of their nutrition, but the amount each type requires varies dramatically. In the wild, many corals come from depths of 15 to 65 feet where the light is extremely intense. However, many other corals have adapted to low-light conditions by hiding themselves within the reef for safety.
To correctly light a reef aquarium that is 24" deep or less, use a lighting system between 4 to 8 watts per gallon. Of course, you can relax requirements significantly by choosing to house only corals and invertebrates that require low levels of light, as well as non-photosynthetic invertebrates.
Many LPS (large polyp stony) corals are found at deeper depths, below 65 feet. Many corals at these depths fluoresce. They use blue light at these depths because of the ability of water to filter out the various spectrums. Because metal halide and other reef aquarium lighting systems generate substantial heat, they often require cooling. Hot air surrounding bulbs can be removed by fans. Removing this heat can increase the usefulness of your bulbs as heat adversely affects their life span. Ideally, the room temperature can be maintained at a level to counterbalance the radiant heat absorbed directly by the water. If not, a chiller may be needed.
This is a chart that shows the different types of lighting and their uses.
(Picture and information used from LiveAquaria.com)
Fish-only Aquariums: Fish, artificial plants, decorative wood and/or ceramics
Recommended lighting system: Standard or a Power Compact fluorescent system
A lighting system between 1 to 2 watts per gallon should be sufficient to simulate a day-night cycle in a fish-only aquarium. Because the requirements of a fish-only aquarium are forgiving, you can choose the spectrum of bulb that best suits your preference. Avoid the use of standard hardware store bulbs, however, which promote the growth of brown algae.
Freshwater Planted Aquariums: Fish, live plants, decorative wood and/or ceramics
Recommended lighting system: Standard fluorescent, T-5 HO, VHO, Power Compact, Metal Halide/HQI.
Most of the freshwater aquatic plants available on the market originally came from shallow areas of rivers in Central and South America. Though the water there is generally murky, the plants experience full-spectrum light. Depending on the specific species of plants you plan to acquire, and the depth of your tank, you will need a standard fluorescent lighting system between 2 and 5 watts per gallon. Purchase only plants which your lighting system will support.
The heat generated by most of the more powerful lighting systems required for live plants is considerable. If necessary, raise the fixture slightly above the cover to provide extra space to promote air circulation. A small cooling fan can be used to efficiently dissipate heat from the fixture.
Marine Reef Aquariums: Fish, invertebrates, corals, and liverock
Recommended lighting systems: T-5 HO, VHO, Power Compact, Metal Halide/HQI
Many corals and invertebrates rely on light for a major portion of their nutrition, but the amount each type requires varies dramatically. In the wild, many corals come from depths of 15 to 65 feet where the light is extremely intense. However, many other corals have adapted to low-light conditions by hiding themselves within the reef for safety.
To correctly light a reef aquarium that is 24" deep or less, use a lighting system between 4 to 8 watts per gallon. Of course, you can relax requirements significantly by choosing to house only corals and invertebrates that require low levels of light, as well as non-photosynthetic invertebrates.
Many LPS (large polyp stony) corals are found at deeper depths, below 65 feet. Many corals at these depths fluoresce. They use blue light at these depths because of the ability of water to filter out the various spectrums. Because metal halide and other reef aquarium lighting systems generate substantial heat, they often require cooling. Hot air surrounding bulbs can be removed by fans. Removing this heat can increase the usefulness of your bulbs as heat adversely affects their life span. Ideally, the room temperature can be maintained at a level to counterbalance the radiant heat absorbed directly by the water. If not, a chiller may be needed.
This is a chart that shows the different types of lighting and their uses.
(Picture and information used from LiveAquaria.com)
