Lighting is always a requirement for aquariums. Not only does it highlight the fish and the dcor but it also serves the ecosystem in the tank, particularly if you have decided to add fresh plants to your tank.

When purchasing an aquarium, a full tank setup is the easiest way to get all of the required equipment, including lighting. On the other hand, buying your own lighting allows you to customize the setup. Your choice in aquarium lighting depends on the tank size and the lighting requirements of the plants and fish you have selected.

The power of aquarium lights is measured in watts; usually, aquarium lighting should be about 2-3 watts per gallon of water in the tank. Planted tanks will require more lighting than the exact same aquarium with plastic plants. More lighting is not always better. Some fish enjoy a very bright lit home, but most like a more subdued environment. Lights that are too intense will stress your fish, and can cause algae growth.

For your lighting needs, you can choose between using fluorescent or incandescent bulbs. Incandescent bulbs are inexpensive, and therefore good for smaller aquariums, but their yellowish glow is not quite the same as natural light. They also generate heat so it would be a good idea to keep a thermometer handy, and monitor the water temperature regularly.

Fluorescent light is much more appropriate for an aquarium with live plants. They come in tubes or compact bulbs. The light they emit is more natural looking and does not produce any significant heat. If you have more fresh plants in your tank, you might need more than 3 watts per gallon of water. When purchasing a fluorescent tube, be sure that the length will fit into your aquarium hood. A compact fluorescent bulb, on the other hand, is equipped to fit into any plug designed for incandescent bulbs.

You also need to know about light spectrum. Fluorescent lights have specialized spectrums for your aquarium needs. Full spectrums gives out all the required wavelengths of light that is best for your fish and fresh plants. Different parts of the spectrum have distinctive effects on the different contents of your aquarium. Tropical fish grow brighter with purple-tinted lights. Aquatic plants grow better under the orange-red light.

Your aquarium lights should be turned off at night, either manually or using a timer. Many fish are nocturnal, but even those that aren't need a night. If you want to watch your fish when the main lights are off, use submersible LED lights, which come in a range of colors to accent your fish or dcor. Small red or blue lights will allow you to watch the fish without disrupting their daily patterns.

Replacing your aquarium light bulbs is an inevitable part of aquarium maintenance. Regardless of whether the light is still working, replace the bulb every year, because they grow dimmer over time.

Aquarium lighting, well-chosen, will have a big impact on how your aquarium looks and on the well-being of the life in it, so it deserves your careful consideration.

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Article Submitted By: Leonard Boyler
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