Aquarium lighting is an important aspect of aquarium care. The light in your tank provides the energy needed for photosynthesis to occur, which means that without it, plants will not be able to grow!
It adds beauty to the aquarium and provides a healthy environment for aquatic life. There are many different types of lights available and each one has different benefits depending on what you want.
This article will guide you through the different types of lights, the importance and more.
Importance Of Aquarium Light
Aquarium light is one of the most important aspects of your aquarium. It is responsible for the growth of plants and vegetation, as well as providing a way for fish to see their surroundings. Aquarium light also increases the beauty of an aquarium.
They can help to increase plant growth, which helps to improve the beauty and brightness of your tank. The light also helps to reduce maintenance by encouraging plants to grow in areas where they may otherwise go unnoticed or be neglected.
The most important thing about lighting is that it must be bright enough for the fish to see well.
Here are some of the benefits of using aquarium lights:
1) Plants will grow faster with more light. This makes your tank look more beautiful and helps you reduce maintenance because the need for external oxygen and filtration becomes lesser.
2) Fish need to see in order to survive, so aquarium lights are crucial for their well-being as well. They increase the brightness of your tank and make it easier for you to spot if there’s something wrong with your fish or plants.
Aquarium light is a great way to enhance the beauty of your aquarium and make it more appealing to your fish.
They’re also a great way to get your kids interested in aquariums, and inculcate the responsibility of feeding fish, etc.
Types Of Light
The aquarium light is a vital part of your aquarium, and it needs to be chosen carefully. There are many different types of lights available, including fluorescent, LED and DIY lights.
Florescent lights are the most popular choice for aquariums because they are cheap and provide light in a range of colors. They also have a very long lifespan which means you won’t have to replace them often.
LED lights are another popular choice because they don’t produce heat like incandescent bulbs do so they won’t increase the temperature within the fish tank too much. They come in all sorts of different colors which gives you more options when it comes to choosing one that suits your needs best! However, they do cost more than other types such as florescent bulbs so this might not be an option if money is tight!
DIY Lights: If you’re looking for something cheap, then DIY lights may be an option for you! You’ll need some wiring knowledge (or the help from someone who does), but if you have the time and patience then this could be an option for saving money on aquarium lighting! However, it is not a great option since, this may not be a long-term solution and you may end up spending more than you thought unless you are an expert in these types of DIY.
Hooded, Enclosed & Open Top Lights
Aquarium lights come in many different shapes and sizes, but they all serve the same purpose: providing light to your aquarium so that your fish and other aquatic creatures can thrive.
Aquarium lights are usually made out of glass or plastic (although some newer models are made with acrylic materials). They also have different levels of brightness and color temperature, which is important because it helps you create an environment that’s ideal for your fish’s needs and preferences!
Aquarium lights are an essential part of maintaining a healthy aquarium. They can help you to see more colors in your tank.
There are three main types of aquarium lights: hooded lights, enclosed lights, and open-top lights. Each one has its own pros and cons, so let’s take a look at each individually.
Hooded Lights
Hooded lights are typically used in smaller tanks that have low-wattage bulbs. They’re designed to shield the bulb from being damaged by water droplets or debris falling into the tank. These hoods also help prevent heat from escaping into the room around your tank (which would otherwise cause temperatures inside to rise). The downside is that they can be difficult to clean if they have too many nooks or crannies.
Enclosed Lights
These basically shield bulbs on all sides and the lights are enclosed on all sides. A reflector ensures that the light is distributed.
Many people want an enclosed light for their planted tank. It’s a great way to grow plants without having them hang over the edge of your tank, and it looks really cool too!
Open Top Light
With an open top design, this light allows you to place it on top of your tank without affecting the water level. The result is a gorgeous integrated look that won’t detract from the beauty of your plants or fish. It hangs on the top of your tank without touching the tank.
The Open Top Light features an adjustable intensity and color temperature so you can set it up just right for your specific needs. And with its long lifespan and low energy consumption, this LED light can save you money on both electricity costs and replacement bulbs!
Florescent Light Vs LED Light
Florescent lights are no longer needed in the modern world. They give off heat, they dim over time, and they are bulky.
LED lights last longer, they don’t give off as much heat, and they are more energy efficient than florescent bulbs.
LED lights also have a variety of colors and settings that you can choose from. In the long run, LED lights are more cost effective than florescent bulbs.
Popular Light Brands & Features
If you’re looking for an aquarium light, there are a few brands that stand out.
Beamswork is a budget-friendly option for aquariums with no plants or low light plants. They are reliable and have a good color spectrum. Worth the price. It is a good option for beginners or those who are not sure about remaining in the hobby for long. These lights also have a night timer, and they can change to night blue light.
The Finnex Stingray II is bright, but not great for plants which need good lighting. However, works well with low light and medium light plants. Not in the really low budget range but are pretty good in its color temperature and the intensity of the light.
The Fluval 3.0 requires a higher budget. It is good for all types of plants. They are adjustable (light intensity, color temperature etc.) and slim. They are adjustable through your mobile phone (Bluetooth connectivity) and can be made really bright. They even come with a timer and so, that a good number of features for the price quoted.
Kessil A160WE gives a unique look to the aquarium. They are high end in terms of budget. Very natural look. They are fully adjustable in all ways and very professional. The photographs come out really well.
What Is The Most Important Feature Required In An Aquarium Light?
Aquarium lights are a crucial part of keeping an aquarium healthy and thriving. You need to have the right type of light for your particular fish, as well as a light that is properly installed.
What Is The Most Important Feature Required In An Aquarium Light?
When it comes to aquarium lighting, the most important feature is PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation).
So what exactly does this mean? Simply put, PAR is an indication of how much photosynthesis is taking place in your aquarium.
Photosynthesis is a process whereby plant cells convert sunlight into energy for growth. Plants use this energy to make sugars and other organic compounds through photosynthesis.
If you have insufficient PAR levels, then your plants will not be able to convert enough energy from sunlight into food for growth and reproduction. So you will need 200 – 400 PAR.
Mere brightness is not sufficient; you need a combination of red (50%), Green (35%) and blue (15%) wavelengths as well as ample intensity to ensure high levels of photosynthesis occur in your aquarium plants.
Check the color temperature of your light by looking at its Kelvin rating in degrees (K). Plants prefer lights with temperatures between 5500K to 8000K.
Conclusion
As you’ve seen, there are many different types of aquarium lights.
LED lights are the best choice for most aquariums because they don’t generate a lot of heat and they last a long time.
But you should also consider the three important factors: the PAR, the Kelvin and the wavelength.
By considering these factors and choosing the right aquarium light for your tank, you can create a beautiful environment for your fish—and yourself!
