You've successfully navigated the difficult task of buying a tank, gravel and decorations but there's one more thing to think about...the lighting! If you're not sure what type of lighting to get, don't worry. Today, we'll show you how to choose the best lighting system for your aquarium. There are six basic kinds of lighting systems used in aquariums, which can further be divided by three easy to remember categories-Fluorescent, LED, and Metal Halide.
There are four types of lighting you would find under the category fluorescent-typical fluorescent, compact fluorescent, high output fluorescent and finally very high output fluorescent lights.
Typical fluorescent lights can reach a seemingly high temperature on the Kelvin chart but don't let the numbers scare you. You may have received a fluorescent light if you purchased a starter kit. The common wattage for this bulb is fifteen to forty watts and are cheap and easy to replace.
Compact fluorescent lights are energy effective and provide more light than your typical fluorescent light will as they have not one but two tubes. You can usually purchase these bulbs in ten to a hundred watts. Compact fluorescents are known to encourage the growth of aquatic plants. As they provide more light, these bulbs will need a hood fan to keep your tank cool and safe.
High output (also known as T5HO) fluorescent lights just like the name suggests, high output fluorescent gives out more light than your typical or compact light. This type of lighting while very good can get pricey as you'll need a T-5 light fixture. You can expect typical wattage for this bulb to be between twenty and sixty watts.
Very high output (VHO) lights are pricey but they provide a very warm environment for you fish. The typical temperature for these bulbs can run a little warm so you will need to have some type of cooling system in place if you choose to use very high output lights.
LED (or Light Emitting Diodes) can boast many advantages of our their competitors, the fluorescents. These advantages include that they are more energy efficient than fluorescents, last longer - sometimes for years, and stay cool for long periods of time. Unfortunately, may hobbyists allow the steep price of these light systems dissuade them from purchasing them.
Metal Halide - Perhaps the priciest of the three categories are metal halide lights. While they are priciest, the lighting the metal halide provides is similar to the light the sun provides making it an excellent way to promote aquatic plant growth.
Ultimately the type of light that your aquarium will reap the most benefit from is determined by the tank depth, your desire for aquatic plant growth, and the temperature that is best for your little fish friends.
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