Salt water aquariums need special attention with respect to the type and power of lighting that you are choosing.
The spectrum (distribution) of the light is also an important consideration.
It's up to you to investigate and find a bulb that meets the specifications for the plants and species that you going to purchase.
This article will introduce you to four popular methods of lighting.
Fluorescent lighting, using the full-spectrum, is a wonderful choice.
Both quality-wise and economy-wise, this choice is absolutely first rate.
Fluorescent lighting has a fairly decent lifespan of about two years.
Spectral lumen and shift depreciation is simple to adjust, while VHO or very high output lighting is optimum for reef aquariums or densely planted fish tanks.
However, the ballast for these bulbs is rather costly.
Incandescent bulbs don't have a very long life and tend to produce quite a bit of heat.
This makes for a bit of unpredictability, in terms of how this extra heat will affect your aquarium's environment.
Although they are relatively inexpensive to purchase, they use a lot of energy and will affect the cost of your electric bill.
Power compact lighting is gaining popularity with live plant and reef collectors, as this light source has a high output.
Square or linear are your configuration choices, and it's always a good idea to have a spare one lined up.
They're easy to fit, but be careful not to exceed the wattage limit.
Metal halide bulbs have many positive aspects, but they do unfortunately produce a lot of ultraviolent radiation.
The solution is to have a filter designed for this ultraviolet radiation.
When considering a lighting method for your salt water aquarium, your first consideration should always be the health and welfare of the species within your fish tank.
There's no real point in having gorgeous lighting at the expense of the well-being of your inhabitants, as the result will most certainly be a beautifully lit aquarium full of sick or dead plants and fish! As a final note, try not to keep your aquarium lights on for too long, no matter what type of light you choose.
If you keep the light on in your aquarium 24/7, you will begin to accumulate a large and undesirable amount of algae growth.
If you have already produced an undesirable amount, then keep the aquarium light on less frequently and change the water (about twenty five percent of it) a couple of times a week to remedy the problem.
You can also buy fish that feed on algae, such as catfish ( Otocinlus, Peckoltia, and Ancistrus in particular), Crossocheilus Siamensis and Plec fish (large tanks only as they grow a lot).
The spectrum (distribution) of the light is also an important consideration.
It's up to you to investigate and find a bulb that meets the specifications for the plants and species that you going to purchase.
This article will introduce you to four popular methods of lighting.
Fluorescent lighting, using the full-spectrum, is a wonderful choice.
Both quality-wise and economy-wise, this choice is absolutely first rate.
Fluorescent lighting has a fairly decent lifespan of about two years.
Spectral lumen and shift depreciation is simple to adjust, while VHO or very high output lighting is optimum for reef aquariums or densely planted fish tanks.
However, the ballast for these bulbs is rather costly.
Incandescent bulbs don't have a very long life and tend to produce quite a bit of heat.
This makes for a bit of unpredictability, in terms of how this extra heat will affect your aquarium's environment.
Although they are relatively inexpensive to purchase, they use a lot of energy and will affect the cost of your electric bill.
Power compact lighting is gaining popularity with live plant and reef collectors, as this light source has a high output.
Square or linear are your configuration choices, and it's always a good idea to have a spare one lined up.
They're easy to fit, but be careful not to exceed the wattage limit.
Metal halide bulbs have many positive aspects, but they do unfortunately produce a lot of ultraviolent radiation.
The solution is to have a filter designed for this ultraviolet radiation.
When considering a lighting method for your salt water aquarium, your first consideration should always be the health and welfare of the species within your fish tank.
There's no real point in having gorgeous lighting at the expense of the well-being of your inhabitants, as the result will most certainly be a beautifully lit aquarium full of sick or dead plants and fish! As a final note, try not to keep your aquarium lights on for too long, no matter what type of light you choose.
If you keep the light on in your aquarium 24/7, you will begin to accumulate a large and undesirable amount of algae growth.
If you have already produced an undesirable amount, then keep the aquarium light on less frequently and change the water (about twenty five percent of it) a couple of times a week to remedy the problem.
You can also buy fish that feed on algae, such as catfish ( Otocinlus, Peckoltia, and Ancistrus in particular), Crossocheilus Siamensis and Plec fish (large tanks only as they grow a lot).
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