Lighting in an aquarium is an important, but often overlooked, aspect of aquarium keeping, especially for beginning aquarists.
The primary purpose of aquarium lighting is to allow hobbyists to observe the creatures inhabiting their aquariums, but a properly lit aquarium stand is also critical to the health of photosynthetic plants and animals. Plants, anemones, and corals depend on proper aquarium lighting as the primary source of light. In addition to influencing fish behaviour and physiology, lighting is also crucial to the health and well-being of the entire aquarium.
To learn more about aquarium lighting, keep reading.
An Overview Of Aquarium Lighting
- Colour Temperature — It is important to note that aquatic plants have a limited colour spectrum. Generally, the blue or red spectrum of light. The current state of research indicates that plants also require green wavelength light. Due to this, many aquarium light sources (like most LEDs these days) feature a full spectrum.
- Luminance — The most important factor in selecting an aquarium light is ensuring that the lighting is bright enough. There are many aspects to consider before making a decision.
The abbreviation PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) may appear when working with photosynthetic organisms like plants, anemones, and coral. This factor assists in choosing the appropriate lighting from a number of options such as incandescent lighting, fluorescent lighting, Metal Halide lighting, and Light Emitting Diode lighting.
What Light Best Suits Your Aquarium Needs?
It is possible to rely on ambient light from windows to provide enough light to monitor your fish if you only intend to care for them. However a conventional aquarium light fixture should suffice if the aquarium is in a dimly lit area. Incandescent lights traditionally give the fish and aquarium a warmer, yellowish hue.
Some plant species can thrive in low light environments. However, if you want your aquarium to be lush and full of healthy plants, you will need a light that will provide it with the energy it needs. To improve the visual appearance of aquatic life, you can use full spectrum fluorescent or LED lighting fixtures. Plant-filled aquariums require aquarium lights to provide energy for photosynthesis.
How Much Light Should You Be Providing Your Aquarium?
Adding extra lighting may not be necessary for your fish, but it can improve your view of them. Fish without lighting may lose their colour and some may develop health problems. The aquarium light need only be turned on at night or when you are observing your fish-only aquarium if it receives plenty of natural light from windows.
Fish-only systems will also have a different lighting cycle based on the species you are caring for, since some fish, such as elephant noses, prefer darker environments.
Generally, aquariums should be lit between 8 to 10 hours a day if they are in a dark room. Plants and corals that rely on light for photosynthetic processes should have a strategy similar to natural daylight cycles, which include 10 to 12 hours of sunlight per day.
Finally, there is more to aquarium lighting than simply flipping a switch. Just like sunrises and sunsets, everyone gradually adjusts to day and night cycles. An aquarium’s bright lighting system is crucial to observing its activity and highlighting the colours of its inhabitants. You can now buy aquarium heating and lighting products from the Dubai Pet Food Online store.
