How To Choose The Best Aquarium Light - Fish Tank Lights Buying Guide

Source: DHgate, Tag: Pets

Getting the right aquarium lighting is the key to having optimal growth of your aquatic life. Get tips on how to choose the best lights for your aquarium.

• An aquarium is a great addition to your space. The aquarium creatures are marvellous and taking care of these special life forms gives you a sense of satisfaction. But the system isn’t complete without the inclusion of aquarium light.
  The lights cap the beauty of the fish and turn your room into breathtaking scenery. The aquarium light also serves as a source of energy for plants that need it to process nutrients through photosynthesis.

• Choose the Aquarium Lights Based on the Plants and Fish
  When you are looking for the right light system to install, the focus should be solely on the aquarium creatures. You need to pick the lights that are best for your plants and animals. The fish can use the light to work their way around. The surface of the fish is also receptive to light and when you have the right bulbs, the magnificent looks of these creatures are greatly enhanced.
  Fish and plants also have their lighting preferences. Some thrive in well-lit environments whereas others do well where it is dimmer. You, therefore, need to understand the kind of plants and fish that you have in your aquarium. It would be easier to care for both the plants and fish if you have creatures that have matching light needs.
  Choosing The Right Color Spectrum

• The colour spectrum of the aquarium light defines the distribution of the different wavelengths. It’s the wavelengths of light that result in various colours. The colour spectrum is measured in Kelvin, or K. The lights that emit a yellow warm colour have a lower Kelvin rating. On the other hand, cooler bluish shades have a higher kelvin rating.
  Most of the aquarium lights have a Kelvin rating between 5000 to 8000. It is known that the colour spectrum you choose doesn’t have a huge impact on aquarium creatures because they can survive within a wide range of Kelvin ratings. Most of the time, it goes down to the preferences of the owner. Some people want their aquariums to appear warm whereas others would prefer a cool appearance. It is recommended not to go so blue because this has some association with triggering the growth of algae.
  Choosing the Right Aquarium Light Intensity

• The light intensity refers to how bright the aquarium light is. When you are operating a planted aquarium, you need to understand the light demands of the plants you have. Ferns and crypts, for instance, are low-light plants and they are generally hardy and easy to be grown even by the novice aquarist. The high light intensity can be used for growing different kinds of plants but it requires more maintenance practices to match the fast-growing plants.
  The light intensity is measured in terms of photosynthetically active radiation, abbreviated as PAR. It is nice to know the PAR of the lights you purchase though this parameter can be dynamic. Many manufacturers, therefore, tend to skip publishing the PAR of their lights because it is significantly affected by the depth of the tank and the density of the plants. If you have floating plants or corals, you need to up the intensity, and so is the case if your tank runs depths of more than 18 inches.
  Like the light spectrum, most plants can grow well under different light intensities. You just need to have enough light penetrating through your tank to the bottom. A number of lighting sets have adjustable light intensities that allow you to make tweaks when you are switching tanks.
  Choosing the Right Aquarium Light Spread

• The spread of the light refers to how far the beam is dispersed from the source. You need to choose an aquarium light that has enough spread for the size of the tank. If the ends of the aquarium are far apart, you can solve the problem by installing additional lights to serve different points of the tank. In your choice for sufficient spread, remember to maintain the spectrum needed for the survival of your aquarium creatures.
  Choosing From The Different Types of Aquarium Light Fixtures
  Aquarium lights come in different forms and here are the options that you will find on the market.
  The Standard Fluorescent Light
  This kind of aquarium light is easy to find and has been featured on most aquariums for a long time now. It is an inexpensive option of aquarium light that is easy to install. They are often used for tanks that come with a hood light to accommodate the fluorescent. The standard fluorescent lights come in different colours and wattages and can be used on different sizes of tanks. The bulbs can start getting dim over time and will generally need replacement.
  Compact Fluorescent
  The compact fluorescent lights are a modification of the standard lights. They have a higher wattage, thus offering more light intensity. They come in different wavelengths and have more durability compared to their standard counterparts.
  T-5 High Output
  The T-5 high output lights produce more light intensity than the standard fluorescent set yet they are still made with the ability to remain cool.
  The other option for high output is the very high output lights which also give massive light intensity although they produce heat. You need to add in a fan to cool things down.
  LED Aquarium Lights
  LED aquarium lights are one of the newest options on the market. They are made of tiny bulbs that produce light of high intensity. They require minimal energy to operate and do not heat up. The LED lights come in multiple daylight wavelengths and offer optimum conditions for the aquarium creatures. They also come in different colours to provide your desired shades. These lights are made to last long without dimming. Some of the additional features that you will find on the LED lights include spectrum and intensity controls as well as automatic timers to switch between different colour options.
  The aquarium light you choose will also be determined by other factors such as the cost and your tastes. The tank size of your aquarium will definitely be a major consideration. A high tank needs more light intensity to penetrate.
  We have shared how to choose aquarium light, next we will introduce you to the best ones in 2021.