Proper lighting is essential for any healthy aquarium. Controlling the right type of lighting with specialist aquarium products will help plants flourish, fish thrive, and keep algae growth under control. Here are some of the most Frequently Asked Questions about aquarium lighting.
What are the main types of aquarium lighting?
When it comes to aquarium lighting, there was several different types of lighting available. This was fluorescent, metal halide and LED. With new energy efficiency regulations put in place over the last couple of years, LED has become the leading technology in aquariums. LED lighting due to its energy efficiency and low heat output is the perfect choice for aquariums. LED lights offer a wide range of colours and brightness levels, allowing you to create stunning effects on your aquarium.
What is the best lighting for a fish tank?
When deciding on the best lighting for a fish tank, it’s important to consider the size of the aquarium, as well as the type of plants and fish you plan to keep. For smaller tanks, LED lighting is often the most suitable choice due to its energy efficiency and low heat output. In larger tanks, multiple higher output LEDs can provide powerful illumination for both planted and reef tanks.
How long should LED lights be on in an aquarium?
LED aquarium lights should be kept on for 10-12 hours a day, as this is the ideal time frame for most freshwater and marine fish tanks. This will provide ample light to help your plants and fish thrive, while also controlling algae growth. Additionally, LED lights do not produce much heat, so you can leave them on for longer periods without worrying about overheating the tank.
What colour light is best for aquarium fish?
If not growing plants, Community LEDs provide the perfect lighting conditions for fish viewing. They enhance red and blue hues to make your fish really stand out. The brighter visuals of these LEDs will help you see your fish more clearly and make the most of them.
What is the best way to control aquarium lighting?
When it comes to controlling aquarium lighting, a household timer or digital controller are useful tools. Household timers allow you to set the duration of your lights automatically, ensuring that they are on for the optimal length of time each day. Digital controllers can also be used to gradually increase or decrease light levels throughout the day, simulating natural sunlight patterns, they can also come with a range of other features including sunrise, sunset features, cloud & lightning options, dimmers and maintenance reminders.
What colour is best for fish at night?
At night, it is recommended to use a dark blue lighting colour for your aquarium. This will provide a moonlight-like effect, which can help create a more natural habitat for your fish. Darker blue lighting simulates the star-filled night sky and helps to promote natural behaviour in nocturnal fish species.
Does lighting affect my aquarium plants?
Aquarium lighting plays an important role in the growth and health of aquarium plants. Too little light can cause your plants to stop growing and become pale, while too much light can lead to algae growth. The best way to ensure that your plants receive the right amount of light is to use a timer, which will allow you to control the duration and intensity of your lights.
Is it better to leave Aquarium light on or off at night?
It is generally recommended to leave aquarium lights off at night, as this will help your fish rest and promote natural behaviour. During the night, aquarium lights can cause stress and disruption for nocturnal species and can also lead to algae. If you need to provide a source of light in the tank, it is best to use a bluemoon LED that will not interfere with your fish’s normal behaviour.
For more information, see our further questions on aquarium lighting.