Also see our post about ‘Lighting the aquarium with LEDs‘ here! The correct aquarium lighting depends on the individual set-up and the light requirements of the tanks inhabitants. Lighting influences the growth of your aquarium plants, corals, and invertebrates as well as the behavior of your fish. Incorrect lighting will result in many problems, as it is directly related to photosynthesis, CO2, and nutrients. Appropriate aquarium lighting that meets the requirements of your set-up will enhance the overall appearance and health of your fish tank. Before we get started, lets put some definitions in plain English. They are essential for an understanding of the different applications. The light spectrum describes the combination of colors of which the light consists of. Namely red, yellow, green and blue (rainbow colors). These spectrums are measured as “color temperature” – Kelvin (K). Red and yellow produce lower temperatures while blue light produces a higher temperature.

Lower and higher defined as the basic sunlight with 5500 K. The Color Rendering Index (CRI) is indexed on a scale from 0 – 100. 100 being the equivalent to sunlight and how objects would naturally appear. CRI is an expression of the degree to which the illuminated objects appear according to their true natural color. The intensity of light is given as Lux or lumen. This is very essential, because a light source moved only 2 inches away from the water will be 4 times less intensive. So even if the light source is correct, it might still be insufficient, depending on the distance to the area to be illuminated. Too much red light could stimulate algae growth in the aquarium. In this case we are talking about 4000 K. Always select the light in the aquarium according to the natural habitat of your fish. Too much light will not blind or fry them, but they may cause your fish to find places to hide. 

Dust, humidity, water turbidity and dirty vinyl or glass covers will influence the light as well.

Intense lighting can lead to increased algae growth. Combined with silicates the result will be brownish algae. Combined with phosphates the result is more red and greenish algae.

You should adjust your aquarium lighting to meet the needs of your set-up and inhabitants. There are always possibilities and creative ways to shade some areas with overhangs. A CRI of 100 has a heavy red spectrum. where to buy a small aquariumThe color temperature is 2700 K for incandescent light and 3000 K for halogen light.

This type of lighting should only be used as a supplement for good plant growth due to the increased development of heat.is it cheaper to build or buy a fish tank All fluorescent tubes should be replaced after 6-12 months. fish tank for sale in essex

Their loss of output over time is significant. This is not visible to the eye however.
Different types are available. Life forms requiring low light will do fine with regular tubes. Corals, polyps, and light intense life forms will prefer HO (high output) or VHO (very high output) tubes.

Full spectrum tubes, come as close to the sunlight as possible. There a combination might be advisable, as corals need a more blue color spectrum.
Of course there are special tubes for plant growth, which work with blue and red spikes (red is especially needed for plant growth) which promote photosynthesis.cheap aquarium plants vancouver Remember that the red color also enhances algae growth.fish tank glass polish Halide bulbs are more costly but will provide very intense lighting. fish tanks argos co uk

Best suited for plants and invertebrates.
As a rule of thumb, 3-5 Watt per Gallon of lighting will be the range, but always consider, that light is energy and it really depends on the animals and plants living in the tank.10:00 AM - March 15, 2013 by Adam Short Many Betta lovers do not realize how important correct lighting is for the health of their fish. Not only do Bettas need a consistent water temperature, but they also need the proper lighting to set and keep their biological clock in a natural state. This environment keeps Bettas happy and also determines their patterns for spawning and feeding. TIP: Remember, your Betta will need to live in an environment that closely resembles their natural habitat. Like humans, they need a cycle of light (day) and darkness (night). This is best done through a timer that is connected to the lights in your aquarium, which will ensure that this all-important cycle is not disturbed even if you are not around. Although there are many types from which to choose, fluorescent has always been the best lighting choice for your aquarium and that still holds true today.

There are three reasons this lighting is ideal: - It does not produce a lot of heat; therefore it doesn’t increase the temperature of the aquarium water. - The lamp has a long life, which lessens your maintenance duties. Make sure, even if the bulbs are still providing light, that you replace it at least once a year because they do grow dimmer over that period of time. - It encourages plant growth. If you have live plants in your aquarium, it is beneficial to have two fluorescent lights. If not, one will suffice. Of course there are other types of lighting you could consider. If you are looking for your live plants to grow quickly, then Metal Halide lights are probably your best choice. They also provide a pleasing lighting effect in the aquarium. But, unfortunately, there is a down side. They cost much more than their fluorescent counterparts and they produce a lot of heat, which could raise the temperature of the water. But, if you have a large tank with live plants, this would be a good choice.

Lastly, choose which lighting arrangement suits you best. Vendors that sell aquariums usually offer two types of lighting arrangements. If you want to stay simple, the best one to choose is the glass cover that fits perfectly into the plastic trim at the top of your tank. This setup is great because it can hold either one or two fluorescent bulbs, depending on your needs. A more elaborate lighting arrangement is a hood, which completely covers the top of your aquarium. This works well, but it is important to understand that when using Metal Halide units and larger lights, there has to be some type of ventilation fan or the unit will overheat and cause all kinds of unwanted issues. Aquarium dealers or pet stores will offer the best hood for the specific fish tank you choose. When choosing lighting and a hood, it’s important to create the best ensemble to accent your Betta as well as offer enjoyment for those who are looking at your aquarium. Working with your aquarium supplier in regards to lighting and all aspects of your betta tank setup will ensure health for your Betta as well as many years of enjoyment for you and your family.