Aquarium Lighting

Aquarium Lighting

Aquarium Lighting??????????????

I have a tetra art aquarium that has a 15 watt lighting system do i have to use the tetra bulbs or could i use a different make as i want to do a reef tank and would like to get a bulb which is compatible for corals. would this work?? would like answers from people who have had experience ith this tank not just a proberly thanks

If this comes across kinda of harsh, I apologize. I'm just trying to be straight-forward when I say that you aren't even scratching the surface.

I'm currently keeping soft corals, which are generally low on the light requirements, with 4 54-watt T-5 bulbs. Even then, I try to keep the corals up on the rock work whenever possible. Some corals can get by with less light than what I provide, but not by much. I personally wouldn't try to get away with less than what I have. For more photointensive corals, my lightning would be only be a drop in the bucket of necessity.

Lighting is not an area of unanimous consent among aquarists. If you have experience with saltwater and you'd like to move up to corals, I strongly suggest following some online forums and making your best judgment based on what you read there.

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Before you just install your lights in your aquarium, you need to realize that the bulb is just one part of your lighting system. There are many aspects to this system that you need to maintain to ensure your lighting system is working in optimal condition. Understanding how to setup your lighting system is just as important as understanding the individual parts of your light system and how they work together.

Depending on the type of fish you will be caring for, you will need to consider what type - if any - light your fish will need. It is important that your fish meet the same temperature requirements. For instance if you have a fish that needs cold water and another that needs warm water, they both cannot coexist in the same aquarium without one or both being unnecessarily stressed.

If you are not certain what temperature would be best for your fish then you need to research it. Once you know, it's time to install your lighting system.

First consider your bulbs. Do you have replacements on hand should one suddenly fail or should you be unable to purchase one from your regular dealer? While most fish will not die if the temperature in their tank changes momentarily, they can become unnecessarily stressed if they are use to a warm environment.

What type of set up does your lighting need? Do you need a T5 light fixture? If so, have you taken precautions to ensure you have wired everything correctly?

If your light gives off plenty of heat, then you might need to consider a fan or cooling system. While some aquariums have fans built in the hood, that may not be enough to keep your tank the right temperature - especially if you're running a large tank with a large light.

Just as too little light can stress your fish, so can too much light. Ten to twelve hours of bright light is sufficient for most freshwater fish so consider installing a soft light that relaxes and soothes fish. If you are concerned about your tank overheating at night, use a soft LED light.

You might also consider a timer for your aquarium. Timers are a wise investment if your schedule is unpredictable or if you want to encourage your fish to follow a predictable cycle.

Once your lighting system is set up, you'll still want to check everything once again. Are the fans running properly? Is your cooling system working effectively? Is the light too bright or too faint for your aquarium? Does it make the fish look their best or just pale and dim?

If setup correctly, the right lighting system can highlight your beautiful aquarium, provide warmth and stimulate aquatic plant growth.

Brian Wong is a freshwater fish enthusiast, and enjoys helping others get started in this amazing hobby. His newest book, "The Ultimate Guides To Freshwater Aquariums" teaches aquarists everything they need to know about starting and maintaining a thriving freshwater aquarium. For more great information on freshwater aquarium lighting, visit http://www.freshwateraquariumguides.com

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