The right saltwater lighting is critical for your saltwater aquariums
One of the most important pieces of saltwater aquarium equipment is lighting. Saltwater lighting is critical in keeping fish, plant and coral life happy and healthy. Light is the source of life and this is certainly true regarding saltwater aquariums.
Most fish will require up to 12 hour of light so you may want to consider investing in an aquarium light timer so that you dont have to worry about turning the lights on and off. Different types of lighting will consume different amounts of energy. Fluorescent bulbs are more energy efficient than metal halide bulbs.
If your saltwater aquariums have corals or invertebrates, you will need metal halide lighting. Corals require a certain amount of light only available through metal halide lighting. One thing to be aware of with your saltwater lighting, if algae are getting out of control, your tank is likely getting too much light.
Watch your plants carefully, they will give you a clear indication if there is too little light as well. LED lighting makes your tank very attractive but is it considered a cold source which means the lights generate no heat. The good news is they are long lasting and extremely energy efficient.
If you select LED lighting for your saltwater aquariums, you will likely have to use a heater to keep the tank environment stable. Consistent water temperature is critical in keeping your fish healthy. Fish rely heavily on heaters to keep the water temperature stable so saltwater lighting can affect this temperature.
Be sure to calculate the amount of heat generated by different types of lighting when setting your heater. Your aquarium will bring you hours of enjoyment so remember to have fun and make it a family activity.
